On the afternoon of November 14, the Faculty of Physics – Engineering Physics of the University of Science, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM) solemnly held the Ceremony commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Oceanography Program under the Department of Oceanography, Meteorology, and Hydrology. The event welcomed leaders of VNU-HCM, the University’s Board of Rectors, international professors, as well as numerous lecturers and students from different generations, coming together to reflect on the two-decade journey of establishment, development, and contribution of the Department.
Speaking at the ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trần Lê Quan – President of the University – acknowledged the 20-year journey filled with effort and perseverance of the faculty, from its humble beginnings with a small group of dedicated members to its current reputation as a respected academic and research unit in oceanography and marine environmental studies. He emphasized that as Vietnam increasingly faces the impacts of climate change, the role of oceanography becomes even more critical in research, forecasting, and community service.
"Twenty years ago, the Oceanography Program began with a small but passionate team. Today, we have grown into a dynamic center for scientific exploration, education, and international collaboration in oceanography and marine environmental research,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trần Lê Quan stated at the ceremony
As part of the event, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Võ Lương Hồng Phước, Head of the Department, received a Certificate of Commendation from the University President in recognition of the Department’s outstanding contributions.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Võ Lương Hồng Phước shared his reflections on the 20-year journey. He noted that research areas such as storms, floods, sea-level variations, and abnormal meteorological–hydrological phenomena continue to pose new challenges. These realities require the Department to constantly innovate its academic programs, expand scientific cooperation, and strengthen research capabilities to provide scientific evidence for disaster forecasting, resource management, and climate change adaptation. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to VNU-HCM, the University’s Board of Rectors, the Faculty of Physics – Engineering Physics, and all partners who have supported the Department throughout its development.
During the ceremony, the University also honored the Department’s achievements in education, scientific research, and community contributions. The program dedicated time to acknowledge generations of lecturers who have contributed to the establishment and growth of the program over the past 20 years. Their stories and memories created an emotional atmosphere, highlighting the Department’s tradition of unity, dedication, and continuous innovation.
On this occasion, the Department awarded scholarships funded by alumni to encourage and support students with outstanding academic performance and personal development. These awards not only recognize the students’ efforts but also symbolize the strong bond among generations committed to nurturing high-quality human resources for the fields of oceanography, meteorology, and hydrology.
The 20th-anniversary celebration of the Department of Oceanography, Meteorology, and Hydrology was not only a moment to reflect on past achievements but also a starting point for new advancements. With a solid research foundation, a strong academic community, and the continued support of alumni and partners, the Department is poised to pursue practical scientific projects, develop solutions for natural disaster response and climate change adaptation, and reinforce its pioneering role in training and research at the University of Science. These strategic directions pave the way for the Department to make even greater contributions in the next decade.