On 28 September 2026, the Banking Academy held its Opening Ceremony for the 2026–2027 Academic Year. On this occasion, the Co-operative Bank of Vietnam (Co-opBank) awarded scholarships to students of the Academy, encouraging academic excellence and supporting the next generation of banking professionals.
Mr. Pham Duc An – Member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Party Committee and Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV), attended the Opening Ceremony and delivered a keynote address.
The ceremony was also attended by representatives of departments and agencies under the SBV, commercial banks, regional campuses and educational institutions. Representing the Banking Academy were Associate Professor Dr. Bui Huu Toan – Director of the Banking Academy, together with a large number of staff, lecturers, doctoral candidates, postgraduate students and undergraduate students.
Representing Co-opBank were Mr. Nguyen Quoc Cuong – Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the Board of Directors, and Mr. Nguyen Thac Tam – Deputy General Director.
At the ceremony, Mr. Nguyen Thac Tam – Co-opBank Deputy General Director presented a scholarship contribution of VND 100 million to a representative of the Banking Academy on behalf of Co-opBank. Earlier, Co-opBank had contributed VND 230 million to the 2026 Banking Scholarship Fund. This annual initiative reflects Co-opBank’s commitment to social responsibility and its continued support for education and training, particularly the development of highly qualified human resources for the banking sector.
In his opening remarks, Associate Professor Dr. Bui Huu Toan – Director of the Banking Academy, noted that the 2026–2027 academic year marks the Academy’s 65th anniversary. This year, the Academy received applications from more than 54,000 candidates, of whom over 4,600 were admitted. Dr. Bui Huu Toan expressed his hope that the new students would not only acquire professional knowledge but also proactively develop their critical thinking, skills and confidence as they grow and mature.
Delivering his keynote address at the ceremony, Mr. Pham Duc An – Member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Party Committee and SBV Governor, emphasized that as Vietnam enters a new phase of development, higher education must focus on developing students’ capabilities, confidence, creativity, adaptability and sense of responsibility.
The SBV Governor called on the Banking Academy to make a decisive shift from an administrative management mindset to a governance-oriented approach, with the quality and effectiveness of education and scientific research serving as key measures of performance. The Governor urged the Academy to streamline its organizational structure, reform administrative procedures, accelerate digital transformation and promote the application of science and technology in teaching and learning.
The Academy should also adopt more student-centered teaching and learning methods, aligning its academic programs with practical requirements and the needs of the banking sector. Particular attention should be given to areas such as digital banking, artificial intelligence, big data, financial technology, green finance, risk management and sustainable development.
At the same time, the Academy should strengthen applied research and cooperation with SBV, credit institutions, businesses and international partners. It should also promote the responsible use of AI while upholding academic ethics, ensuring data security and maintaining integrity in research and teaching.
SBV Governor Pham Duc An affirmed: “The ultimate goal is not merely for students to obtain a degree, but for them to graduate ready to enter the workforce, equipped with the ability to adapt, professional confidence and a strong sense of social responsibility.”
At the Opening Ceremony, SBV Governor Pham Duc An presented the Special Banking Sector Scholarships, while representatives of SBV and the Banking Academy awarded Banking Sector Scholarships and honored the top-scoring students in the 2026 admissions and graduating classes. The Academy also received scholarship contributions from commercial banks and domestic and international organizations to support its students. These awards recognize students’ achievements in their studies and personal development while encouraging the younger generation to continue striving for excellence.
Co-opBank’s scholarship contribution to students of the Banking Academy represents not only financial support but also its commitment to supporting the younger generation, encouraging students to pursue continuous learning, develop their skills and contribute to the development of the banking sector. This initiative also reflects Co-opBank’s commitment to social responsibility, helping to promote positive values and support the sustainable development of Vietnam’s banking industry.
Reporter
