Distinguished Professorship of Ton Duc Thang University

I am honored to have been awarded the title of 'Distinguished Professor' of Ton Duc Thang University (TDTU). I have been associated with the University for more than 5 years in various roles and capacities. I am an academic advisor of the University. I chair the University's Committee for Appointment and Promotion. I co-direct the Bone and Muscle Research Lab that runs the Vietnam Osteoporosis Study (VOS). Over the years, I have made some substantive contributions to the growth of TDTU.

About 5 years ago, I was asked to chair a retreat for the University, and in that retreat we set out a strategic plan for the growth of the University. A series of plans were initiated to take TDTU to the national standing. And, I am pleased to say that although the University is still young (20 years of age), it has spectacularly developed over past 5 years. In terms of scientific research and output, TDTU is now ranked #2 university in Vietnam. We have now approximately 200 lecturers from overseas institutions. We have established standards and criteria for appointment and promotion of academic staff. Based on these criteria, the University has promoted/appointed more than 10 assistant professors, 3 associate professors, and 2 full professors. However, we still have a lot to do in the next few years to maintain the continuing and sustainable growth. To me, a university has three key missions: knowledge generation through research, knowledge transfer through teaching, and cultural center. I strongly believe that TDTU will achieve the three missions, and will contribute to the modernization of Vietnam.