Meeting Professor Vu Minh Giang for the first time, what impressed me was his bright eyes, square forehead, and his steadiness, dignity, tolerance, and compassion. Friends, colleagues, and students find in him the generosity, strength, decisiveness, chivalry, appreciation for relationships, and trustworthiness in the demeanor of a gentleman – the very temperament of a Hai Phong native. Currently, he is a senior expert and holds the positions of Chairman of the Science and Training Council of Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU), Vice Chairman of the National Cultural Heritage Council, and Vice President of the Vietnam Association of Historical Sciences…
Continuing the family’s patriotic tradition
Professor Vu Minh Giang was born on May 27, 1951, in Dong Trieu. His parents—who were early to embrace the revolutionary cause—decided to leave their hometown for the resistance bases to join the struggle for independence. His father hailed from Minh Tan Commune, Thuy Nguyen District, and his mother was from Dong Phuong Commune, Kien Thuy District, both in Hai Phong City. In 1955, the young Vu Minh Giang followed his parents from the Fourth Resistance Zone back to Hai Phong.
His homeland holds a vital strategic position as the gateway from the sea to Thang Long – Hanoi; it is where the Vietnamese military and people forged illustrious feats in the history of resisting foreign invasion, with glorious victories on the Bach Dang River under the command of Ngo Quyen (938), Le Hoan (981), and Tran Hung Dao (1288). Hai Phong – the city of Red Flamboyant flowers – is also known as a tempestuous seaport, a land deeply rooted in ancient culture, and a cradle that nurtured excellence, producing numerous talents for the country such as Le Chan, Mac Dang Dung, Nguyen Binh Khiem, Nguyen Huu Cau, Nguyen Duc Canh, and To Hieu.
Perhaps it was the culture of Hai Phong that shaped the character and temperament of the educator and scientist Vu Minh Giang—intelligent, purposeful, strong, upright, honest, and composed—who, regardless of his position, has always remained a deeply responsible individual.
Prof. Dr. of Science Vu Minh Giang and President Donald Trump during his visit to Vietnam
A passion for learning and accumulating knowledge
In 1968, after graduating from high school, he was selected to enter Hanoi University to study History. At this institution with the richest history in Indochina, he was fortunate enough to be close to and learn from the country’s great intellectuals and leading scientists. In life, many people choose their careers, but in his case, the “career” chose him.
The fact that he initially did not truly choose history as his profession, but then became attached to it and pursued it for his entire life, is perhaps a destiny “ordained by Heaven”. He confided: “Initially, because I had a desire to study mathematics, when I was assigned to the History department, I didn’t like it very much.” Then, it partly started with the advice of his father – a revolutionary intellectual who was once in charge of a major newspaper – saying: “Once it is part of the curriculum of a major university, every field of study is important. The important thing is whether you strive to reach the pinnacle of that field or not…”
But on the other hand, as he became deeply immersed in history, he truly grew to love this field of science. In those days, in the eyes of his friends, the university student Vu Minh Giang was an avid reader, a skilled orator with a witty and intellectual speaking style, and very passionate about football. He quickly became a favorite student of the great masters such as: Professor Phan Huy Le, Professor Tran Quoc Vuong, Professor Ha Van Tan… these teachers wholeheartedly imparted their knowledge and passion to their student, and the student did not let them down, showing passion and utmost dedication to his field of study.
In early 1972, in the courtyard of Hanoi University, among hundreds of students saying goodbye to their teachers, friends, and beloved school to set off for the battlefield, was final-year student Vu Minh Giang, who was 21 years old at the time. Entering the battlefield right when the war was in its fiercest period, facing life and death, he said, “At that time, I only thought of ideals, of what must be done for the country…” Perhaps he, like other student soldiers from the University who joined the war, confided: “My comrades and I fought not only to liberate the South but also to protect our very own University, to protect the school that we would return to continue our studies after the war.”
In 1974, following the assignment from leadership, he returned to Hanoi University to work as a lecturer in the History department. Overcoming the tight and difficult living conditions of a lecturer during the subsidy period, he threw himself into passionate study and research, as if to make up for the time lost in the military. After the reunification of the country, our Party (Communist Party of Vietnam) and State had an early strategic vision and a sound policy of selecting and sending outstanding cadres to study abroad.
The candidates selected for training and development were carefully vetted. As one of the young cadres with both capability and experience, lecturer Vu Minh Giang was sent to pursue his PhD at Lomonosov Moscow State University – a world-renowned university and a symbol of Russian intellect. This place has produced many outstanding figures for the land of birch trees, serving as a source of pride for the Russian people as well as for the Vietnamese students who have studied and are currently studying at this institution.
Studying at the university, he received dedicated and thoughtful guidance from professors who were erudite and kind, yet exceptionally strict when it came to science. Specializing in Economic History, he proved himself to be a capable PhD student with a deep understanding of his field, earning the affection and high regard of his professors. It was in this ideal environment for study and research that he learned modern research methods to apply to historical science. In Vietnam at that time, statistical mathematics and quantitative analysis were very new methods for the social sciences in general and historical science in particular, which he applied to his scientific dissertation.
In 1985, he successfully defended his doctoral dissertation with excellence. After that, he transitioned to become a senior research fellow and successfully defended his Doctor of Science dissertation just one year later (1986). That is an achievement that very few postgraduate students could accomplish. Not only did they absorb specialized knowledge, but those who studied in Russia were also equipped with a far-reaching vision. Prof. Vu Minh Giang is often fond of a quote from an academician who once served as the Rector of Lomonosov University: “The essential thing for a university is the vision of an eagle.”
In the Russian mindset, the eagle is a symbol of far-reaching vision, strength, and courage. Studying at Lomonosov University is not only a source of pride but also becomes a mark of distinction. It truly lives up to its reputation. The majority of those trained at this institution have become outstanding individuals, making tremendous contributions to the country, such as: Prof. Academician Nguyen Van Hieu, Prof. Academician Dang Vu Minh, Prof. Academician Nguyen Van Dao, Prof. Academician Dao Trong Thi…
Prof. Dr. of Science Vu Minh Giang and Prof. Phan Huy Le during a working session with General Vo Nguyen Giap.
Dedicating himself fully to scientific research and management
In 1986, he returned to the country to continue teaching at Hanoi University and was appointed Head of the Department of Ancient and Medieval Vietnamese History, a position previously held by renowned historians such as Prof. Dao Duy Anh and Prof. Phan Huy Le. From 1988, due to work requirements, he took on management roles, starting as Deputy Head, then Head of the History Department while concurrently serving as Deputy Director (later Director) of the Center for Vietnamese Studies and Cultural Exchange; Deputy Secretary-General, and later Vice President of the Vietnam Historical Science Association.
Later, through his dedicated efforts and talent, he was assigned to hold various positions, from head of the department to Vice President of Vietnam National University, Hanoi (2002 – 2012), and Standing Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Vietnam National University, Hanoi (2007 – 2011). Currently, he is the Chairman of the Science and Training Council of Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vice Chairman of the National Cultural Heritage Council, and Vice President of the Vietnam Historical Science Association. Along with research topics in the field of historical science that reach a high level of depth, he has expanded into highly interdisciplinary research areas in both theory and practice.
After returning to the country, he implemented major scientific research directions such as: “Land regime – agricultural economy and rural society”; “History of the political system”, “State and Law of Vietnam”; “Theoretical issues and research methods”; “Area Studies and Vietnamese Studies”… Right from his first Ministry-level scientific project with the topic: The relationship of the three countries on the Indochinese peninsula in the course of history (in 1987), he was highly appreciated and awarded a certificate of merit by the Minister of Education and Training. Subsequently, from 1993 to 2015, he was continuously trusted to chair many State-level projects. (such as “The political system in Vietnamese history”, “The formation and development of the Southern region from its origins to the 7th century…”)
The successful research results of these projects have contributed to the building and development of the country, affirming the country’s sovereignty and territory. In recent years, he has been entrusted to participate in the implementation of the State-level key scientific Project to Research and Compile the History of Vietnam. To date, he has published hundreds of valuable scientific works both domestically and internationally, among which must be mentioned books such as A Brief History of the Southern Region – a book of which he was the chief editor and is a work of high scientific and practical value, contributing to building the scientific basis for Vietnam’s sovereignty over the Southern region, which was awarded the outstanding scientific work prize by VNU in 2009; and Traditional and Modern Vietnamese History, which was awarded the Science and Technology prize by Vietnam National University, Hanoi…
In addition, during his many years of conducting scientific research, he played a core role in organizing many valuable conferences that resonated with scholars and researchers at home and abroad. He has participated in many Councils responsible for planning major policies of the Party and the State, such as the National Council for Education, the Central Theoretical Council, the National Council for Science & Technology Policy, the State Council for Professor Titles, and served as Vice Chairman of the State-level Council for awarding the Ho Chi Minh Prize and the State Prize for Science and Technology… No matter what position he held, he always demonstrated the dedication and high proficiency of an in-depth researcher, along with a strong sense of responsibility.
He is a scientist who is very clearly aware of the role of pioneering in research, aiming to obtain complete and solid scientific foundations to resolve and demonstrate the issues demanded by reality. As early as 1998, he, along with Prof. Phan Huy Le and Prof. Doan Thien Thuat, embarked on building the field of Vietnamese Studies in Vietnam. The Center for Vietnamese Studies and Cultural Exchange was established and served as the core for organizing four international conferences on Vietnamese Studies, where he acted as the Head of the Secretariat and Head of the Organizing Committee. This was the premise for the later establishment of the Institute of Vietnamese Studies and Development Sciences.
Prof. Dr.Sc. Vu Minh Giang guiding graduate students from the Vietnam-Japan University on a field survey of Bach Coc village, Vu Ban district, Nam Dinh province.
A respected teacher to many generations of students
It can be said that right from the early days of being “chosen” by the historical profession, he has dedicated his life to teaching, the noblest of all noble professions. He possesses the qualities of a teacher and a researcher, and even though his spectrum of activities is very broad, no matter what field he works in, he always maintains the core of a TEACHER within himself. In the eyes of his students, he carries the authority of an exemplary and respected teacher. It is impossible to count how many postgraduate students have been wholeheartedly guided and mentored by him. Issues in historical science are introduced and meticulously guided by him; at the same time, his students also learn from their teacher a systematic mindset and rigorous logic.
He is strict with himself and expects the same from his generations of students. “The realm of learning is boundless”; he stands by his students to help them study in a manner that is both devoted and rigorous. But above all, they understand the person of their teacher, admiring and respecting him deeply. He is close to them in both work and life. In happy times, they seek him out, and when life brings hardships, they also turn to him as a warm and reliable source of spiritual support.
He considers teaching as his career, his happiness, and also his responsibility to the younger generation. “To me, a teacher, and the teaching profession in general, must possess the two most sacred things: dedication to one’s teaching career and caring about how one appears in the eyes of the students,” he shared. “If everyone keeps that in mind, the education sector will certainly change a lot. Teachers all understand what their students need; if they are dedicated, they will have great initiatives and proposals for the sector. And if they care about their image in the eyes of their students, they will know how to correct themselves to be truly worthy of being a teacher.”
Among his students, many have made a name for themselves, and quite a few continue to receive his dedicated support, becoming his colleagues and invaluable associates. Not only teaching domestically, he has also been invited as a visiting professor at many prestigious foreign universities such as the University of Tokyo (Japan), UC Berkeley (USA), and Paris VII University (France). His passion for the profession is also manifested in his deep thoughts and contributions to the cause of education and training within the institution. He was the initiator and director of the admissions innovation aimed at assessing learners’ competencies at Vietnam National University, Hanoi from many years ago. This was truly a breakthrough demonstrating the leading, pioneering role of VNU in the nation’s education sector. Even regarding the current issue of fundamental and comprehensive educational reform, he has offered clear, specific opinions and perspectives that are closely tied to reality and the developmental trends of the era, making practical contributions.
Prof. Dr. of Science Vu Minh Giang participating in a working delegation of the Central Theoretical Council in Truong Sa.
Prof. Dr.Sc. Vu Minh Giang is someone who reads widely, understands deeply, and is erudite in many fields. His repository of knowledge is so abundant that it gives people the feeling it can never be fully exhausted. Interacting with him and reading his research works, one sees a Vu Minh Giang who is: poised, confident, sharp, serious, responsible, conscious of his writings, dedicated to his teaching profession, dignified, and upright. In 2010, on the threshold of the Grand Celebration of the 1000th anniversary of Thang Long – Hanoi, one of the largest, most unique, and most practical academic activities in the Project approved by the Prime Minister was the International Conference on Hanoi Studies with the theme: Hanoi Capital developing towards sustainability in the context of global change. Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) was trusted and assigned the task of being the standing agency to organize the Conference.
And he assumed the role of head of the organizing committee for this meaningful conference. The conference was a great success, highly appreciated by the leaders of the Party and the State. In recent years, as the East Sea issue and the struggle for Vietnam’s sovereignty over the Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos increasingly demand the contribution of historians, he has devoted all his heart and mind to this cause with highly combative articles and activities. Especially the work on the Scientific Basis for Vietnam’s Sovereignty over the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa Archipelagos published in the Journal of Science and Technology of the Ministry of Science and Technology, which was highly appreciated by professionals at home and abroad. Currently, as Deputy Head of the State-level project, he, along with many leading historians, is focusing his efforts on building a work on the History of Vietnam. This is the largest set of national history to date, covering the history of Vietnam from primitive times to the present. The National History collection has a scale of up to 25 volumes of general history and 5 volumes of event chronicles; he is highly focused on dedicating his intellect and energy to this lifetime scientific work.
With over 40 years of dedication to the cause of Education & Training and Scientific Research, approaching the age of 70, he still knows no rest. With the maturity of a leading scientist, he remains diligently engaged in research issues that are both highly academic and practical, whose difficulty, suggestiveness, and orientation… require sensitivity and erudition. He is still diligently going to class to impart knowledge and inspire generations of learners, from the level of strategic cadres of the Central Government and Hanoi city to postgraduate students at prestigious universities at home and abroad. He continues to dedicate himself wholeheartedly and with all his might to the major issues of the country…
As a teacher with profound knowledge, along with a poised, articulate, and eloquent speaking style, he has brought a “captivating” appeal to his lectures and presentations at major events. After hearing him speak, in the hearts of his listeners kindles a love for History, and an interest and curiosity in the issues. For those immense contributions to his research and teaching career, Prof. Dr. of Science Vu Minh Giang has been awarded noble honors by the Party and the State, such as: First, Second, and Third Class Labor Medals; three Certificates of Merit from the Prime Minister; and the Order of Academic Palms (Ordre des Palmes académiques) from the French Government. In 2017, the President of the State signed a decision to award him the noble title of People’s Teacher.
The reality of over 40 years of working and serving the cause of Education and Training has affirmed his role and capacity in training, in scientific research, and in the socio-cultural fields of the country. To mention him is to mention one of the leading scientists and experts in history and several specialized fields within culture and education. That is the kind of person he is, with a dignified and honest demeanor, the mindset of a scientist, and an outstanding scholar: sharp, cautious, rigorous, logical, perceiving issues quickly and deeply, and providing thorough explanations with the heart of a true scientist. It seems that the “golden” class of intellectuals of his generation all share this quality.
His hometown of Hai Phong, a coastal land, gave him strength, decisiveness, and a deep appreciation for righteousness and sentiment. The military environment forged his steadfast loyalty and strict discipline. The prestigious Moscow State University, a world-leading center for training and research in the most crucial fields of modern science, and one of the top universities in the world—an institution that boasts 11 Nobel laureates and 5 Fields Medalists, with many academicians, leading politicians, and famous writers hailing from it… equipped him with the foundational knowledge and the methodology of thinking to become a successful, authoritative leading scientist who has made many contributions to the country.
Hanoi University, with decades of attachment, forged the profound and respected teacher Vu Minh Giang. And above all, his immense contributions to life in all the fields of work he has experienced are the greatest reward he has received; not many people can achieve such a thing. Nearly a lifetime has passed, yet there remains a Vu Minh Giang who is wholeheartedly devoted to his work, sincere, tolerant, keeping the words “Đạo” (Morality/Way) and “Đời” (Life) wholly intact, honest with himself, and “living true to oneself” as Prof. People’s Teacher Vu Minh Giang has always kept in mind.
Source: The book “100 Vietnamese Professors of Lifelong Dedication (Vietnamese: “100 giáo sư Việt nam trọn đời cống hiến”)
