Within just two decades, the world has witnessed the disappearance of giants like Yahoo and Nokia, while start-ups including Google, Facebook, and TikTok have moved to the forefront. In a world where uncertainty has become the norm, anyone can find themselves pushed out of the game. To stay ahead, people need resilience, the confidence to take action, the vision to navigate long-term challenges, and a pioneering spirit to lead. Above all, they need to stay anchored in integrity at every step of their journey.
These values collectively define the philosophy of the Lionhearted.
Lecturer discussing with students. Photo courtesy of BUV |
Understanding the demands of a fast-changing world and the responsibility educators carry, British University Vietnam (BUV) has positioned itself as a pioneer with a mission: to become the “Home of the Lionhearted.”
For BUV, this philosophy serves as a compass for student development, helping them create strong academic foundations, sharpen their critical thinking abilities, and remain consistent in the face of change.
“At BUV, the heritage of British education fuels a passion for knowledge exploration and the aspiration for continuous growth,” said Professor Raymond Gordon, Vice Chancellor and President of British University Vietnam. “We believe academic excellence goes beyond degrees; it is a lifelong driving force for learning and personal development.”
In reality, BUV students are equipped not only with solid knowledge but also embody the pioneering spirit and courageous heart needed to face future challenges.
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Students in graduation ceremony. Photo courtesy of BUV |
Tran Bich Phuong, an alumna of the International Business Management program, illustrates this Lionhearted generation.
Before becoming a postdoctoral research fellow in health economics at the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, she faced rejection for scholarships five times. Her starting point was difficult, involving a transition from economics to public health. To pursue her dream, she spent two years working at the Center for Health Systems Research, Hanoi University of Public Health, to gain experience while continuously refining her applications.
She took unpaid internships and juggled part-time restaurant jobs to support her ambitions, pressing on despite others questioning her choices. Her persistence paid off, and she eventually won a full scholarship to the prestigious Karolinska Institute in Sweden, one of the world’s top 10 medical universities. Her academic journey then led her to Belgium for her PhD.
She credits her years at BUV with giving her the courage to pursue her dreams. “With lionhearted spirit, I never falter in the face of failure. Every rejection only brings me one step closer to success,” said Phuong.
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Tran Bich Phuong, an alumna of the International Business Management program. Photo courtesy of Phuong |
Upholding the spirit of the Lionhearted, BUV has built an academic environment where students live the educational philosophy. Guided by five core qualities – Resilient, Confident, Strategic, Caring, Leading – students are encouraged to turn lessons into action.
The university equips students with a strong knowledge foundation, hones strategic thinking, and strengthens both emotional intelligence and mental resilience through immersive academic programs and hands-on community projects.
At BUV, courage is forged through real-world challenges. The Intern Pitch Camp 2025, organized in partnership with Le Bros, challenges participants to develop a comprehensive integrated communication campaign and pitch it to major enterprises, all within 35 hours. These high-pressure experiences teach effective teamwork, push personal limits, and prepare students for a competitive job market.
With strong self-belief, students confidently initiate breakthrough projects. The Z Marketer Competition, organized by BUV students, has entered its fifth successful season and is one of Vietnam’s few English-only marketing competitions. It has connected more than 5,000 Gen Z participants, becoming a launchpad for bold marketing ideas.
While events like Z Marketer express creativity and boldness, community projects reflect BUV students’ ability to connect knowledge with compassionate action.
Understanding the challenges faced by children with disabilities, Nguyen Thien Quang, a computer science student, used artificial intelligence to develop “SpeakEase”, a project supporting disadvantaged children with speech difficulties. The innovation won the Gold Award at the Global Startup Design Thinking Hackathon 2024, showcasing how BUV students bring practical value to society.
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Many charitable initiatives have been carried out by BUV students, offering support to children and ethnic minority communities. Photo courtesy of BUV |
Students receiving the Lion’s Heart and Founder Scholarships organized classes, experiential activities, and a four-month online English learning program for pupils at Ba Khe Primary and Secondary School in Lao Cai Province. These activities opened a doorway for ethnic minority children to experience new learning methods, build confidence in using English, and maintain their motivation to study.
Kindness continues to reach the nation’s northernmost regions through the Sunshine or Vi Xuyen program by the Volunteer Club. Students collaborated with local authorities to provide free health check-ups, consultations, and medicine donations to more than 1,500 residents in Tuyen Quang Province.
BUV students are also ready to lead and contribute to the future of education. TEDxBUV, the first university-hosted TEDx event in Hanoi, is a highlight of that pioneering spirit.
BUV graduates emerge not only professionally skilled but also deeply conscious of their responsibility to contribute to society.
“‘Home of the Lionhearted’ is more than a slogan. It reflects the determination and courage of every individual,” said Professor Rick Bennett, Vice-Chancellor and Vice President of BUV. “By instilling these core values, BUV aims to nurture a generation of Vietnamese youth defined by resilience, ambition, integrity, creativity, and the power to make a positive impact on society.”
BUV is the first university in Vietnam to earn the QS 5-Star rating and the first in Vietnam and ASEAN to achieve global accreditation from the UK’s Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), two highly prestigious education quality organizations.
Read more Lionhearted stories here.
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