Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), a member of Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, voiced its stance on 10/3 regarding a contentious proposal to relocate its Campus 1 and construct a new facility. While agreeing in principle to the city's broader urban development strategy, the university emphasized the importance of safeguarding its nearly 70-year legacy of historical value and academic tradition.

The proposal emerged from challenges at Campus 1, located at 268 Ly Thuong Kiet in Dien Hong ward. HCMUT clarified that it lacks land use rights for this site, where most buildings date back decades. The campus also encompasses two residential areas, totaling nearly one hectare, limiting the university to minor renovations rather than necessary expansion or new construction.

Furthermore, developing Campus 2, situated in the national university urban area in Dong Hoa ward, faces significant hurdles. Only about 30% of the planned construction area under the 1/500 detailed plan has been realized. This hinders the university's ability to meet the growing demand for facilities for training, research, and innovation, exacerbated by limited public investment capital.

Acknowledging the city's urban planning direction, HCMUT supports the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee's investment and development policy. This alignment is crucial for the university to enhance its training and research contributions to national development, especially as student enrollment is projected to increase to 35,000-40,000 over the next 5-10 years.

Despite this agreement, the university urges the city to conduct thorough research and comprehensive evaluations. HCMUT seeks a suitable plan that ensures long-term sustainable development while preserving its historical and academic heritage.

A statement from HCMUT underscored its profound significance: "HCMUT is not only a prestigious, long-standing higher education institution but also a part of the memory and academic symbol for many generations of lecturers, students, and residents of Ho Chi Minh City and the entire country."

The debate intensified last weekend when a real estate company proposed the relocation and redevelopment of HCMUT's Campus 1, which spans over 14 hectares.

Yesterday, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports clarified that the study for relocation aligns with a Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee policy from late February. This policy aims to move higher education, vocational, and medical facilities out of the inner city. However, the department confirmed that the city has not yet allocated this land to any enterprise.

Campus 1 of Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology. Photo: HCMUT

Established in 1957 as the National Technical Center, HCMUT is now one of eight members of Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City. It is widely recognized as a leading technical training institution in Vietnam, serving approximately 28,000 students and trainees.

The university's main headquarters at 268 Ly Thuong Kiet, Dien Hong ward, primarily supports research, postgraduate training, international cooperation programs, and exchange activities. Undergraduate students predominantly attend Campus 2, located within the national university urban area (university village), spanning over 640 hectares in Dong Hoa ward.

Le Nguyen