Activities - Events

From Alumnus to Creator of Next-Generation University Spaces

Mr. Le Tu Minh is the Founder and Chairman of the Board of IMG Investment Joint Stock Company. More than a successful entrepreneur, he maintains a deep connection with the academic and intellectual community. As an alumnus of the University of Economics – Vietnam National University (VNU), he fully understands the value of a truly enriching learning environment – both academically and experientially.

Under his leadership, IMG has not only developed numerous urban and industrial real estate projects but also strategically invested in cultural and educational initiatives with lasting impact. Many of IMG’s prominent developments emphasize world-class architecture, efficient spatial organization, scientifically planned zoning, and alignment with green and sustainable development strategies – all of which are increasingly critical in the planning of modern universities.

This architectural competition is a continuation of that vision: a university complex designed through the integration of master planning and landscape architecture – a comprehensive system of facilities that ensures academic excellence, practical feasibility, and technological integration, shaping a model university campus in Hòa Lạc where future generations of knowledgeable citizens will be nurtured in a world-class educational environment.

“I hope this will be more than just an architectural project – it will be a symbol of knowledge, culture, and the future.”He shared:

Photo: Entrepreneur and Alumnus Lê Tự Minh – An Inspiration to Students

Creating Iconic Works – Spreading Impact Through Sustainable Values

This competition marks the next step in IMG’s investment strategy in architectural projects with lasting value - not only in terms of design but also in community impact. Guided by a philosophy of green, integrated, and efficient development, IMG’s projects consistently aim for scientifically organized spaces that are environmentally friendly and practically operable.

Beyond being the full sponsor of the 10 billion VND competition, IMG also actively participates in the organizing process - helping shape the vision, refine the rules, and support technical implementation. In its role as a co-creator, IMG contributes to amplifying the competition’s message within both local and international communities.

Photo: Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Man – CEO of IMG, a leading Vietnamese enterprise in educational sponsorship – shares the company’s vision in co-creating next-generation university spaces.

Sowing Value – Reaping Trust

Sponsoring an architectural competition does not generate revenue. But it builds trust, identity, and long-term influence – the very goals that many genuine investors are striving toward.

The image of IMG’s Chairman – a former student who once started his business from scratch – returning to his alma mater to invest in the “spiritual infrastructure” for students is a vivid example of an entrepreneur who leads by action, not just words.

The competition is organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Planning Information Center (under the Department of Construction), with the participation of leading international architectural consulting firms from France, Switzerland, Japan, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, and Vietnam.

According to the competition guidelines, each participating team must simultaneously address two levels of design:

• Master planning at 1/500 scale – focusing on effective spatial organization, scientifically structured zoning, and alignment with green development goals

• Landscape architectural design – complex of buildings – ensuring academic identity, practical feasibility, and integration of technology

The competing teams will have 12 weeks to develop their proposals, with comprehensive technical documents, site maps, and detailed data provided by the Organizing Committee.

Photo: Opening speech by the leadership of the University of Economics – VNU, outlining the vision for a new-generation university in Hòa Lạc.

This competition is not only an opportunity for architects to contribute their expertise, but also a convergence of social responsibility and visionary thinking. A next-generation university space cannot rely on aesthetics alone - it must have “soul,” connecting culture, function, environment, and people. From this foundation, a new journey begins - where architecture not only serves education but also inspires generations to live, learn, and create.

Photo: Organizing committee and international consulting teams take a commemorative photo – marking the beginning of the journey to create a world-class architectural landmark in Hoa Lac.