PRESS RELEASE: LAUNCH OF THE INTERNATIONAL DESIGN COMPETITION FOR THE MASTER PLAN AND ARCHITECTURE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ECONOMICS – VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, HANOI AT HOA LAC

On August 4, 2025, IMG Investment Joint Stock Company, the University of Economics – Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU-UEB), in collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City Planning Information Center (under the Department of Construction of Ho Chi Minh City), organized the Launch Conference and Information Session for the International Design Competition for the Master Planning, Landscape Architecture, and Building Complex of the University of Economics – VNU Hanoi at Hoa Lac, at a 1/500 scale.

A Strategic Step Towards Becoming a Leading Research University in the Region

Established in 2007, the University of Economics – VNU Hanoi inherits the academic tradition of the Faculty of Political Economy, Hanoi General University (since 1974). With over 50 years of development, the University has affirmed its position as one of Vietnam’s most prestigious institutions in the fields of economics, management, and business.

With the vision of becoming an application-oriented research university ranked among the world’s leading universities by 2050, VNU-UEB is now advancing its plan to build a new campus in Hoa Lac University Town. The new facility, spanning over 27 hectares within VNU Hanoi’s urban complex, will be a next-generation university space that integrates functions of education, research, innovation, international collaboration, and community service. The project is designed to meet international standards of green architecture, smart technology, sustainability, and cultural identity.

Photo: Opening speech by the leadership of VNU-UEB, emphasizing the strategic significance of the competition in the university's development at Hoa Lac.

International Design Competition – Seeking Optimal and Iconic Solutions

This international design competition aims to attract advanced planning and architectural concepts from top consulting firms both domestically and internationally. The goal is to select an optimal, creative, and iconic design solution for the future campus of the University.

The competition is organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Planning Information Center (under the Department of Construction), with full sponsorship from IMG Investment Joint Stock Company — a business consistently committed to educational initiatives and demonstrating a strong sense of corporate social responsibility throughout its development journey.

Notably, the Chairman of IMG's Board of Directors is an alumnus of VNU-UEB. Having studied and grown under the roof of this university, he maintains a deep connection and a strong desire to contribute to its sustainable and long-term development. Driven by this dedication, he and IMG have proactively sponsored the entire international design competition.

This sponsorship is not merely a financial contribution; it embodies a profound commitment — to create an architectural and landscape landmark worthy of the prestige of the University of Economics – VNU Hanoi.

Photo: Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Man, CEO of IMG, the sole sponsor of the VND 10 billion competition, expressing the company’s dedication to education and social responsibility.

Seven International Firms Advance to Stage 2

The competition was officially launched on July 14, 2025, and Stage 1 submissions closed on July 28, 2025. The Organizing Committee received nine entries from reputable consulting firms, both domestic and international. After a thorough evaluation process, seven firms with the best capabilities were shortlisted to proceed to Stage 2 — the design proposal phase. The selected participants are:

1. Consortium: Dinh Phat Investment Construction Consulting JSC (Vietnam); HUNI Vietnam Co., Ltd. (France); Tongji University Urban Planning & Design Institute (China)

2. Consortium: G8A Architecture & Urban Planning Co., Ltd. (Switzerland); G8A Singapore

3. Consortium: DE-SO Asia Design Consulting JSC (France); Studio Milou Co., Ltd. (Singapore)

4. P&T Vietnam Consultancy Co., Ltd. (Hong Kong)

5. Consortium: CPG Vietnam Co., Ltd. (Singapore); Huy Khuong Co., Ltd. (Vietnam)

6. Nikken Sekkei Ltd. (Japan)

7. And Studio (France)

During the conference, the Organizing Committee provided official documents including: Competition Regulations, Design Brief, AutoCAD drawings, current site maps, drone footage of the site, and relevant legal documents.
 

Design Task: Landscape Architecture and Building Complex

The design task comprises two main components: Landscape Architecture Design and Building Complex Design. The Organizing Committee emphasized that participating teams must thoroughly address both aspects and strictly adhere to the competition's requirements. For the building complex design, detailed expression is encouraged to clearly convey architectural ideas and practical feasibility.

Throughout the design process, participants may submit inquiries via email. All responses will be shared with every competing team to ensure transparency and consistency of information.

Photo: Overview of the conference hall — presentation of design tasks and competition regulations, providing full technical information and official materials to the participating teams.

Aspiration for a Landmark University Campus of the Future

The design phase will span 12 weeks, from August 4, 2025, to October 27, 2025. Through this competition, the Organizing Committee expects to select an outstanding master planning and architectural solution that not only meets functional, technical, and aesthetic standards but also embodies a long-term vision, cultural identity, and spirit of innovation. The future campus is envisioned to be a distinctive, iconic work that reflects the strategic vision and stature of the University of Economics – VNU Hanoi, enhancing the University’s image and reputation within Vietnam’s higher education system and on the international stage.

Photo: The Organizing Committee and participating consultants take a commemorative photo at the event.