Ho Chi Minh City studies relocation of University of Technology’s inner-city campus

The city’s Department of Culture and Sports said on Monday that the plan to move the university from its current campus at 268 Ly Thuong Kiet Street is not a newly raised issue but stems from a long-standing orientation to gradually concentrate training and research institutions within the VNU-HCM urban university area.

However, earlier efforts faced challenges due to limited land and incomplete infrastructure.

Now, nearly 40 hectares of land has been reserved for the university within the VNU-HCM urban campus, with infrastructure more developed.

This creates favorable conditions for expanding and modernizing the school’s facilities.

On February 25, the municipal Party Standing Committee issued a dispatch directing research into relocating and expanding universities, colleges, vocational schools, and some medical facilities out of the inner city.

The goal is to ease traffic congestion, reduce population pressure in downtown areas, and reorganize urban space sustainably.

Officials stressed that the University of Technology relocation is part of this broader policy, not a stand-alone decision.

Any adjustment of major universities, especially those under the VNU system, must be approved by the central government and the prime minister.

The city emphasized that all proposals must align with Ho Chi Minh City’s master plan approved by the prime minister.

Authorities are reviewing proposals from the VNU-HCM and the University of Technology, coordinating with ministries before submitting them for approval.

Regarding the current campus at 268 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, officials said no decision has been made on future use.

The land has not been allocated to any business for commercial real estate projects.

All options must be carefully studied, comply with the law, and serve community interests.

The municipal Department of Finance is working with the VNU-HCM and relevant agencies to finalize the relocation plan and consult with the Ministry of Education and Training, the Ministry of Finance, and other central bodies.

City leaders pledged transparency, compliance with planning regulations, and effective land use to benefit the community and ensure sustainable development.

Public feedback will be considered to make the policy process objective and accountable.