HCMC – Hong Bang International University (HIU) on December 24 held a knowledge-sharing program titled “Connecting Knowledge and Compassion – A Meeting Place for Successful Minds,” alongside the closing and award ceremony of the reading contest “A Journey Through Books.”

The event brought together university leaders, experts, lecturers, and students for discussions on the role of books, lifelong learning, and the responsibilities of young intellectuals as Vietnam navigates digital transformation and the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phar Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy , vice president of HIU, said that knowledge only becomes meaningful when it is shared. “Knowledge only has real value when it is shared and spread,” she said, adding that the university believes the program will help strengthen reading culture, promote lifelong learning, and encourage a spirit of contribution within HIU’s academic community.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Van Truyen, former deputy minister of Health, highlighted the risks of over-reliance on digital tools and artificial intelligence. “Technology is very helpful, but it can also make us passive,” he said, noting that easy access to AI-generated information may reduce independent thinking. He stressed the importance of building a reading culture based on careful reading, reflection, and critical thinking, especially in a fast-changing world.

A central component of the program was a forum featuring experienced speakers, including Associate Professor Le Van Truyen; Associate Professor Nguyen Thu Tinh, head of the library at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in HCMC; Associate Professor Nguyen Thi Nga, head of the chemistry division at HIU’s Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences; and Associate Professor Phuoc Minh Hiep, head of HIU’s Faculty of Economics and Management. The speakers shared insights from their academic and professional journeys, covering research, community engagement, and skill development over the course of their careers. Discussions emphasized the need for continuous learning to keep pace with rapid technological and social change. Speakers stressed that lifelong learning remains essential in a knowledge-based economy. Alongside the forum, HIU’s Information and Library Center announced the results of the “A Journey Through Books” contest. The competition aims to encourage students to form regular reading habits, reflect on what they read, and share knowledge.