School of Information and Communication Technology

Stepping into the digital age, we find ourselves at the School of Information and Communication Technology, or SoICT. This isn’t just any building. It’s a hub of innovation, a launchpad for Vietnam’s tech revolution, nestled within the prestigious Hanoi University of Science and Technology. SoICT’s story begins in 1995, not as a school, but as the Faculty of Information Technology. This faculty was born from a merger of three existing university units: the Faculty of Informatics, the Laboratory of Information Processing, and the Computing and Applied Informatics Center. It quickly became one of seven key IT faculties in Vietnam. Fast forward to 2009, and the Ministry of Education and Training transformed the faculty into the School of Information and Communication Technology we see today. This transformation was fueled by the Higher Education Development Support Project on ICT (HEDSPI), a joint venture between the Vietnamese and Japanese governments. The School of Information and Communication Technology isn’t just about history. It’s about the future. SoICT has consistently pushed boundaries in training, research, and technology transfer. The school boasts a highly qualified staff, with 83% of lecturers holding doctorates, many from leading institutions in developed countries. These experts work within five specialized departments: Software Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, and Data Communications and Computer Networks. They also contribute to four centers: two research centers focusing on satellite navigation and cybersecurity, and two centers dedicated to supporting research and technology transfer. SoICT is a breeding ground for future tech leaders. The school offers rigorous programs in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, and Data Science. These programs attract the top 1% of students based on the National High School Graduation Examination scores. SoICT students regularly shine in national and international competitions, such as the ACM International Collegiate Programming Contest. In 2019, a SoICT team even qualified for the world finals, ranking among the top universities globally. The School of Information and Communication Technology is more than just classrooms and competitions. It’s a place where groundbreaking research comes to life. SoICT has a strong research focus, aiming for international standards and contributing to Vietnam’s socio-economic development. Their research has led to significant achievements, including a doubling of ISI-Scopus articles in 2019 and prestigious awards like the Vietnamese Talent Award. From the early BKED text editor and BKAV antivirus software to the high-precision NAVISTAR positioning system and the Vbee speech synthesis system, SoICT has been instrumental in shaping Vietnam’s technological landscape. The school’s commitment to innovation extends beyond research, with the establishment of an Innovation Center to support technology transfer and startups. SoICT understands the importance of global connections. The school actively collaborates with international universities and companies, offering exchange programs, double degree options, and internship opportunities. This network spans the globe, from Europe to Japan to Silicon Valley. The School of Information and Communication Technology’s success is reflected in its alumni. Many hold key positions in Vietnam’s leading IT companies, and countless others contribute to the global tech scene. From tech giants like Google and Microsoft to groundbreaking startups, SoICT graduates are shaping the digital world. So, as we stand here, before the School of Information and Communication Technology, we see not just a building, but a testament to Vietnam’s technological ambition. It’s a place where the future is being coded, one program, one innovation, one graduate at a time.