On October 23, 2026, Ton Duc Thang University (TDTU), through its European Cooperation Center (ECC), in collaboration with the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Vietnam, officially opened the exhibition “IDENTITA – The Identity of Czech Graphic Design.” The event celebrated the rich heritage and creativity of Czech graphic design while highlighting the growing partnership between TDTU and Czech institutions in education, research, culture, and innovation.
DISCOVERING THE IDENTITY OF CZECH GRAPHIC DESIGN
The opening ceremony was attended by H.E. Mr. Lukáš Kaucký, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Czech Republic to Vietnam, accompanied by his spouse, Mrs. Monika Kaucká Hermannová; Mr. Jaroslav Zukerstein, Deputy Ambassador; Ms. Dana Brabcová, Head of the Cultural Section; and other representatives of the Czech Embassy.
Representing TDTU were Dr. Vo Hoang Duy, Vice President; Dr. Phan Dao, Acting Director of the European Cooperation Center; Assoc. Prof. Dinh Hoang Bach, Director of the International Cooperation, Research and Training Institute (INCRETI); together with faculty members, staff, and students.
In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Vo Hoang Duy emphasized that graphic design goes beyond artistic expression, reflecting a nation's history, culture, creativity, and identity. He expressed his appreciation to the Czech Embassy for bringing this meaningful cultural event to TDTU and hoped that the exhibition would inspire students and deepen cultural understanding between the two countries.
In his opening speech, Ambassador Lukáš Kaucký highlighted the important role of graphic design in reflecting social development, visual culture, creativity, and national identity.
He noted that Czech graphic design has a tradition spanning more than 150 years and, despite the country's relatively small size, has made significant contributions to international design movements.
First presented in Prague in 2024, the IDENTITA exhibition has since traveled to major international cities, including London, Warsaw, Tokyo, Taipei, and Hong Kong. Following its presentation in Hanoi earlier in 2026, the exhibition arrived in Ho Chi Minh City at TDTU.
The Ambassador expressed his hope that the exhibition would inspire young Vietnamese people, particularly university students, to explore new perspectives in visual communication and develop their creative potential.
Following the speeches and floral presentation, representatives of the Czech Embassy and TDTU officially inaugurated the exhibition with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Trong Dao, President of TDTU, subsequently joined the Ambassador and distinguished guests for a celebratory toast, commemorative photographs, and a guided tour of the exhibition.
BUILDING ON A STRONG FOUNDATION OF CZECH–VIETNAMESE ACADEMIC COOPERATION
Following the exhibition tour, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Trong Dao welcomed Ambassador Lukáš Kaucký, his spouse, and the Czech Embassy delegation for a meeting at TDTU.
The discussions highlighted the achievements of longstanding cooperation between TDTU and Czech universities and institutions.
Through cooperation programs coordinated and supported by TDTU and ECC:
- More than 100 doctoral candidates have successfully defended their dissertations at Czech universities, including VSB – Technical University of Ostrava, Tomas Bata University in Zlín, the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, and Prague University of Economics and Business.
- Approximately 100 students have participated in joint educational programs with Czech partner universities.
- More than 30 international scientific conferences and workshops have been jointly organized, including the ICFE, MSED, and AETA conference series.
- Three UAV competitions have been jointly organized to promote technological innovation and student creativity.
Cultural and academic cooperation has also included five Czech higher education exhibitions at TDTU, the exhibition celebrating the 125th anniversary of ŠKODA in 2015, and two Czech–Vietnamese Roundtable Conferences on Higher Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation held in Prague in 2025 and 2026.
TDTU has also welcomed high-level Czech delegations, including Senate Presidents Milan Štěch in 2015 and Miloš Vystrčil in 2025.
ADVANCING COOPERATION THROUGH INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
During the meeting, both sides discussed opportunities to further strengthen cooperation in joint educational programs, doctoral training, scientific research, and technology transfer.
A key initiative presented by TDTU was the Czech–Vietnam Deep-Tech Innovation & Impact Hub (CVDI Hub), which aims to connect universities, research institutions, hospitals, businesses, and regional authorities from both countries to promote applied research, technology transfer, and innovation.
TDTU also expressed its interest in developing a Vietnam–Czech Academic Network, building on the expertise of more than 100 PhD graduates trained in the Czech Republic.
Other priorities discussed included Czech language education at TDTU, further academic and cultural exchanges, and preparations related to a possible visit by the Czech Prime Minister to TDTU in December 2026, subject to official confirmation.
CONNECTING CULTURE, KNOWLEDGE, AND INNOVATION
The IDENTITA exhibition represents more than a cultural event. It demonstrates how art, education, and international cooperation can bring people and institutions closer together.
Building on years of successful collaboration, TDTU and its European Cooperation Center remain committed to strengthening Czech–Vietnamese partnerships in education, science, technology, culture, and innovation, creating new opportunities for meaningful and sustainable cooperation.
The IDENTITA exhibition runs from October 23 to November 5, 2026, at Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City.
