On the morning of March 22, 2026, at the 140 Le Trong Tan campus, Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade (HUIT) successfully held the "Happy Kitchen" 2026 contest in a vibrant, warm, and meaningful atmosphere. The program was an opportunity for trade union members and employees across the university to interact, bond, and spread the noble values of Vietnamese families in modern life.

This year's contest attracted 31 teams, 155 members, and hundreds of supporters from 34 trade union units across the university. The teams competed in cooking, flower arrangement, and decoration, delivering well-invested performances in both professional quality and aesthetics. Beyond demonstrating ingenuity and creativity, the teams conveyed beautiful messages of sharing, love, and preserving family happiness through every dish and display.

From the superior trade union, the program was honored to welcome Ms. Mai Ngoc Thuan – Member of the Executive Board of the City Labor Federation. Representing the University leaders were Meritorious Teacher, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Xuan Hoan – Secretary of the Party Committee, Rector; Dr. Phan Xuan Cuong – Secretary of the Party Committee; Mr. Bui Chi Hieu – Member of the Party Committee, Vice Chairman of the University's Committee for the Advancement of Women; Ms. Nguyen Thi Anh Thu – Chairwoman of the University Trade Union, along with members of the Trade Union Executive Committee and key officials from 34 affiliated units.

Speaking at the program, Meritorious Teacher, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Xuan Hoan, Secretary of the Party Committee and Rector, acknowledged and praised the active and responsible participation of trade union members and employees. He emphasized that the contest is not only a practical cultural and spiritual playground but also contributes to strengthening the bond between units, building a professional environment that is humane, united, and rich in identity.

Meritorious Teacher, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Xuan Hoan – Secretary of the Party Committee, Rector, speaking at the event.

Attending and interacting with the university's staff and trade union members, Ms. Mai Ngoc Thuan – Member of the Executive Board of the City Labor Federation, highly appreciated the care provided by the HUIT Trade Union for the spiritual life of members and employees. She also recognized the creative and relatable organization of the activity, linked to family values and the fine traditions of the trade union organization. She expressed hope that meaningful activities like the "Happy Kitchen" contest will continue to be maintained and promoted to become a highlight in the unit's trade union movement, contributing to building an increasingly united, strong, and sustainable collective.

Ms. Mai Ngoc Thuan – Member of the Executive Board of the City Labor Federation, delivering a congratulatory speech.

A highlight of this year's contest was the participation of a panel of judges consisting of prestigious and experienced culinary experts. The judging panel included Ms. Le Thi Kieu Oanh – Vice President of the Saigon Professional Chefs Association; Mr. Nguyen Lâm Khang – Executive Chef of Sunwah Town Group; and Ms. Ho Dac Thieu Anh – Vietnamese Culinary Culture Artisan. With solid professional knowledge and a rich practical perspective, the judges ensured fairness and quality for the contest while providing deep and professional feedback, further inspiring the teams to continue creating and elevating culinary arts.

University leaders presenting flowers to the members of the Judging Panel.

At the end of the program, the Organizing Committee presented awards to the most outstanding teams. These awards not only recognized creative and high-quality dishes but also honored the vibrant competitive spirit and the profound family values brought by the teams. Specifically:

• First Prize: Faculty of Food Technology

• Second Prize: Faculty of Tourism and Culinary Arts; Office of Administration and Personnel

• Third Prize: Faculty of Business Administration & Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship; Faculty of Electrical and Electronic Engineering; Faculty of Biology and Environmental Science.

• Consolation Prize: General Education Center; International Analysis Center; Faculty of Finance and Accounting; Office of Equipment Management; Faculty of Chemical Engineering.

• Movement Prize: Training Office; Faculty of Industrial Economics and Management; Faculty of Information Technology; Student Affairs Office; Science and Technology Office & Center for Admissions and Communication.

Faculty of Food Technology (First Prize).

Faculty of Tourism and Culinary Arts (Second Prize).

Office of Administration and Personnel (Second Prize).

Faculty of Business Administration and Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Third Prize).

Faculty of Biology and Environmental Science (Third Prize).

Faculty of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Third Prize).

The "Happy Kitchen" 2026 contest at HUIT was not just a mere cooking competition but also an opportunity for everyone to share, connect, and spread values of family happiness. "Happy Kitchen" has truly become a meaningful event, evoking pride in Vietnamese women and affirming their important role in the development of society.

The ceremony concluded in a warm, joyful, and emotional atmosphere, leaving deep impressions of a playground that not only honors talent but also affirms the importance of family in modern life.

HUIT Website Editorial Board

Trade Union Propaganda and Communication Board

Department of Admissions and Communication