PLANNING AND EXPANDING NEW FPT UNIVERSITY CAMPUSES – ENSURING SUSTAINABILITY AND RESPONSIBLE LAND USE

Part 1: Finding Land for the School

FPT University was established on September 8, 2006, under Decision No. 208/2006/QĐ-TTg by the Prime Minister of Vietnam. With the mission of training high-quality technology human resources for both FPT Corporation and the nation, the FPT University Construction Department was formed to identify and develop suitable land for the university’s campuses.

From the beginning, FPT University has adopted a “Brownfield-First” approach to campus development — prioritizing the redevelopment of underutilized or previously used land rather than consuming new greenfield areas. This approach ensures efficient land use, minimizes environmental disruption, and aligns with the university’s sustainability goals.

Hanoi Campus (Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park)

The first campus of FPT University was established in Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park, located at Km29 Thang Long Boulevard, Thach That District, Hanoi — approximately 30–35 km from the city center. The site was originally a planned industrial zone that had remained underdeveloped. Recognizing its potential, FPT University, alongside FPT Corporation, chose this location to establish a technology-oriented educational ecosystem integrated with the city’s future innovation hub.

Over time, the area has transformed into a vibrant green campus, characterized by environmentally conscious architecture, interconnected green spaces, and water bodies that enhance both biodiversity and aesthetics. The university’s presence also catalyzed broader investment in Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park, attracting major corporations and contributing to sustainable regional growth.

Ho Chi Minh City Campus (District 9, Eastern Urban Area)

In southern Vietnam, the leadership and construction teams of FPT Education focused on the Eastern urban development zone of Ho Chi Minh City, specifically District 9, which is now part of Thu Duc City. The land designated for the FPT University campus had previously hosted small-scale, low-efficiency production facilities and was identified by city planners as part of a long-term plan to transform the area into a high-tech industrial and educational district.

By repurposing this site, FPT University not only avoided encroaching on agricultural or residential land but also supported the city’s urban renewal and green development strategy.

Da Nang Campus (Southern Coastal Zone)

The Da Nang campus was developed on a sandy coastal area in the southern part of the city, near the boundary with Quang Ngai Province. The site selection was guided by environmental assessments ensuring that the development would not disturb local ecosystems or coastal habitats. The university implemented soil stabilization, green buffer zones, and sustainable drainage systems to harmonize the campus with its natural surroundings.

This project demonstrates FPT University’s ability to adapt to diverse environmental contexts while upholding principles of sustainable land management and ecosystem protection.

Part 2: Green Buildings

Today, FPT University operates five campuses stretching from North to South Vietnam — in Hanoi, Da Nang, Quy Nhon, Ho Chi Minh City, and Can Tho. Each campus embodies the university’s philosophy of green architecture, where innovative design is harmoniously integrated with the natural landscape to create sustainable, inspiring learning environments.

Hanoi Campus: The Green Dragon

At FPT University Hanoi, located in Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park, sustainability and symbolism are woven into the architectural identity. The iconic Administrative Building, designed in the shape of a rising dragon, stands as a landmark of modern Vietnamese architecture. Its open-core, hollow-block structure maximizes natural ventilation and daylight, significantly reducing energy consumption while creating a comfortable microclimate for students and staff.

The seven-story building covers a total usable area of 11,065 m² and is surrounded by extensive green spaces that absorb heat and filter dust, contributing to improved air quality. This environmentally conscious design was internationally recognized, earning an award at the 42nd World Architecture Awards. The campus design also incorporates stormwater management ponds, tree-lined walkways, and shaded outdoor learning zones, fostering both ecological resilience and community interaction.

Ho Chi Minh City Campus: Urban Green Innovation

The Ho Chi Minh City campus, located in the Saigon Hi-Tech Park, covers 22,500 square meters amidst one of Vietnam’s most rapidly urbanizing areas. Despite its urban context, the campus prioritizes green coverage and open courtyards, ensuring that natural light and air circulation are accessible throughout. The architectural layout emphasizes the balance between built space and greenery, with gardens, pedestrian corridors, and communal courtyards connecting classrooms, laboratories, and dormitories.

By situating the campus within an existing high-tech development zone, FPT University promotes smart land reuse and supports Ho Chi Minh City’s sustainable urban transformation agenda.

Da Nang Campus: The Symbol of Knowledge

The Da Nang campus, built on 5.1 hectares of coastal land in the southern part of the city, reflects a creative architectural concept inspired by stacked books, symbolizing lifelong learning. The design uses locally available materials and passive cooling techniques to minimize environmental impact in the tropical climate. Classrooms and common areas are surrounded by green courtyards that act as both visual relief and temperature regulators, while permeable paving and rain gardens help manage stormwater naturally.

The campus is a model of eco-conscious architecture in central Vietnam, demonstrating how creative design can coexist with environmental responsibility.

Can Tho Campus: A Green Landmark in the Mekong Delta

Located at 600 Nguyen Van Cư (extended), An Bình Ward, Ninh Kiều District, Can Tho City, the FPT University Can Tho campus has become a new architectural landmark in the Mekong Delta. Designed to accommodate over 5,000 students, the campus combines functional efficiency with biophilic design principles — emphasizing open-air corridors, natural lighting, and water features that harmonize with the delta’s riverine landscape.

The campus’s layout respects the natural topography and water flow of the region, integrating ponds, gardens, and shaded courtyards that both enhance aesthetics and promote ecological balance. The design reflects FPT University’s vision of sustainable growth in harmony with nature, even in flood-prone or environmentally sensitive areas.

Part 3: The Dream of the Largest Artificial Intelligence Center in Vietnam on Thi Nai Lagoon, Quy Nhon Bay

Located in Binh Dinh Province, Quy Nhon is a coastal city known for its tranquil natural beauty and low population density. With a shared vision of transforming this city into Vietnam’s largest Artificial Intelligence (AI) hub, FPT Corporation chose Quy Nhon as the site for FPT University’s fifth campus — a strategic anchor in the nation’s digital transformation landscape.

Sustainable Land Use and Regional Integration

The FPTU Quy Nhon Campus is situated on reclaimed land along the Thi Nai Lagoon, adjacent to Quy Nhon Bay. This area had been identified by the city government for redevelopment into a high-tech innovation zone. In partnership with the Quy Nhon City People’s Committee, FPT University carefully planned its campus to align with the city’s urban reclamation and sustainable growth strategy, ensuring that construction did not encroach on ecologically sensitive coastal zones.

The development followed environmental management principles, including coastal reinforcement, erosion control, and ecosystem preservation measures, protecting the lagoon’s hydrological stability while supporting the city’s long-term land-use plan.

An Emerging Innovation and Education Hub

After three years of construction and land rehabilitation, the campus now stands as a modern academic complex overlooking Quy Nhon Bay. Its architecture maximizes the use of open space, natural light, and sea breezes to reduce energy consumption and provide a comfortable learning environment. Beyond the campus, a new urban ecosystem is emerging — integrating education, research, housing, and community infrastructure.

Inclusive and Sustainable Housing for Faculty

FPT University also promotes social sustainability through inclusive housing policies. The Quy Nhon campus includes on-site accommodations for young lecturers who relocate to teach in the city, providing them with free housing during their tenure. In collaboration with the Quy Nhon City People’s Committee, FPT University participates in the An Phu Thinh affordable housing project, which offers homes for university staff and FPT employees at prices approximately 30% below the market average.

This initiative not only improves the quality of life for educators but also supports the formation of a vibrant, sustainable urban community centered around education, innovation, and responsible development.