VNU University of Science was the first university in Southeast Asia to have been assessed at the institutional level and met the AUN-QA standards. "This is a confirmation that the University has achieved regional and international standards, a milestone en route to its becoming a future research university," said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Văn Nội – Rector of VNU University of Science.

At the ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nantana Gajaseni, Acting President of the Quality Assurance Commission, former AUN’s Executive Director, announced the decision and awarded VNU University of Science the Quality Assurance Certificate at Institutional level.

Mrs. Nantana Gajaseni remarked: "I highly appreciate VNU University of Science for its careful preparation and contribution to AUN's first institution-level assessment in January, 2017. Today's certification is a worthy achievement for the efforts of the university".

VNU President Nguyễn Kim Sơn congratulated the University of Science on its success and shared: "On the way  to becoming an advanced research university in the region, the University of Science is the first institution in Vietnam and Southeast Asia to have been recognized by AUN as having met AUN institutional level standards. This is great pride for the University in particular and VNU in general".

On this occasion, VNU President Nguyễn Kim Sơn awarded Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nantana Gajaseni VNU Remembrance Medal for her contribution to the development of VNU.