A day to remember: Celebrating the BIS Hanoi Class of 2025

The ceremony was made even more meaningful by the presence of His Majesty's Ambassador to Vietnam, Mr. Iain Frew, who addressed the graduating class with warm encouragement and genuine admiration.

Speaking about the unique role of international schools in shaping future leaders, the Ambassador said: 

“Schools like BIS embody the very best of what international partnership, international collaboration, and international learning look like. Rigorous academics, a rich cultural life, and a commitment to shaping a thoughtful, ethical, and empowered generation of young people. So, Class of 2025, as you head off on your next stage - to universities around the world, in the UK and Vietnam and elsewhere - I hope you carry with you the values that BIS Hanoi has instilled in you.” 

Students, families, and staff were also inspired by heartfelt words from Heidi, BIS alumna from Class of 2022, who returned to reflect on her own journey since graduation and offer guidance for what lies ahead. Her message resonated deeply with the Class of 2025 as she shared: 

“Change is scary, but it’s inevitable. Moving forward into this new chapter of your life, I urge you to embrace it. Try everything, meet new people, be willing to fail, and be ready for when you undoubtedly succeed.” 

She reminded the audience that the experiences at BIS Hanoi and enduring the IB shaped them into resilient individuals. “Honestly, I still think back to the difficult two years that was the IB Diploma Programme - and if all of us can do that, we can do whatever we put our minds to.” 

The emotional peak of the event came with the valedictory speech delivered by An Bao (Brian), whose words captured the essence of the shared IB experience with honesty, humour, and heart: 

“We walked into this school as kids—nervous, awkward and clueless. But today we’re leaving as young adults... still occasionally clueless, but with a newfound strength to face whatever the world throws at us.” 

With both humility and pride, Brian reflected on how the little moments shaped their journey: 

“Sometimes it was just those Thursday afternoons where we sat with friends and helped each other through deadlines. Or that quiet moment after finishing an internal assessment when you realised: ‘I did it.’ These are the moments that taught us perseverance.” 

He closed with a message of hope and determination for his peers: 

“The future is uncertain, but I can guarantee that everyone here has the ability to thrive, succeed, embrace upcoming journeys, and find that joy in our lives.” 

As caps flew into the air and hugs were shared across the auditorium, one thing was certain: the Class of 2025 carries with them not just academic achievement, but a spirit of resilience, compassion, and Lionheart pride. 

Congratulations, Class of 2025. We couldn’t be prouder. You carry our hopes into the future with courage, heart, and the Lionheart spirit that will stay with you, wherever you go.