FPT University is currently navigating a fierce public relations storm after its controversial decision to publicly distance itself from one of its foundational figures, sparking widespread debate about corporate loyalty and institutional ethics in Vietnam.
A Highly Publicized Separation
The controversy was thrust into the spotlight following a recent current affairs report published by Luat Khoa Magazine on July 8, 2026. The publication ran a stark headline reading, "Phủi Nguyễn Thành Nam, Đại học FPT bị chỉ trích nặng nề" (Discarding Nguyen Thanh Nam, FPT University Faces Severe Criticism).
The accompanying media graphic visibly juxtaposes two key figures in the institution's history against the backdrop of the FPT University campus: former executive Nguyen Thanh Nam and the university's current rector, Nguyen Khac Thanh. The visual framing highlights the sudden and sharp divide between the university's past leadership and its current administration.
The Core of the Criticism
The phrase "phủi" (to brush off or disown) used by the publication captures the public's sentiment regarding the institution's crisis management strategy. The backlash stems from the perceived coldness with which the university severed ties with Mr. Nam.
Critics argue that treating a pioneering co-founder as an immediate liability the moment controversy arises reflects a troubling trend in modern corporate academia. Instead of navigating the situation with measured tact, the institution's hyper-rapid disavowal has been widely condemned by netizens and observers as an act of corporate survivalism that lacks historical gratitude.
Broader Implications for Corporate Academia
This ongoing fallout serves as a significant case study in reputational management. As FPT University attempts to protect its brand and educational prestige, the heavy criticism it faces underscores a vital lesson: in the digital age, a heavy-handed public relations strategy that sacrifices institutional loyalty can sometimes trigger a harsher public backlash than the initial controversy itself.
