Within the framework of cooperation to enhance capacity in vocational education toward a green and sustainable development orientation, from October 27 to 31, 2025, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education (HCMUTE), in partnership with SEAMEO VOCTECH (Brunei) and The Education University of Hong Kong, organized the training program “Greening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)” at Room F1-608. The program aimed to raise awareness and equip TVET staff and lecturers with knowledge and skills related to the green economy, sustainable development, and methods to integrate green concepts into teaching, curriculum development, training management, and campus operations — contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4) on quality education and preparing green human resources for sustainable transformation in the region.
Attending the program were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Margherita Pavlova – a renowned Green TVET expert and lead facilitator (The Education University of Hong Kong), and Dr. Jaya Priah Kasinathan – Training and Professional Development Manager and TVET Specialist at SEAMEO VOCTECH Regional Centre, Brunei, co-lead facilitator.
Representing HCMUTE were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chau Dinh Thanh – Vice President of HCMUTE; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Van Hong – Director of the Institute of Technical Education; Mr. Pham Bach Duong, MA – Head of the Office of International Affairs; Mr. Nguyen Thoi, MA – Deputy Head of Office of International Affairs; the organizing committee, along with 26 participants who are lecturers from HCMUTE, Ho Chi Minh City College of Construction, Ho Chi Minh City College of Industry and Trade, Ho Chi Minh City College of Technology II, and Ly Tu Trong College Ho Chi Minh City.
The 5-day training consisted of 5 intensive modules and a field visit, focusing on topics including green economy and society; holistic approaches to greening TVET; curriculum development and pedagogy; development of green teaching materials; and implementation of greening models at TVET institutions. Participants engaged in diverse training methods led by experts from SEAMEO VOCTECH, group discussions, development of action plans, and final presentations. These activities provided a foundation for applying knowledge in practice to promote green teaching and management in vocational institutions.
A highlight of the training was the field visit to Ho Chi Minh City College of Technology II, where participants observed green training models and sustainable practices in teaching and campus management. Participants explored various training environments such as classrooms, laboratories, workshops, drinking water production facilities, wastewater treatment systems, and waste management practices — including food waste from cafeterias, scrap metal, and used oil from mechanical workshops — all aligned with green principles. Green and environmental protection content was integrated into training through courses such as Occupational Safety, environmental impact lessons, and strategies to reduce environmental harm. The college also implemented workplace restructuring initiatives to optimize space, reduce energy and operational costs, and improve communication and performance. Participants engaged in professional exchanges with the college leadership, faculty, and staff, broadening their practical understanding and exploring innovative strategies to promote green thinking and sustainable development in vocational education.
Throughout the program, trainees participated in discussions, group tasks, action plan development, and end-of-course presentations. These experiences equipped them to apply knowledge in practice, fostering green initiatives in teaching and training management.
Lecturers participating in the program at Room F1-608, HCMUTE
International experts and trainees visiting a TVET class and discussing greening practices at the workshop of Ho Chi Minh City College of Technology II
At the opening ceremony, Mr. Pham Bach Duong – SEAMEO VOCTECH Council Member in Vietnam and Head of Office of International Affairs of HCMUTE – emphasized the importance of the training in the context of vocational education transitioning toward sustainable development and the green economy. She highlighted the necessity of integrating green skills, sustainable thinking, and circular economy principles into TVET to prepare learners not only to work effectively but also responsibly towards the environment. On behalf of HCMUTE, she acknowledged the strong cooperation between SEAMEO VOCTECH and the university, expressing hope that the course would foster experience sharing, promote green training models, and contribute to achieving SDG4, SDG8, and SDG12 of the United Nations.
Mr. Pham Bach Duong - Director of Office of International Affairs delivering his speech
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Van Hong – Director of the Institute of Technical Education, HCMUTE – expressed his expectation that the training would provide practical knowledge and methods to help lecturers enhance curriculum development and implement green-oriented training activities. He stressed that developing a vocational education workforce with sustainable thinking and the ability to integrate green skills into teaching is crucial for HCMUTE and regional TVET institutions to meet green transformation and high-quality human resource demands.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Van Hong – Director of the Institute of Technical Education delivering his speech
After 5 days of effective learning, the program equipped participants with foundational knowledge, skills, and new perspectives on greening and sustainable development. It served as a significant opportunity for HCMUTE and regional TVET institutions to expand networks, aiming to build a green, innovative, and responsible educational environment, contributing to high-quality human resources development for Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam. The program also reinforced HCMUTE’s pioneering role in international cooperation, promoting innovation in vocational education, and supporting SEAMEO VOCTECH’s strategy of advancing TVET capacity in the region.
Representing the trainees, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Duong Thi Kim Oanh expressed gratitude to the organizing committee and international experts for delivering a practical, valuable, and inspiring training program. The knowledge and experience gained will serve as an important foundation for renewing teaching approaches, developing curricula, and applying green solutions in real training environments.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Duong Thi Kim Oanh delivering her speech
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chau Dinh Thanh – Vice President of HCMUTE – expressed his appreciation to SEAMEO VOCTECH and international trainers for supporting the program, which contributed to enhancing the capacity of TVET lecturers in Vietnam. He expressed hope that participants would continue applying the knowledge learned and become pioneers in promoting sustainable training practices at their institutions.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chau Dinh Thanh – Vice President of HCMUTE delivering his speech
As lead trainers, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Margherita Pavlova and Dr. Jaya Priah Kasinathan congratulated the participants for completing the course, acknowledging their dedication, engagement, and commitment to sustainability throughout the program. They also praised the effective coordination between HCMUTE and SEAMEO VOCTECH in delivering a meaningful and high-quality program for the vocational education community.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Margherita Pavlova delivering her speech
Dr. Jaya Priah Kasinathan delivering her speech
HCMUTE representatives presenting commemorative gifts to the main trainers
HCMUTE and SEAMEO VOCTECH representatives awarding certificates to trainees
The training program not only marked a meaningful learning experience but also opened a new journey where lecturers will continue to spread green values and act as “green ambassadors” in the vocational education system. Equipped with strong knowledge foundations and innovative spirit, each participant will play a key role in promoting green teaching, research, and management practices at their institutions.
A commemorative photo of HCMUTE leaders, participants, and trainers