On the afternoon of September 30, 2024, the Office of International Affairs at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education (HCMUTE) convened a significant working session to strengthen international cooperation and promote digital transformation in education. This meeting gathered esteemed experts from the United Kingdom alongside representatives from Phu Xuan University for Development Cooperation to explore sustainable strategies for the "Digi: Đổi" project—a British Council-funded initiative dedicated to transforming higher education in Vietnam through digital innovation.
Attending the meeting
UK Delegation:
Prof. Tony Wall – Associate Dean, Faculty of Business and Law, Liverpool John Moores University
Dr. Katie Hyslop – Principal Lecturer, Faculty of Business and Law, Liverpool John Moores University
Dr. Alison Lui – Associate Dean of Global Engagement, Liverpool John Moores University
Dr. Sonja Rewhorn – Regional Academic Staff, Open University
Dr. Denise Sweeney – Associate Professor, Faculty of Social Science, University of Nottingham
Phu Xuan University Delegation:
Dr. Ho Thi Hanh Tien – Director, Institute for Development Cooperation
Mr. Nguyen Xuan Thanh – Head, Business Administration Department
Ms. Tran Thi Thu Thuy – Assistant Director, Project Management Department
HCMUTE Delegation:
Mr. Pham Bach Duong – Director, Office of International Affairs
A/Prof. Dr. Truong Dinh Nhon – Dean, Faculty of International Education
Dr. Quach Thanh Hai – Director, Office of Academic Affairs
Mr. Nguyen Minh Triet – Director, Digital Learning Center
Mr. Pham Huu Thai – Director, Office of Enterprise Relations
A/Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hung – Deputy Director, Office of Cooperation and Training Development
Strengthening International Collaboration
The session kicked off with a warm welcome from Prof. Tony Wall, who expressed his enthusiasm for contributing to Vietnam’s digital transformation efforts. He emphasized that partnerships between Vietnamese and UK universities are key to advancing the digital education agenda, ultimately enabling institutions like HCMUTE to deliver programs that meet the evolving needs of the global workforce.
“Vietnam’s strides in education are impressive, and through collaboration, we can further accelerate the digital transformation process,” Prof. Tony Wall remarked.
Prof. Tony Wall addressing the meeting
HCMUTE’s Digital Transformation Progress
In his address, Mr. Nguyen Minh Triet, Director of the Digital Learning Center at HCMUTE, provided an overview of the university's ongoing digital transformation efforts. He highlighted HCMUTE’s successful integration of digital learning platforms and the university’s comprehensive Learning Management System (LMS), which has streamlined teaching and administrative processes. This system has fostered greater interaction between students and lecturers, enhanced online course delivery, and laid the groundwork for future growth in digital education.
“Digital tools have become indispensable at HCMUTE, not only enhancing the student experience but also optimizing our academic and operational efficiency,” Mr. Nguyen Minh Triet noted.
Mr. Nguyen Minh Triet sharing insights during the meeting
Addressing Credit Recognition and Curriculum Gaps
A major focus of the discussions was the issue of credit recognition between Vietnamese and international universities, particularly the variations in curricula and assessment standards. UK experts emphasized that creating a flexible, standardized system for credit recognition would foster greater academic mobility and open the door for student exchanges between domestic and international institutions. However, they also stressed that maintaining each university’s autonomy and educational integrity is essential in the process.
UK Insights on Digital Transformation
The UK experts offered valuable insights into how their institutions have successfully navigated the digital transformation landscape. They highlighted the importance of building robust digital infrastructures, utilizing AI-driven platforms for teaching, and developing comprehensive digital databases. These strategies, they suggested, would not only enable Vietnamese universities to innovate in teaching and learning but also position them as competitive players in the global education market.
Representatives from HCMUTE, UK experts, and Phu Xuan University during the meeting
A Promising Future for Collaboration
The meeting concluded on a high note, with all parties eager to explore further opportunities for collaboration. As digital transformation becomes an integral part of global higher education, initiatives like Digi: Đổi are crucial for ensuring that Vietnam’s education system remains at the forefront of innovation. The insights shared during the session underscored the growing importance of digital transformation in improving educational quality and bolstering the international competitiveness of Vietnamese universities.
Reported by Thanh Nhi
Photos by Van Hoang