Higher education requires significant, strategic adjustments, according to an industry authority.

In a significant move to advance education and training, the Ministry of Education and Training in Vietnam has announced a series of bold reforms aimed at elevating the nation's higher education system to international standards. The directive, led by Party General Secretary Tô Lâm, underscores education as a top national priority.

One of the key proposals is the introduction of English as a second official language of instruction, from primary schools to universities. This move aims to boost global integration and competitiveness among graduates.

Another significant change is the focus on developing a long-term national workforce strategy. Treating workforce skill cultivation as a strategic national priority, the reforms aim to ensure higher education aligns with labor market and innovation needs.

The proposed solutions also emphasise the need for universities to have financial and academic self-governance, enabling them to innovate and form comprehensive international partnerships. This is part of a broader strategy to scale up university autonomy across the nation.

Greater emphasis will be placed on advancing STEM education and integrating artificial intelligence throughout the education system. This shift towards technology-driven industries is intended to prepare students for the future and foster innovation-driven industries.

To address the challenge of a bureaucratic mindset and uneven implementation of university autonomy, the ministry plans to conduct broad-based consultations with experts and universities for the new resolution.

The reforms also call for revising the Law on Higher Education and the Law on Science and Technology to create legal and policy foundations that empower universities to grow and allow research institutions to develop advanced technologies.

Attracting international experts, overseas scholars, and foreign professors to teach and conduct research in Vietnam is another priority. This influx of global talent is expected to bring fresh perspectives and accelerate the modernisation of the education system.

The proposed reforms also advocate for reforming admissions and assessment methods, encouraging early and transparent university enrollment plans, and adopting international practices in assessing candidates' abilities. This could potentially involve moving towards multi-exam formats like the SAT to standardise and improve selection processes.

In summary, the proposed reforms aim to transform Vietnam’s higher education system from expansion-focused to one emphasising quality, innovation, and global integration. The ultimate goal is to build a highly qualified workforce ready to drive the country's self-reliance and national renewal goals. The forthcoming resolution on education has the potential to fundamentally shift the quality and competitiveness of Vietnam's workforce.

[1] Professor and Doctor of Science Nguyễn Đình Đức [2] Various sources

The reforms suggest revising the Law on Education and the Law on Science and Technology, establishing legal and policy frameworks that empower universities to expand and support research institutions in developing advanced technologies.
The ministry plans to encourage universities to adopt a comprehensive self-governance model, enabling them to foster innovation, form extensive international partnerships, and boost overall autonomy across the nation.
Recognizing the importance of global integration and competitiveness, the proposed changes embrace the integration of artificial intelligence into the education system, aiming to equip students with the skills necessary for technology-driven industries.
In an effort to modernize the education system, the reforms emphasize the appeal for international experts, overseas scholars, and foreign professors to teach and conduct research in Vietnam, hoping to bring fresh perspectives and accelerate educational advancements.
The proposed reforms stress the necessity of streamlining admissions and assessment methods, adopting international practices in assessing candidates' abilities, and potentially implementing multi-exam formats like the SAT to standardize and enhance selection processes.
The Ministry's proposed education reforms aspire to evolve Vietnam's higher education system from a focus on expansion to one that emphasizes quality, innovation, and global integration, ultimately cultivating a highly skilled workforce capable of driving self-reliance and national renewal.

[Referenced Sources: Professor and Doctor of Science Nguyễn Đình Đức, Various Sources]

Higher education requires significant, strategic adjustments, according to an industry authority.