This morning (October 3, 2024), National Economics University (NEU) hosted a national scientific conference on “Digital transformation – Enhancing the quality of education.”

A view of the plenary session

External participants attending the conference included Dr. To Hong Nam, Deputy Director General of the Department of Information Technology, Ministry of Education and Training (MOET); Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Trong Nguyen, Director of the Academy of Policy and Development; and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Doan Ngoc Phi Anh, Vice Rector of the University of Economics, the University of Danang. Also attending were leadership representatives from numerous higher education institutions, organizations and businesses, scientists, and higher education administrators, among others.

Representing NEU were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chair of the University Council; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Huy Nhuong, Vice President; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President; Dr. Nguyen Huu Dong, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Chair of the NEU Trade Union; Prof. Dr. Tran Tho Dat, Chair of the Science and Academic Council; Prof. Dr. Do Thi Hai Ha, Rector of the College of Economics and Public Management; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ta Van Loi, Rector of the College of Business; and Dr. Nguyen Quang Huy, Rector of the College of Technology. Also attending were leadership representatives from the University’s colleges, departments, faculties, institutes, and centers, along with its experts, scientists, faculty and staff.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of NEU, delivers the opening remarks

In his opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of NEU, noted that “digital transformation” has been advancing rapidly across all areas of socioeconomic life, and education is no exception.

Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Thanh Hieu emphasized that digital technology undeniably plays a significant role in improving the quality of education in general and higher education in particular. Digital transformation in higher education institutions must be regarded as a long-term, strategic solution linked to substantial, comprehensive reforms in management, research, teaching, and learning.

In recent years, universities around the world and in Vietnam have actively accelerated digital transformation and the application of information technology across all activities, from governance to education and scientific research, among others.

Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Thanh Hieu stated that NEU aims to become an autonomous university by 2030, pioneering digital transformation with a modern, smart, and professional governance system that meets international accreditation standards. It also aims to become a center that attracts, educates, and nurtures talent, and a workplace for leading experts in the fields of education and research in which the University has strengths. To achieve these goals, as it implements its development strategy, NEU has invested and continues to invest in the extensive application of technology and digital transformation in governance, education, and scientific research. These efforts have yielded some initial successes. However, owing to both objective and subjective factors, some activities have yet to deliver the desired results and require further study. This is an issue facing not only NEU but also many higher education institutions in Vietnam.

Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President, expressed his hope that the conference would receive extensive input and recommendations from experts, scientists, and delegates on solutions to achieve digital transformation goals, foster innovation in teaching and learning, improve educational quality, and enhance the effectiveness of education management in higher education institutions in Vietnam.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Quang Dong, a member of the University’s Science and Academic Council, presents the opening paper: “Developing academic programs linked to digital transformation and educational quality accreditation”

Following the plenary session, the conference continued with two parallel discussion sessions focusing on specific topics in depth. Session 1, on “Enhancing the quality of education through greater integration and stronger links to practice,” was chaired by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Huy Nhuong, Vice President. Session 2, chaired by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President, addressed “Digital transformation in teaching, scientific research, and university governance.”

Delegates exchange views and engage in discussions during Session 1 on “Enhancing the quality of education through greater integration and stronger links to practice”

Delegates exchange views and engage in discussions during Session 2 on “Digital transformation in teaching, scientific research, and university governance”

At the conference, delegates exchanged views and discussed topics related to digital transformation and the application of information technology in higher education; the challenges and opportunities involved in assuring and improving quality during digital transformation; and the roles of stakeholders in accelerating digital transformation. On this basis, they proposed solutions for higher education institutions and recommendations for relevant stakeholders to promote digital transformation and improve the quality of education and scientific research, as well as the effectiveness of governance, at universities in Vietnam.

The conference attracted 162 papers from experts, scientists, higher education leaders and administrators, researchers, faculty and staff from more than 40 educational institutions in localities across the country. The submitted papers addressed a wide range of aspects, analyzing and assessing the impact and role of digital transformation in higher education activities in general and efforts to improve educational quality in particular.

Delegates attending the plenary session pose for a commemorative photo

The conference took place as NEU was undergoing restructuring, having recently established three colleges based on its traditional fields of education: the College of Business, the College of Economics and Public Management, and the College of Technology. The University aims to transition to a university-level institutional structure as National Economics University in 2025.

Dr. Bui Kien Trung, Deputy Head of the Department of General Affairs, serves as master of ceremonies at the conference

Article and photos: Department of Communications

Media outlets reporting on the conference:

Lao Dong: Digital transformation to improve the quality of university education

Dai Bieu Nhan Dan: Digital transformation in higher education institutions requires long-term, strategic solutions

Vietnamnet: AI assists with creating exam questions, grading, and lesson planning: Are teachers at risk of being replaced?

This is an automated translation. If you notice any errors, please contact the Department of Communications, National Economics University at phongtruyenthong@neu.edu.vn.