On the morning of July 12, 2024, National Economics University (NEU) and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) signed a cooperation agreement to implement the Digital Skills to Succeed (DS2S) project: Towards the Future—Shaping Careers in the Digital Era.

Representing the German Agency for International Cooperation at the signing ceremony were Sita Zimpel, DS2S Project Team Leader, along with project staff and specialists. Representing NEU were Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Chuong, President of NEU; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chair of the University Council; representatives of the leadership of socio-political organizations; leaders of member schools, departments, faculties, institutes, and centers; and University staff.

Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Chuong, President of NEU, delivers remarks.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Chuong, President of NEU, said that one of NEU’s development strategies is to gradually transform the University into Vietnam’s first smart university. The University is currently working closely with leading partners to develop and refine an information technology-based smart university model. It is also developing and effectively utilizing a shared database for all areas of University operations, ensuring efficiency and flexibility across the entire system.

In this process, NEU strives to become an autonomous university that leads digital transformation, with a modern, smart, and professional governance system meeting international accreditation standards. It aims to be a center for attracting, educating, and developing talent; a workplace for leading experts in education and research in economics, management, and business administration; and the top choice for outstanding students with the ambition and dedication to contribute to community and societal development. NEU is also currently implementing numerous academic programs in digital technology, data science, artificial intelligence, and other fields. For these reasons, the President expressed confidence that the cooperation agreement between NEU and GIZ would help enhance and develop digital skills for NEU students in particular and Vietnamese students in general.

Sita Zimpel, Project Team Leader at the German Agency for International Cooperation, speaks at the ceremony.

Also speaking at the ceremony, Sita Zimpel, Project Team Leader, said that the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) provides services in international cooperation for sustainable development, working toward a better future worldwide. For more than 60 years, GIZ has worked in a wide range of fields, including economic development and employment promotion, energy and the environment, peace and security, and vocational education and technical training. GIZ’s principal funder is the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). As a federally owned enterprise, GIZ supports the German Government in achieving its international cooperation goals for sustainable development in more than 120 countries worldwide.

In Vietnam, GIZ currently focuses on implementing programs in the following key areas: 1) Vocational education and technical training, labor markets, and labor migration; 2) Climate and the environment; 3) Energy; and 4) Sustainable economic development.

Sita Zimpel also emphasized that, through the project, GIZ is committed to supporting NEU and connecting it with potential partners in relevant industries to provide practical learning opportunities for students. This includes support for developing ideas and undertaking challenges such as graduation projects and competitions, narrowing the gap between the University and businesses/organizations, and providing students with valuable practical experience that complements their learning at the University, improves their employment prospects, and ensures they are well prepared to meet workplace demands.

Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Chuong, President of NEU, and Sita Zimpel, Project Team Leader at the German Agency for International Cooperation, sign and exchange the cooperation agreement.

Accordingly, the “Digital Skills to Succeed—DS2S” project, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), aims to enhance the digital skills of university students, particularly women, in Bangladesh, India, and Vietnam to help them succeed at work. The project collaborates with universities, private-sector partners, and government agencies to achieve three outcomes: 1) Establish a Digital Skills Network and country hubs for knowledge exchange; 2) Strengthen the capacity of university units through advanced training; and 3) Collaborate with German universities and businesses to co-create targeted microcredential courses in artificial intelligence, data, and digital entrepreneurship for students in non-technology disciplines. These courses emphasize the ethical use of technology, meet global standards, and provide work-related skills tailored to the digital job market.

In Vietnam, the project will be implemented in alignment with national digital transformation strategies and plans to promote the use of digital technologies in key economic sectors and the public sector. To achieve this, young people need to be equipped with digital skills not only to succeed at work but also to contribute actively to an increasingly innovative and competitive economy in the future. To achieve these objectives, the project will establish partnerships with higher education institutions that are interested, committed, and able to participate in the network to enhance digital skills for the younger generation in the digital era.

Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Chuong, President of NEU, and Sita Zimpel, Project Team Leader at the German Agency for International Cooperation, exchange gifts and pose for commemorative photographs.

Under the cooperation agreement, GIZ will actively coordinate the development of a regional network by proposing initial ideas to encourage universities in the region to participate. As a potential member of this future network, NEU will play an important role in contributing expertise and resources to advance collaborative initiatives. The network aims to create a dynamic platform that supports knowledge exchange, research collaboration, and joint initiatives among universities, promotes digital skills and dialogue, and addresses shared challenges. GIZ will support the network’s establishment to ensure its sustainability and effective impact. Through this effort, GIZ will help strengthen professional capacity at NEU through Capacity Development Programs for university units, focusing on specific digital skills microcredential courses. It will also launch a Digital Skills Seminar Series to provide students with knowledge of digital skills through selected seminars featuring speakers from businesses/organizations. Covering topics such as advanced technologies and digital competencies, the seminar series aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Article and photos: Department of Communications

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