This morning (November 8), National Economics University (NEU) held its 2025 Business Community Conference and a forum on “Integrating data analytics and artificial intelligence, entrepreneurial spirit and entrepreneurship into academic programs to help improve the quality of education at National Economics University.”

An overview of the conference

Attending the conference were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chair of the University Council; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Huy Nhuong, President of NEU; Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President; Dr. Nguyen Huu Dong, Chair of the NEU Trade Union; Prof. Dr. Tran Tho Dat, Chair of the Science and Training Council, former Secretary of the Party Committee, former Chair of the University Council and former President; leadership representatives from schools, departments, faculties, institutes and centers; student representatives from the University’s cohorts; and leaders representing businesses and organizations, along with individuals from Vietnam and abroad who have supported and worked alongside NEU over the years.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Huy Nhuong, President of NEU, delivers remarks

Speaking at the conference, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Huy Nhuong, President of NEU, emphasized that 2025 is a year of profound transformation for the country, with numerous important Politburo resolutions laying the groundwork for strategic breakthroughs in science and technology development and innovation. Alongside the many opportunities, however, higher education institutions and businesses also face considerable challenges.

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Huy Nhuong, digital transformation and AI are changing how businesses operate and how people learn and work. The question now is how the University and businesses can jointly “redesign” education—from content and skills to learning methods—so that graduates can work immediately, innovate immediately and integrate globally. “This is not just about education; it is about the future of national productivity,” the President of NEU said.

Regarding university-business collaboration on innovation, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Huy Nhuong said that, as new Party resolutions encourage science and technology development and innovation, in-depth discussions are needed on establishing applied research centers, innovation labs and business incubators within universities. Every idea and research project needs to be nurtured through business participation—where knowledge meets practice.

Regarding the three-party partnership model of government, universities and businesses, the President of NEU raised the question of how to put it into concrete practice so that cooperation goes beyond signing agreements and becomes an interconnected knowledge value chain—where policies are developed, knowledge is shared and businesses derive tangible value.

Assoc. Prof. Bui Huy Nhuong highlighted the development of high-quality human resources in the era of digital technology and artificial intelligence. Digital transformation and AI are changing how businesses operate and how people learn and work. The question is: How can the University and businesses jointly “redesign” education—from content and skills to learning methods—so that graduates can work immediately, innovate immediately and integrate globally? This is not just about education; it is about the future of national productivity.

Nguyen Huu Hieu, General Director of Fiin Group, shares his views at the conference

At the conference, Nguyen Huu Hieu, General Director of Fiin Group, pointed out that a substantial gap remains between academia and business needs. Students lack opportunities to practice with real data, and analytical skills and AI-enabled thinking are not yet widespread. According to Nguyen Huu Hieu, today’s students are proficient with tools but lack an application-oriented mindset, so businesses must spend 3–6 months retraining new hires before they can perform their jobs. This makes it difficult to compete in regional and international markets, narrows Vietnam’s AI and data opportunities, and slows innovation and digital transformation.

The General Director of Fiin Group proposed three key groups of solutions: hands-on training (learning must be linked to real “case” studies and real data, developing capabilities beyond knowing tools to applying them in decision-making); university-business connections; and nurturing creativity and an AI mindset.

Nguyen Tien Cuong, Deputy General Director of VNPT Information Technology Company (VNPT-IT) and Director of the Innovation Center of Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT)

Nguyen Tien Cuong, Deputy General Director of VNPT-IT and Director of Innovation at VNPT, shared his views on the value of hands-on experience in helping students mature quickly. Students learn in a modern, advanced, dynamic, internationally connected and fully equipped environment at NEU, participate in AI research labs in economic fields, and access the latest research, often referred to as “state of the art.” Students also participate in a range of prestigious AI and programming competitions, including the global ICPC programming contest.

“Many students are very bright, independently adding U.S. and Vietnamese tariff data for various industries following policy changes to make their reports more convincing. Once equipped with the necessary skills, they will be referred to businesses for internships to begin a new journey,” Nguyen Tien Cuong said.

Dr. Le Anh Duc, Head of the Department of Academic Affairs at NEU, shares his views at the conference

Dr. Le Anh Duc, Head of the Department of Academic Affairs at NEU, said that the University is developing the content of a 4-credit course, “Practical Topics,” for inclusion in its regular academic programs to increase the practical component of students’ education. The course will be delivered by building and developing a pool of adjunct and visiting lecturers from external organizations and businesses to enhance the effectiveness of case studies and give students early exposure to real-world settings.

Regarding the integration of data analytics and artificial intelligence, entrepreneurial spirit and entrepreneurship into academic programs to improve the quality of education at NEU and help graduates adapt quickly to the demands of the digital economy and digital society, Dr. Le Anh Duc said that the University has developed and, starting in the 2025-2026 academic year, begun offering a 3-credit course, “Fundamentals of Data Science in Economics & Business,” to students across the University to equip them with basic knowledge and skills in data, technology, technical methods…

NEU has also developed training content and organized courses for students across the University on skills in using IT systems; skills in using and accessing the University’s Library resources; and a course to strengthen digital competencies for new students immediately after enrollment…

In addition, NEU is exploring and developing suitable content on “Entrepreneurship and Innovation” for integration into academic programs to equip students with a foundation in entrepreneurship and foster an entrepreneurial spirit.

Delegates exchange views and contribute ideas during the discussion session

The Business Community Conference was held to review cooperation between NEU and government agencies, individuals, organizations and businesses. It also provided an opportunity for the University’s faculty and staff to meet and express their sincere thanks and deep appreciation to the individuals, organizations and businesses that have devoted considerable effort and dedication to the noble mission of education, working with NEU to help provide high-quality human resources and build a prosperous and happy country.

During the program, University leaders presented commemorative plaques to delegates representing businesses as an expression of sincere thanks and deep appreciation from NEU’s faculty and staff.

University leaders and leadership representatives from its units present commemorative plaques in appreciation of organizations and businesses

Delegates pose for a commemorative group photo at the conference

More photos from the conference:

Article and photos: Department of Communications

Media coverage of the conference:

Hanoi Television: Connecting the university-business ecosystem

Lao Dong: Businesses identify students’ skills gaps in the AI era

Nhan Dan: Innovating education and fostering creativity toward sustainable development

Dai Bieu Nhan Dan: The University and businesses jointly “redesign” academic programs so graduates can work immediately

Tien Phong: Universities must redesign academic programs

Giao Duc & Thoi Dai: Connecting universities and businesses to nurture creativity

Nguoi Lao Dong: Addressing the challenge of ensuring graduates can work immediately

Cong An Nhan Dan: Why do businesses have to spend time retraining university graduates?

Dan Viet: Students in the AI era: “High IELTS scores, excellent academic performance, and good scores on competency and thinking skills assessments are not enough!”

Giao Duc Thu Do: Connecting universities and businesses to nurture creativity

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