On the morning of July 30, 2025, National Economics University (NEU) officially launched its automated certificate issuance machine (Certificate Issuance Machine – CIM), marking a new step in its digital transformation strategy toward building a smart university model.

A view of the event

Attending the event were Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Chuong, President of NEU; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Huy Nhuong, Vice President; Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President; Dr. Nguyen Huu Dong, Chairman of the NEU Trade Union; Dr. Le Anh Duc, Head of the Department of Academic Affairs; along with leadership representatives from schools, departments, faculties, institutes, and centers, lecturers, and students in full-time undergraduate programs.

Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Chuong, President of NEU, speaks at the event

Speaking at the event, Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Chuong, President of NEU, affirmed that NEU has made rapid progress in digital transformation in recent years. All student data has been digitized, providing a solid foundation for improving processes and service quality. CIM is one of the notable outcomes of this process, not only automating document issuance but also providing practical support for faculty and staff in their daily work and serving students more conveniently and accurately.

Prof. Pham Hong Chuong, President of NEU, emphasized that, although only an initial step, the automated certificate issuance machine CIM marks an important milestone in NEU’s automation journey. He also expressed his expectation that the device would become a reliable, convenient companion for students, helping realize the goal of building a smart, modern, learner-centered university.

The automated certificate issuance machine CIM is officially launched at the event

To address the need to innovate and improve services for learners seeking to request and receive documents related to their studies, the Department of Academic Affairs explored and introduced one-stop services in 2016, handling tens of thousands of document requests for learners. NEU expanded its one-stop services by launching the One-Stop Application Receipt and Return Unit in 2019. Over five years of operation, the One-Stop Unit has made an important contribution to improving service quality for learners.

According to survey results, 75% of students complete administrative procedures and paperwork through the one-stop system. This has reduced the volume of procedures and paperwork that must be handled in person at the University’s departments, allowing these departments to reallocate resources to focus on their specialized responsibilities. However, students still face certain difficulties when completing administrative procedures and paperwork, particularly those related to the process. Only 19% of surveyed students regularly have a clear understanding of the format and content of the documents they handle; 30% regularly find the paperwork process simple and quick; and only 60% feel in control when completing these procedures and paperwork. These limitations call for further improvements in processes and technology.

Students try out for the first time the automated certificate issuance machine CIM

As the University enters a new phase with a strategy to become a smart university, new requirements have also emerged for learner services at the One-Stop Unit. This is also the right direction for meeting learners’ needs.

Introduced after reviewing models at several universities in Vietnam and abroad, the automated certificate issuance machine (Certificate Issuance Machine – CIM) is designed to automate the entire process, from receiving requests and verifying data to printing, signing, and delivering certificates to students. This data can be entered manually using input devices (keyboards and touchscreens) or collected automatically through biometric recognition (facial recognition, fingerprints, etc.).

CIM uses a specialized printer to ensure the clarity and durability of certificates. The device incorporates digital signing or electronic signature attachment features, ensuring the legal validity of printed documents. Once completed, certificates are delivered directly to users from the device.

In addition to saving time for learners and academic affairs staff, CIM is a suitable solution as higher education in Vietnam accelerates digitization in line with the direction of the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET), consistent with documents such as Circular 30/2023/TT-BGDĐT, Circular 28/2023/TT-BGDĐT, and Decision 4740/QĐ-BGDĐT.

Representatives of units and students share their views on bringing the automated certificate issuance machine CIM into use

Bringing the automated certificate issuance machine CIM into use marks a new step in NEU’s efforts to build a modern, transparent, and efficient learning environment, toward becoming a smart, digital university while improving quality and the learner experience.

Some photos from the event:

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.