On August 12, 2025, National Economics University (NEU) hosted a scientific seminar on “Applied Mathematics Education in the Era of Data and Intelligent Decision-Making.” The event aimed to promote exchanges and cooperation between NEU, scientists, and businesses to share experience, explore emerging trends, and guide the development of an academic program that meets the economy’s demand for a high-quality workforce.

An overview of the seminar

External guests attending the seminar included Prof. Dr. Sc. Doan Thai Son, Director of the Institute of Mathematics, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Minh Ha, Executive Director of the Vietnam Institute for Advanced Study in Mathematics; Prof. Dr. Ho Pham Minh Nhat, Institute for the Foundations of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence, University of Texas at Austin; Prof. Dr. Sc. Do Duc Thai, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics, Hanoi National University of Education; Dr. Pham Ngoc Toan, Director of the Center for Information, Strategic Analysis and Forecasting, and Public Services, Institute of State Organization and Labor Sciences; MSc. Le Thi Nhu Quynh, Risk Management Models and Tools Department, Vietcombank; along with experts in applied mathematics education and research, and delegates and experts from higher education institutions, research institutes, and the business community.

Representing NEU were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Huy Nhuong, President; Prof. Dr. Tran Tho Dat, Chair of the Scientific and Training Council; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ho Dinh Bao, Head of the Department of Personnel and Organization; Prof. Dr. To Trung Thanh, Head of the Department of Research Management; Dr. Le Anh Duc, Head of the Department of Academic Affairs; Dr. Nguyen Quang Huy, Rector of the College of Technology; and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Cam Van, Dean of the Faculty of Fundamental Sciences. Also attending were leadership representatives from colleges, departments, faculties, schools, institutes, and centers, as well as faculty and staff, researchers, alumni, and students interested in applied mathematics.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Huy Nhuong, President of NEU, delivers the opening remarks at the seminar

In his opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Huy Nhuong, President of NEU, emphasized that mathematics is not only a foundational discipline but also a key tool for transforming data and information into knowledge and value, effectively supporting organizations in their decision-making processes.

Affirming the University’s commitment, Assoc. Prof. Bui Huy Nhuong said that NEU would commit resources and effort to developing an applied mathematics academic program in the coming period. He also expressed his hope that participants would focus their discussions on clarifying three key issues: the reasons for introducing an applied mathematics academic program at NEU; the direction of applied mathematics education at NEU; and the distinctive features and strengths of the knowledge, skills, and competencies of applied mathematics students educated at NEU compared with those at institutions in Vietnam and abroad.

Prof. Dr. Ho Pham Minh Nhat, Institute for the Foundations of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence, University of Texas at Austin, presents “Applied Mathematics – A Pillar of Data Science and Modern Approaches to Decision-Making”

Opening the seminar, Prof. Dr. Ho Pham Minh Nhat of the Institute for the Foundations of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence, University of Texas at Austin, discussed the pivotal role of applied mathematics in data science and modern decision-making. Prof. Ho Pham Minh Nhat emphasized that, in the data era, mathematics has moved beyond its role as a computational tool to become the foundation for developing models, algorithms, and artificial intelligence systems. Through the power of applied mathematics, raw data is transformed into useful information and, in turn, into strategic decisions, helping shape the future of fields ranging from business, finance, and healthcare to public management.

Dr. Pham Ngoc Toan – Institute of State Organization and Labor Sciences, presents “From Data to Intelligent Decisions – The Role of Mathematics and Modeling”

MSc. Le Thi Nhu Quynh – Risk Management Models and Tools Department, Vietcombank, presents “Demand for Professionals in Applied Mathematics: Perspectives from the Banking Sector and the Labor Market”

During the seminar, speakers from regulatory agencies and businesses shared their perspectives on the role of mathematics and modeling in harnessing data for decision-making, as well as the rapidly growing demand for applied mathematics professionals across fields ranging from finance, banking, and insurance to technology, manufacturing, and logistics. The speakers agreed that the workforce currently faces a marked shortage of data analysis and modeling skills, making stronger connections between educational institutions and businesses necessary to ensure that students effectively meet job requirements. They also affirmed the need to introduce an applied mathematics academic program at NEU, a leading, reputable institution for education in economics, business, management, and the application of mathematics in modern fields such as data analytics, risk analytics, and optimization.

Dr. Vuong Van Yen, Faculty of Mathematical Economics, College of Technology, NEU, presents “Models of Applied Mathematics Education Around the World and Suggestions for NEU”

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Cam Van – Dean of the Faculty of Fundamental Sciences, College of Technology, NEU, presents “Directions for Developing an Academic Program in Applied Mathematics in the Era of Data and Intelligent Decision-Making”

Dr. Le Anh Duc, Head of the Department of Academic Affairs, NEU, speaks at the seminar

Discussing NEU’s capacity and direction for applied mathematics education, Dr. Le Anh Duc, Head of the Department of Academic Affairs, emphasized that mathematics is a core subject that receives particular attention in admissions and teaching across all disciplines. The role of mathematics at NEU extends beyond providing a foundation for every academic program; it is also reflected in specialized disciplines such as Data Science, Actuarial Science, and Risk Management…

Dr. Le Anh Duc affirmed that the University has the capacity to introduce an applied mathematics academic program in the coming period, thanks to the Faculty of Fundamental Sciences’ lecturers, who have strong expertise and good character, and the University’s multidisciplinary, multifield educational ecosystem. The University is also ready to develop higher levels of education in the field, on a par with the world’s leading educational institutions.

Seminar participants pose for a commemorative group photo

The development of an applied mathematics academic program at NEU attracted particular attention and lively discussion at the seminar. Participants agreed that the program should take an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approach, building a solid foundation in mathematics while strengthening specialized applied knowledge, particularly modeling and data analysis capabilities using basic and modern programming tools to solve practical problems. Delegates also proposed clarifying the discipline’s position, graduate outcomes, and connections with other academic disciplines to fit effectively within the educational ecosystem and optimize the University’s strengths.

The candid exchanges and diverse perspectives at the seminar clarified both the opportunities and challenges for applied mathematics education at NEU. Integration requirements, pressure to innovate the curriculum, faculty capacity, and interdisciplinary strengths together provide a solid foundation for the University to confidently undertake the design and development of the new discipline. This is not only a strategic step but also a commitment to working alongside businesses and society to prepare a workforce for the knowledge economy.

The seminar not only provided an opportunity for connections and exchanges among the University, academia, and businesses but also helped shape a modern educational roadmap aligned with integration requirements. In the era of data and intelligent decision-making, the applied mathematics program is expected to provide a high-quality workforce that effectively meets the economy’s development needs.

Additional photos from the seminar:

Article and photos: Faculty of Fundamental Sciences & 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.