Assoc. Prof Huynh Quyet Thang: 'Digital transformation - a chance to compete equally in the international stage'

Assoc. Prof. Huynh Quyet Thang, Rector of Ha Noi University of Science and Technology said that, digital transformation is an opportunity for students to master working skills in the digital environment, competing fairly, standing strong and developing themselves in the domestic and international labor market.

Digital transformation in education has a pivotal role to play in preparing for Vietnamese citizens to become global citizens. So, where do you think this process should begin, and who should be the first to change?

Against the current backdrop, it is necessary that high-quality human resources in Viet Nam possess comprehensive knowledge and skills to compete effectively in both the domestic and international labor markets.

There are three critical components for the digital transformation in education to be successfully implemented, including human development, teaching methods, and technology.

Among the three components listed above, the human role plays the most fundamental part, as it relates to how leaders at all levels are determined to put things into practice and how teacher and student perspectives develop.

Assoc. Prof Huynh Quyet Thang: 'Digital transformation a chance to compete equally in the international stage'
Assoc. Prof. Huynh Quyet Thang, Rector of Ha Noi University of Science and Technology.

What are the opportunities and possible setbacks in the process of digitalization in education?

On June 15, 2021, the Prime Minister signed Decision No. 942/QD-TTg approving the e-Government development strategy towards the digital government for the 2021-2025 period, with a vision to 2030, which affirms the determination of both individuals and organizations to comprehensively change their lifestyle, working bases and manufacturing practice toward digital technologies, with the goal of establishing digital government, digital economy and digital society.

Digital transformation will foster innovation in education and training, as well as expand learners' capacity, increase self-study ability, customize learning, and contribute to the creation of a society that values lifelong learning. This is an opportunity for Viet Nam to catch up with wealthy and developed countries.

However, there are several challenges associated with digital transformation in education.

First, leaders of the education sector, school leaders, and teachers must be equipped with digital knowledge and mindset, so that they can control technology and know about its limitations.

Second, digital transformation requires those who are directly involved in the training to have adequate technological capabilities.

Third, digital transformation necessitates the development of new technology infrastructure for both students and teachers, as well as educational institutions and management organizations.

Fourth, learners must be mentally, spiritually, and skillfully prepared, with sufficient equipment infrastructure to enable online learning.

Fifth, the digitization of educational activities will "deepen" the inequality in access to education between regions and students with different socio-economic backgrounds.

In the Resolution of the 13th National Party Congress, the country's development direction for the period 2021- 2030 emphasized the process of innovating education and training in a comprehensive way, developing high-quality human resources and attracting talents; Promote research and apply the achievements of the Fourth Industrial to all aspects of social life, focusing on a number of key industries and fields that have potential and advantages to act as a driving force for growth to catch up with or even surpassing in some fields compared to the development of the region and the world.

How should people change to make digital transformation successfully implemented?

Managers, teachers, and students should modify their perceptions in order to adapt to the digital transition in education.

Managers should be determined, decisive, and cautious when it comes to implementing digital transformation and developing appropriate digital transformation strategies, solutions, and roadmaps for their working units.

Learners should familiarize themselves with online learning, and become mentally, spiritually, and skillfully prepared, and have adequate equipment infrastructure in place in a digital environment.

Teachers should shift their focus from transferring knowledge to selecting and acquiring information in order to construct lessons that inspire learners' creativity and initiative.

Assoc. Prof Huynh Quyet Thang: 'Digital transformation a chance to compete equally in the international stage'
Digital transformation in education is vital. (Illustrative image)

Science and education have gained impressive achievements during the past years. What are your recommendations for improving the quality of education and young human resources in the future to live up to worldwide standards?

To increase the quality of education and the young workforce to reach worldwide standards in the future, specific measures are required as followed:

Firstly, to develop capacity and improve the quality of staff as well as recruit talented lecturers and scientists.

Second, to establish a system of research laboratories to support the advancement of in-depth planning research.

Third, to meet the demands of human resources training, it’s necessary to expand high-quality training in the direction of internationalization, strongly innovate teaching and learning programs and techniques. Methods of teaching, learning, and assessment should be completely reinvented.

Enhancing cooperation with the business community and international partners; strengthening communication and developing the school's brand to upgrade its position in the region and all over the world.

The Resolution of the 13th National Party Congress emphasizes the creation of breakthroughs in fundamentally and comprehensively renovating education and training, developing high-quality human resources, attracting and utilizing talents. How do you think we could create a young generation of bravery, intelligence, and high-quality people?

It is necessary to arouse students' creativity and entrepreneurial spirit through increasing the projects related to design, creativity and business modules.

We should also promote research and renovation activities among students through research and innovation clubs, as well as innovation and startup competitions, complete and develop the innovative startup ecosystem for students and lecturers.

We also need to educate students about school traditions, morals, lifestyles, life skills and career skills, mingled with the official and unofficial activities.

Ha Noi University of Science and Technology is also innovating with an advanced governance model, a lean organizational structure, and a driving force for innovation and development.

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