International dialogue on global education in Ho Chi Minh city

Around 130 delegates including Government, industry and higher education leaders, researchers and practitioners from the UK, Vietnam and ASEAN countries have discussed innovative ways to make university/industry partnership more fruitful in creating more employable graduates and driving innovation.

A view of the dialogue.

Speaking at the global dialogue in Ho Chi Minh city from June 16th-17th, Vietnamese Vice Minister of Education and Training, Professor, Doctor of Science Bui Van Ga, said the event will promote cooperation between universities and industry, facilitate dialogue between Government organizations, universities and industry on the role, responsibility and expectations of higher education institutions in creating innovative industry solutions and an employable workforce.

One case study in the dialogue also identified seven central pillars from which the university built a local innovation eco-system. These included culture, people, government, market demand, innovations, funding and infrastructure.

In addition, amongst the university’s priorities, the most important was a single point for business to be able to access innovation support - underlining the inseparable role of innovation in any university/industry partnership.

“I do hope that the practical experience and case studies presented by speakers from the UK, Vietnam and other ASEAN countries will contribute to Vietnam’s higher education reform agenda, with its focus on internationalization, quality and accreditation”, said Ms Cherry Gough, Director of British Council in Vietnam.

Participants have agreed that universities across the world are facing the challenge of how to prepare graduates for highly competitive globalize job markets.

“To meet this challenge institutions are adapting curricula, working directly with industry to provide professional experience and exploring new models of research as well as the creation of dedicated facilities allowing students and academic staff to explore the commercial potential of their work”, added Vivienne Stern, Director of UK HE International Unit.

(Source: CPV)