Hong Duc University work with SkillsSG Venture - Singapore

On June 13, 2018, Hong Duc University worked with SkillsSG Venture – Singapore (SSGV) led by Mr. Tan Choo Kok - Chairman of the SSVG Council. The meeting was chaired by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Manh An, Rector of Hong Duc University and attended by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hoang Thi Mai, Vice Rector; representatives of International Cooperation Division, Faculty of Social Science, Faculty of Information Technology and Communication, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration and International Education Center and a distinguished guest from Thanh Hoa Investment, Trade, Tourism Promotion Center.

Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Hoang Thi Ha, Deputy Head of International Cooperation Division, briefly presented the proposal to set up four institutes for skill training and development at Hong Duc University, which was discussed at the previous meeting on January 17, 2018. She also recapitulated its opportunities and challenges given by related units. The four institutes include: Applied Learning and Skills Assessment (ALSA) Institute; Spa, Wellness and Hospitality Services (SWAHS) Institute; Applied Business Leadership and Employability (ABLE) Institute; Digital Skills Academy (DSA).

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hoang Thi Mai, Vice Rector, posited that if the cooperation between the two sides succeeded, it would bring many benefits to Hong Duc University (HDU) such as consolidated prestige; increased revenue; optimized facilities and access to advanced Singaporean programs and curriculums. These benefits greatly contribute to the development of Hong Duc University and Thanh Hoa Province as a whole. However, the Vice-Rector also addressed that this program was also impeded by high tuition fees. If teaching language is English, it could be a big hindrance to attract learners to attend these programs. In addition, Ms. Vice Rector emphasized the role of People’s Committee of Thanh Hoa province in adopting mechanisms and policies in support of this program implementation. Of four proposed institutes, she finds that Spa, Wellness and Hospitality Services (SWAHS) Institute and Digital Skills Academy (DSA) are of the highest feasibility due to high demand, therefore they should be initially carried out as pilot projects in response to urgent needs of laborers and enterprises.

To conclude the discussion, Mr. Rector stated that it was needed for PPC to adopt a compulsory mechanism to encourage leaners to study these courses. He also suggested that SSGV should work with PPC to agree on the establishment of a training institute at Hong Duc University joined by three shareholders, including HDU, SSGV and VCCI under the direct supervision of Hong Duc University. The Institute should perform functions and tasks as a joint training Institute offering economic, engineering and soft skills short term courses. Moreover, certificates should be jointly granted by both SSGV and HDU. As teaching language is English, HDU expects SSGV to support HDU staff/lecturers in improving English proficiency. Finally, for the next step of implementation process, Hong Duc will create the most favorable conditions for a proposed consultancy company to write up a comprehensive feasibility report for the submission to PPC.

Mr. Tan Choo Kok - Leader of SSGV delegation extend his gratitude to the hospitality and enthusiasm of the University. He acknowledges all propositions from HDU and pledges his full support to the University. He also exposes the idea of meeting VCCI Thanh Hoa to discuss more of the joint venture institute establishment at Hong Duc University where HDU will play a pivotal role in skills development framework in Thanh Hoa. He strongly believes that if the program is successful, the reputation of Hong Duc University will be enhanced significantly and other provinces will look up to HDU as a role model.

Some pictures at the meeting: