The University of Science (Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City) showcases its scientific and technological research products - Photo: TRAN HUYNH
* Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Tan Tran Minh Khang (Vice Rector in charge of the University of Information Technology - Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City):
"A call to action" for higher education
The statement by General Secretary and President To Lam clearly conveys the message that higher education and science and technology are being placed at the center of the national development strategy. This is not only a political direction but also a "command to action" for universities in the coming period.
For many years, universities were primarily viewed for their role in training human resources. However, the spirit of the new resolutions shows that expectations have fundamentally changed: universities must become centers of knowledge creation, mastering core technologies, promoting innovation, and contributing to solving the country's development challenges.
The Party and State leaders also emphasized that "the decisive issue now is action." This reflects the reality that Vietnam currently does not lack strategic policies or decisions.
The biggest challenge lies in the capacity for implementation—how to put the resolutions into practice, create new scientific and technological products, training models, and real value for society.
For universities, this requires a radical shift from management thinking to operating models. Training programs must be more closely aligned with national and business development needs; scientific research must be geared towards application and commercialization.
At the same time, it is necessary to form an innovation ecosystem connecting the "three stakeholders" (schools - businesses - the State). This will maximize the utilization of intellectual resources to serve the rapid and sustainable development of the country.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Tan Tran Minh Khang
* Assoc. Prof. Dr. Do Van Dung (former Rector of Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education):
A major restructuring is needed.
The remarks by the General Secretary and President are significant in creating momentum for Vietnam's higher education system.
Top universities like Vietnam National University, Hanoi and Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, if they act quickly, could become "leaders" in attracting international talent, building strong research centers, and expanding deep cooperation with businesses.
However, the question arises whether this goal is achievable given the numerous limitations still present in Vietnam's higher education system regarding governance, mindset, and resources.
In reality, many educational institutions still operate under a heavily bureaucratic management model, their training programs are slow to update, lecturers lack motivation for applied research, and many schools prioritize safety over taking risks for innovation.
Furthermore, resources for science and technology are limited. Research budgets are low, facilities are outdated, faculty members have to take on multiple responsibilities, and the number of high-quality international publications is not high. The system with over 240 universities also leads to a scattered investment.
The gap between universities and businesses remains a major bottleneck. The amount of research transferred into practice is still low, and many graduates lack practical skills and real-world project experience in fields such as IoT, predictive maintenance, or project-based learning.
The key is to innovate university governance, select competent leaders, reduce administrative interference, grant genuine autonomy, allow the recruitment of international talent, and build a compensation system based on research performance and technology transfer.
We need to focus resources and prioritize in-depth investment in about 10-15 leading universities instead of spreading them thinly. At the same time, we need to strengthen business linkages in R&D activities to form a truly sustainable innovation ecosystem.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Do Van Dung
* Prof. Dr. Nguyen Huy Bich (Lecturer in the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry):
Universities should be core research centers.
Prof. Dr. Nguyen Huy Bich
General Secretary and President To Lam correctly pointed out the "core bottleneck" of national development: the gap between rich and poor countries is no longer primarily due to natural resources or cheap labor, but rather to scientific, technological, and innovative capabilities.
A country that is slow to innovate will not only fall behind economically, but will also experience a decline in competitiveness, become dependent on external technology, and lose its initiative in the development process.
I find this statement particularly significant because universities are not only places for training human resources but also centers for generating knowledge, conducting scientific research, and transferring technology to society. If we only focus on imparting knowledge without promoting research, creativity, and innovative thinking, it will be difficult to create a workforce capable of leading the knowledge-based economy.
In the context of artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, biotechnology, and digital transformation changing the global landscape, universities are required to shift significantly from "teaching what they know" to "training what the country needs and what the future demands."
This requires greater investment in research, increased university autonomy, attracting talent, and fostering international cooperation. Universities must be the core research centers and centers for advanced technological development in the country.
History shows that no sustainably developed nation can exist outside of science and technology. Therefore, developing knowledge, innovation, and higher education is the shortest path for Vietnam to enhance its national standing and avoid the risk of falling behind in the era of global competition.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/co-hoi-cho-doi-thay-giao-duc-dai-hoc-20260516155816287.htm
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