Internationalization of education must still preserve Vietnamese identity

This is the sharing of Ms. Mai Bich Thuy, Founder and Executive Chairman of Reigate Grammar School Vietnam (RGSV), who was nominated for the Outstanding Leadership category at the TES Awards for International Schools 2025 - an international award honoring dedication and innovation in education globally.

Ms. Mai Bich Thuy, Founder and Executive Chairman of RGSV. (Photo: NVCC)

How did you feel when you heard about the nomination list for the award considered as "Oscar of global education ?" Looking back on nearly three decades of pursuing education, what was the decisive moment that made you choose the path of internationalization for Vietnamese students?

Being nominated for the TES Awards for International Schools 2025, I feel proud that the perseverance of the whole team has been recognized. Being on that list also makes me feel my responsibility is greater than ever.

Thirty years of working in education taught me one thing: Vietnamese students can absolutely step out into the world , if we dare to open the door.

The turning point came when I witnessed international students mastering their own opinions and confidently debating, while Vietnamese students lacked the opportunity to practice those skills.

I said to myself: "If I don't create a new path, who will?" And so I chose the most difficult path, which is internationalization, even though I know that it is a challenging journey for those who are not afraid of change.

Are there any obstacles for RGSV to become a pioneer model in Vietnam to implement high-quality international programs (PYP, IGCSE, IBDP)?

Being a pioneer model is never an easy story. The biggest difficulty lies not in the program, but in the people.

We had to build a system strong enough to meet international standards and be suitable for the Vietnamese context. It was a process of persuasion, training, and most importantly, changing mindsets. But I always believe that pioneers must accept loneliness, and RGSV has overcome that stage with courage and perseverance.

How do you evaluate the role of Resolution 71-NQ/TW in the process of internationalizing education in Vietnam? What in these resolutions motivates people who are passionate about education like you?

I appreciate Resolution 71-NQ/TW because it reflects that Vietnam is truly opening up, not only to the economy but also to education.

What inspires me the most is the spirit of encouraging international cooperation, standardization and empowerment of educational institutions. For dedicated people like me, this resolution is like a strong push, an affirmation that you are on the right track, keep going.

In RGSV's strategy, what is the biggest challenge in building a Vietnamese teaching staff according to international standards?

For me, teachers are the soul of all reforms. The biggest challenge is not skills or qualifications, but the courage to break old habits.

Building a Vietnamese team of teachers who meet international standards means helping them become confident, creative, innovative, and able to see students through the lens of the world. It is a long-term investment – ​​sometimes difficult, but completely worth it.

In your opinion, what is an educational environment that meets international standards, preserves the identity and promotes the strengths of Vietnamese students?

An environment that meets international standards but still retains Vietnamese identity. I always tell my team: "Integration does not mean assimilation".

An ideal educational environment must have clear international standards while preserving Vietnamese values: kindness, humility, studiousness, love of family and roots.

With strong roots and far-reaching wings, they will grow up to become global citizens who are still proud to be Vietnamese.

Ms. Mai Bich Thuy and international education managers with leaders and staff of RGSV. (Photo: NVCC)

With your experiences at RGSV, what do you want to share with Vietnamese teachers and educational administrators who are pursuing the path of internationalization?

If I could give you one thing to say, it would be this: Don’t be afraid of big waves. Internationalization is always a difficult path, but it is the path if we want Vietnamese students to have a worthy place on the global knowledge map.

Believe in the capacity of Vietnamese teachers, give them the opportunity to learn and innovate. And most importantly, be persistent. Pioneers always face pressure, but it is that pressure that creates value.

Building on the reputation of the Tes Schools Awards in the UK, the TES Awards for International Schools 2025 recognises the dedication, innovation and impact of teachers and support staff teaching British or international programmes around the world.

This year, the award received 578 entries from schools around the world, almost double the number from last year, showcasing inspiring stories of educational excellence.

This year’s shortlist features some of the most exemplary schools in international education. The judging process was rigorous and was conducted by a panel of judges comprising international school leaders, education experts and researchers from various regions.

The award is sponsored by many prestigious partners: British Schools in the Middle East (BSME), Council of British International Schools (COBIS), UK Department for Business and Trade, Educational Collaborative for International Schools (ECIS), Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA) and International Baccalaureate (IB).

The final results will be announced on December 9, 2025.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/quoc-te-hoa-giao-duc-van-phai-giu-gin-ban-sac-viet-nam-336701.html