Vietnam, Australia join hands in enhancing internationalisation of higher education

Hanoi – A series of training sessions, as part of a project on the internationalisation of higher education, concluded on April 11, reported the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET).

Co-organised by the MoET and the Australian Department of Education since March 25, the training courses saw the participation of managers and lecturers from 44 tertiary education establishments in online and in-person sessions.

The training sessions were part of the activities carried out by the MoET in accordance with the Prime Minister’s decision which outlines the action plan for foreign investment cooperation in the 2021-2023 period. It was also part of the framework of the Vietnam-Australia enhanced cooperation strategy.

The training content is related to the internationalisation of higher education and cooperation in student exchange, research and curricula, and quality assurance in cross-national education. The content is also related to research on international education, models, and strategies in collaboration in cross-national education.

Managers and experts from tertiary establishments shared insights in identifying key internationalisation strategies, as well as advantages and challenges in higher education.

They were tasked with developing collaborative training programmes and shared measures related to human resources, operational criteria, establishment of campuses of universities in different countries, opportunities, and challenges for higher education institutions.

John Molony, Pro Vice-Chancellor, and Vice President of International Programme at Deakin University, who has devoted considerable time to studying cross-national education, said the Deakin University prioritises curricula and plans for international students. It also outlines major international education themes that align with its capabilities to develop internationalisation strategies.

The Deakin University understands that internationalisation does not mean globalisation and always actively ensures this principle. The educational goals of institutions vary, and the Deakin University chooses to focus on and invest in the internationalisation of education in India, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

He believed that drawing international students brings resources to universities. It is also an opportunity for them to fulfill commitments to partners in building their brands.

Therefore, he said international cooperation among universities does not only occur in the short term but requires sustained efforts with a clear approach and strategic focus.

Meanwhile, Prof. Chris Ziguras, former President of the International Education Association of Australia and Director of the Centre for the Study of Higher Education at the University of Melbourne, said carrying out strategies and plans for internationalising higher education requires ongoing evaluation and measurement against established criteria. It involves comparing with previous actions to adjust and allocate resources for future development. Additionally, it is crucial to create an environment conducive to building capacity toward internationalisation.

The training sessions are expected to contribute to the continued development of Vietnam's higher education sector on the global market.

A surge in Australian investment is expected to hit Vietnam following the elevation of the Vietnam-Australia relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

A delegation from WoolProducers Australia (WoolProducers), the peak organisation representing Australian wool farmers, is in Ho Chi Minh City from April 10 to 13, to launch the roadmap for wool processing in Vietnam.

The Australia-Vietnam Green Economy Summit took place in Ho Chi Minh City on April 16, attracting nearly 200 businesses, investors, and experts from both countries.

The Australian Embassy in Vietnam and the Electricity Regulatory Authority of Vietnam (ERAV) signed an MoU on April 17 to collaborate on the development of a competitive electricity market.