Talk with the Experts: The Story of Higher Education in 2025

In the context of a world that is constantly moving, Vietnamese higher education faces great opportunities and challenges. To clarify the picture of higher education in 2025, the Electronic Information Center of Van Hien University had a dialogue and shared directly with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Huy Hoang, Standing Vice President of Van Hien University – an expert with many years of experience in the field of education.

The overall picture and the backlogs that need attention
Question: looking back at the education picture in 2024, would you like to assess what the bright spots and the remaining problems are that need to be solved?
ASSoc.prof.Dr. Tran Huy Hoang: The year of 2024 marks many important steps for the education sector. We have witnessed a strong digital transformation with the application of information technology to teaching and learning. Online learning platforms and teaching aids have become popular, facilitating more flexible access to knowledge for learners, especially in the context of the pandemic and post-pandemic. In addition, the implementation of the new General Education Program also brings positive innovations in teaching and learning methods, towards developing comprehensive competencies for students, focusing on the formation of core qualities and competencies, instead of focusing only on academic knowledge. The State's attention to teachers and lecturers through policies to support salaries and bonuses, improve professional qualifications and improve working conditions is also a noteworthy bright spot.
 However, we also need to look directly at the problems that still exist. The quality of lecturers in some regions is still limited, especially in remote areas where socio-economic conditions are still difficult, leading to many challenges in attracting and retaining good lecturers. The disparity in the quality of education between schools, especially between urban and rural areas, remains a major challenge, requiring more synchronous and effective solutions.

ASSoc.Prof Dr. Tran Huy Hoang: I think that changing the mindset and way of doing is a key factor. We need to boldly innovate training programs, teaching methods (from one-way knowledge transfer to learner capacity development), assessment methods (from knowledge assessment to capacity and process assessment) and the role of lecturers (from knowledge imparters to instructors,  advisor and motivator). There is a need to invest more strongly in educational technology (development of online learning platforms, educational applications and teaching support tools) and strengthen the connection between education and business and society (through internship programs, internships, collaborative research projects and experience exchange activities). Most importantly, we need the cooperation of the whole society to build a quality education that meets the needs of development.

Question: Necessary baggage for young people in the period of integration 
We are living in a turbulent era. So, in your opinion, what are the most important skills that students need to be equipped to adapt and succeed in the future, especially in 2025?
ASSoc.Prof. Dr. Tran Huy Hoang: In the current context, in addition to solid professional knowledge, students need to equip themselves the following skills: Critical thinking and problem-solving (the ability to analyze information, evaluate problems, come up with creative and effective solutions),  collaboration and communication skills (teamwork, effective communication, confident presentation, and respect for differences), creativity and innovation (the spirit of experimentation, exploration, creating new ideas, and taking risks) and technology skills (the ability to use information technology proficiently,  exploit digital tools and applications to serve learning and work, and be aware of cybersecurity). These are important baggage to help students confidently integrate internationally and enter into the competitive labor market.

Question: So how will these skills be trained in the context of education in 2025?
ASSoc.Prof. Dr. Tran Huy Hoang: There  will be a big change in learning methods. We'll see more project-based learning activities (helping students apply knowledge to solving real problems), group activities (fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among members), discussion (practicing critical thinking and communication skills), and practical problem-solving (helping students develop their abilities applying knowledge to life). Lecturers will act as instructors, facilitators, and supporter students in developing these skills. At Van Hien University, we pay special attention to training soft knowledge and skills, helping students integrate better in the new period.

Question: are pioneers of innovation, learners are ready to adapt and upgrade themselves in the "era of the nation's growth"
How will the role of lecturers change in the context of education in 2025?
ASSoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Huy Hoang: Lecturers are no longer one-way imparters of knowledge. They will become mentors, advisors, companions and inspirations for students. Lecturers need to constantly update effectively their knowledge, teaching methods and using technology. They also need to have communication skills, understand student psychology and the ability to motivate students.

So do you have any messages for educators and students on the upcoming journey of education and self-training?
ASSoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Huy Hoang: For educators, I hope that teachers will constantly learn and innovate teaching methods, create a positive learning environment and always care and orient students. For students, please define clear goals,  active learning, practicing soft skills and actively participating in practical extracurricular activities for the purpose of serving the community. Remember, learning is a journey of discovery for yourself and the world around you, so keep learning and upgrading yourself to adapt to the changes of the times. Especially for the "era of national growth", young people need to make more efforts.

Thank you very much Assoc.Prof.Dr. Tran Huy Hoang about the insightful and meaningful sharing. I wish you good health and further success in your career path.