THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THANH DO UNIVERSITY ON EDUCATION IN THE AI ERA

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Thanh Thao, adjusting training programs and increasing internship time at enterprises will help students meet market demands,.

Assoc. Prof.Dr. Phan Thi Thanh Thao, President of Thanh Do University, believes that as AI and information technology continue to advance, education must stay closely aligned with real-world applications to provide greater learning value.

– With the remarkable growth of AI and information technology, what role does the university-enterprise training model play in enhancing employment opportunities for graduates?

– Higher education is facing significant challenges from AI and information technology. Adjusting university curricula, including integrating internships at enterprises, has become a necessity.

At Thanh Do University, this is implemented within the formal training program. Instead of waiting for students to complete their coursework before undertaking graduation internships, we involve them in business activities from their very first year.

The goal of this strategy is to develop soft skills through observing business operations, thereby fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. When students return to their formal studies, the university also adapts teaching methods, integrating practical insights gained from students’ observations at enterprises.

Adjusting university curricula to increase internship time at enterprises not only helps students develop comprehensively but also enhances workforce quality, meeting the growing demands of the labor market in the AI era.

– How has the university prepared its faculty members to effectively apply AI and information technology in training?

– The first step was for the university leadership to implement policies that create motivation and, most importantly, encourage faculty members to adopt a positive attitude toward continuous learning and updating their knowledge.

In addition, we regularly organize courses, seminars, and specialized events on AI to keep faculty and students informed about the latest advancements. These events also provide opportunities for students, lecturers, and leading experts in AI to exchange knowledge and insights.

Furthermore, we have designed specialized AI training programs that offer both fundamental and advanced knowledge in machine learning, deep learning, AI ethics, and practical applications. This ensures that both students and lecturers recognize the urgent need and importance of understanding AI.

At the same time, we collaborate with enterprises to provide professional development training for our faculty members. This partnership enables students to engage with real-world projects, thereby enhancing their skills and understanding of AI applications in various industries.

– What policies does the university have to connect IT students with employers to ensure future job opportunities?

– Thanh Do University adopts a training model that combines both academia and industry. Therefore, businesses are key players in the workforce training process. This means that students have the opportunity to interact with and build relationships with companies from their first year.

However, to ensure job opportunities for IT students, the university has implemented policies and activities to connect them with employers through Job Fairs. These events provide students with the chance to meet and interview directly with recruiters, explore job opportunities, and build professional relationships.

Additionally, we have a job portal on the university’s website and organize networking events between students, businesses, and alumni, creating opportunities for learning and career development. These activities help students access job opportunities, enhance their professional skills, and build connections with employers in the IT industry.

– In the process of internationalization, besides applying IT and AI, what other teaching methods does Thanh Do University incorporate?

– Thanh Do University aims to gradually establish English as the second language within the institution. To achieve this, we are internationalizing our curriculum by increasing the proportion of specialized courses taught in English, following a structured progression from 10% to 30%, and ultimately 50%.

Additionally, we have established international partnerships with prestigious universities worldwide. Currently, we are collaborating with Keimyung University, one of South Korea’s top universities with a five-star rating, on two academic programs: Information Technology and International Business.

Through this partnership, students have the opportunity to receive scholarships covering 50% – 100% of tuition fees or an English language course to meet admission requirements. Scholarship eligibility is determined based on IELTS scores, and maintaining the scholarship depends on students’ academic performance.