On the afternoon of September 12, Dong Thap University organized a thematic session entitled “Open Thinking – Positioning Dong Thap University as a Community-Engaged University in the New Era,” featuring insights shared by Comrade Le Minh Hoan (“Xich Lo”), former Vice Chairman of the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The program was attended by experts, business representatives, University leaders, and key staff members.
The session took place in an open and engaging atmosphere. Building on the theme of “Open Thinking”, the speaker introduced a range of new approaches to higher education, focusing on opening up questions, learning spaces, the role of lecturers, scientific research, community engagement, university governance, and building the University’s brand through action.
Drawing on his practical experience in management and local development, Comrade Le Minh Hoan shared relatable stories highlighting the need for new ways of thinking, working, and connecting in a changing context. In higher education, the value of a university is reflected in the quality of its education, its capacity to generate knowledge and develop people, and its meaningful contributions to society.
Through his many visits, discussions, and engagements with Dong Thap University, “Xich Lo” Le Minh Hoan has shown great interest in and support for the University. His insights over the course of these interactions have encouraged Dong Thap University to become increasingly connected with real-world practice, local communities, and society; foster innovation and creativity; and generate meaningful value for the wider community.
Building on the insights shared by “Xich Lo” Le Minh Hoan, Dr. Le Hoang The – CEO of the VOS Ecosystem – offered additional perspectives from business practice, particularly on connecting knowledge with production, markets, and sustainable development. Drawing on experience in implementing models related to the circular economy, regenerative agriculture, emission reduction, and value chains, Dr. Le Hoang The emphasized the importance of collaboration among universities, businesses, and communities in translating knowledge into practice and creating new value for local development.
From a human resources perspective, Dr. Nguyen Vinh Luan – Human Resources Director of Imexpharm Pharmaceutical Joint Stock Company – discussed changes in recruitment amid the increasingly evident impact of AI. Drawing on the company's philosophy of “Hire for Attitude – Train for Skills,” his insights raised important considerations for educating learners who are adaptable, proactive in learning, and prepared for the evolving demands of the labor market. This practical perspective also provides Dong Thap University with further grounds to strengthen connections with businesses, identify emerging workforce needs, and explore potential “blue oceans” – new directions and spaces for development in education and training.
The perspectives shared from management, community engagement, and business practice further highlighted the development direction that Dong Thap University is gradually putting into practice. Building on its strength in teacher education, the University continues to expand its academic fields, advance research, strengthen cooperation, and enhance connections with practice, progressively reinforcing its role as a higher education institution that contributes to the development of the locality and the wider region.
During the discussion session, the University's key staff members raised a range of questions concerning the role of lecturers, university governance, AI applications, workforce needs, university–industry collaboration, community engagement, and brand positioning. These direct exchanges opened up further perspectives for the University's innovation and development in the coming period.
Speaking at the program, Dr. Truong Tan Dat – Secretary of the Party Committee, Rector of Dong Thap University – expressed his sincere appreciation for the insightful and practice-oriented sharing of Comrade Le Minh Hoan, as well as the contributions of the experts and business representatives. The Rector noted that the perspectives exchanged during the program offered practical insights for the University to continue renewing its approach to governance, enhance the quality of education, strengthen engagement with businesses and communities, and thereby further translate Dong Thap University's development orientation into concrete actions in the new period.
The program opened up many new questions, perspectives, and directions for reflection among the University's key staff members. Through the insights of “Xich Lo” Le Minh Hoan and the practical perspectives contributed by experts and business representatives, Dong Thap University gained further inspiration to continue innovating, strengthening connections, and more clearly positioning itself as a university closely connected with practice, committed to local development, and dedicated to creating meaningful value for learners, communities, and society. Photos from the event:
New & Photos: Hoai PhongTranslation: Chanh Truc