English as a Second Language: HaUI Takes a Leading Role in Elevating Vietnamese Higher Education

The national project, "Gradually Establishing English as a Second Language in Schools for the Period 2025-2035, with a Vision to 2045," is set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of education in Vietnam. This strategic initiative is a key focus within Politburo's Conclusion No. 91-KL/TW, which outlines fundamental and comprehensive reforms in education and training, aiming to significantly boost the foreign language proficiency of future generations.

To demonstrate its proactive stance in major educational policies, the School of Foreign Languages & Tourism at Hanoi University of Industry (HaUI) collaborated with the Ministry of Education and Training to organize an important expert seminar. The seminar focused on gathering feedback for the draft of this Project, particularly concerning aspects directly related to higher education.

This initiative not only highlights HaUI's commitment but also aligns perfectly with the university's goals and vision: to become a versatile university specializing in applied training and scientific research, operating as a smart university, and striving for international standards in key areas. Through these efforts, HaUI continues to solidify its position as a top choice for students, the community, and businesses.

Dr. Dang Van Huan, Deputy Director of the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education and Training, delivered remarks at the seminar

The seminar brought together 30 distinguished delegates, including experienced experts in managing English Language programs, English Pedagogy, and teaching specialized subjects in English. These professionals came from 10 higher education institutions across the country, along with members of the Sub-committee for Higher Education, as appointed by the Minister of Education and Training. The main goal was to collect valuable input from these experts to refine the Project's draft before its submission to the Prime Minister for approval.

Dr. Hoang Ngoc Tue, Headmaster of School of Foreign Languages &Tourism, HaUI, delivered a speech at the event

During the seminar, delegates engaged in lively discussions and offered many practical suggestions concerning the core elements of the Project's draft as it pertains to higher education. Key issues discussed in depth included: The overall and specific objectives of the Project; the evaluation standards for implementing English as a second language in universities; the essential tasks and solutions that need to be carried out.

Many participants emphasized the importance of developing a feasible roadmap and clear, specific evaluation criteria. Experts also suggested clarifying the roles of higher education institutions in improving English proficiency for lecturers and students, developing appropriate curricula and learning materials, and creating an environment that promotes frequent and effective use of English in academic and communicative settings. Furthermore, discussions covered the establishment of bilingual websites for universities, determining the proportion of specialized courses to be taught in English, and, critically, the training and professional development of teaching staff to meet the Project's new requirements.

By hosting and co-organizing this important seminar, Hanoi University of Industry once again demonstrated its proactive role and strong commitment to contributing to the nation's vital educational development strategies. The seminar successfully gathered invaluable input, providing significant support for the Project's refinement process. Simultaneously, the event created a valuable forum for experts and educational administrators to share experiences, all working towards the common goal of enhancing the quality of English language teaching and learning. This collective effort is crucial for meeting the demands of international integration and developing a high-quality workforce for Vietnam.