The course participants and University of the Sunshine Coast experts, Aus4Skills Program Officer at the Closing Ceremony.
Education & Times Newspaper – In the afternoon 6 June in Quang Ninh, the Aus4Skills program held a Closing Ceremony for two advanced courses on Leadership, Governance and Strategic Planning tailored for 37 university leaders and lecturers from Thai Nguyen University, Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry, and Tay Bac University.
Improving the Quality of Universities in the Northern Mountainous Region is an important component of the Aus4Skills Program, under the scope of the Australia – Vietnam Human Resource Development Program, 2016 – 2020.
The ceremony was joined by Mr. Michael Sadlon, Aus4Skills Program Director, experts from the University of the Sunshine Coast (Australia), and course participants who are leaders and lecturers from three universities in the Northern mountainous region.
Tay Bac University, Thai Nguyen University, and Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry are located in a less developed area where large numbers of students come from ethnic minority communities. These universities have encountered various difficulties in meeting job market demands in terms of a high quality workforce which can positively contribute to the region’s economic development.
Mr. Michael Sadlon – Aus4Skills Program Director delivered a speech at the Closing Ceremony
Given the course objectives, each participant shared and learned the project plans of the course for institutional capacity building in each university; They also learned and practiced mind mapping method to develop plans for improving the teaching quality and effective governance in their respective university. A network of fellow workers was created for sharing practice, knowledge on leadership, governance, and strategic planning.
Since the commencement of the courses in October 2017, participants were provided with one-week study in Vietnam and two-week training at an Australian university. Upon their return, they have applied newly gained skills and knowledge at the universities with continuous support from Australian experts.
In April 2018, Ms. Tami Harriot, Manager, Global Project Development, University of Sunshine Coast (Australia) paid visits to Thai Nguyen University, Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry, and Tay Bac University, and worked with these universities’ representatives and course participants. During these visits, she provided mentoring and support to overcome obstacles occurring during the application of the knowledge gained from the course.
An expert from the University of Sunshine Coast and participants in a group discussion
“In our shared journey since November 2017, I have seen significant progress of each trainee in applying knowledge and skills in their current position. They have become more confident in providing directions, conducting daily tasks, then guiding their fellow workers in the innovation process.’’ said Tami Harriot.
In the coming time, Aus4Skills program will extend its support to Thai Nguyen University, Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry, and Tay Bac University in enhancing university governance and leadership capacity. Based on lessons learnt in the courses, Aus4Skills will open two similar courses for managers and lecturers from universities in the Northern mountainous region of Vietnam.
Prof. Dr. Dang Van Minh received a Certificate of Course Participation
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“As a participant of the course, I identified limitations in university governance and management. Through the course activities and discussions with the USC’s experts, we have developed proposals whose feasibility depends on the efforts of each university and the Vietnamese education system. Leaders of the educational sector assert clearly that the core of tertiary education reform is university autonomy and improved university governance. Accordingly, Aus4Skills Program’s course is very helpful, a basis for accelerating higher education reform process in Vietnam.” said Prof. Dr. Dang Van Minh, Vice Rector, Thai Nguyen University.
“I prepared specific proposals prior to the course and my expectations have been satisfied. I have been provided not only knowledge in leadership, governance, and strategic planning but also opportunities to learn and exchange experiences with other colleagues who became new friends and sincere partners after the course. The course closure is a brand new start for strategic planning in each participating university.” said Ms. Pham Hong Thanh, Dean of Foreign Languages Faculty, Tay Bac University.
“Before the start of the course, I shared our continuing difficulties and obstacles with experts. During the course, I was impressed by typical cases taken from a practical context, which encourage us to debate enthusiastically to find solutions for existing or potential problems. Apart from advanced knowledge, this course has been an inspiration and motivation for us to seek solutions for improving leadership, governance, and planning capacity in the universities.” said Ms. Hoang Thi Bich Thao, Director of International Training and Development Centre, Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry.
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Source: Translation of an article on Education and Times Newspaper
