Summary
Highlights
The host, Quoc Khanh, introduces the 'Proud Vietnam' podcast, a new series on Viet Success. The podcast aims to share inspiring stories that make Vietnam proud. This first season collaborates with 'Vietnam Thoi Khac Viet' forum to bring diverse perspectives from influential Vietnamese intellectuals and professionals. The guest for this episode is Associate Professor, Dr. Phan Thanh Binh, former chairman of the National Assembly's Committee for Culture, Education, Youth, and Children, and former director of Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City.
Dr. Binh discusses Vietnam's development over the past 50 years since unification. He notes Vietnam's large population (15th globally with 100 million people) and significant achievements across various sectors, contributing to its growing global standing. He acknowledges that while there have been many efforts in education, it still faces challenges, particularly in meeting national development expectations and bridging the gap with international educational standards. He highlights concerns about the increasing number of Vietnamese students studying abroad, even in places like Malaysia, indicating a potential gap in domestic education.
Dr. Binh emphasizes two crucial aspects for educational reform: individualizing and personalizing the learning process, and increasing the autonomy of educational institutions. He points out that while the concept of 'student-centered learning' is acknowledged, its effective implementation in Vietnamese schools remains a challenge. The ultimate goal of education, he argues, is to help learners 'understand beauty' (chân thiện mỹ) and become 'intellectual human beings' (người trí thức) – individuals who know themselves, understand their place, and know what they need to do. This involves not just knowledge but also living beautifully and having strong opinions.
Three main factors influence human development: cultural heritage, legal frameworks, and economic conditions. These factors operate within a broader PESTLE (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, Environmental) framework, which necessitates constant adaptation in education. Dr. Binh notes that current educational reforms, especially in general education and university admissions (e.g., competency assessment), are moving towards recognizing individual abilities and inclinations. However, the crucial element is the teaching staff and management, who need to shift from traditional teaching to fostering student talent and self-learning. Students themselves must also understand their needs and take ownership of their learning, with support from families and society.
Dr. Binh examines the issue of university autonomy, highlighting that it currently focuses more on financial aspects than academic or organizational self-governance. True autonomy, he suggests, involves curriculum design, teaching methods, and staffing decisions. He notes a resistance from management to fully relinquish control, partly due to a lack of trust in institutions' capacity for self-management. He also differentiates between 'leading,' 'pulling,' and 'pushing' universities, noting that Vietnamese universities often fall into the 'pushing' category, merely responding to societal demands rather than driving innovation. He points out that some efforts in autonomy can lead to confusion and a lack of clear direction.
Dr. Binh discusses three critical issues in the educational environment: the gap between policy and implementation, the need for stable and long-term policies, and inadequate funding. He criticizes the lack of continuity in educational policies, often influenced by political terms rather than a consistent long-term vision. He emphasizes that education requires stability over at least 5-10 years to see results. Regarding funding, he identifies three main sources: state budget, societal contributions, and student fees, noting that an overemphasis on student contributions has skewed the system. He also highlights the need for a clear distinction and interconnectedness between practical, applied, and research-oriented education.
Dr. Binh explains that the balance between practical skills, applied knowledge, and research in education should align with a country's economic development. For developing countries like Vietnam, practical and applied skills are often more critical. However, current societal perceptions often prioritize academic degrees like doctorates, overlooking the importance of skilled practitioners. He emphasizes the need for a collaborative approach where different educational levels and types (practical, applied, research) are interconnected and mutually supportive, rather than fragmented. He highlights the growing self-awareness of young people who increasingly prioritize practical skills and specific career paths over traditional academic pursuits.
Dr. Binh praises the adaptability, industriousness, and ambition of Vietnamese youth. He believes they possess a strong spirit to overcome challenges and assert themselves. He asserts that while external appearances might be deceiving, Vietnamese youth, when placed in the right environment, quickly adapt and dedicate themselves to their passions. This adaptability, he argues, stems from Vietnam's history of overcoming adversity, fostering a resilience and drive to excel. He suggests that this adaptability, combined with an underlying sense of national pride, defines the Vietnamese character.
Dr. Binh addresses the perception that Vietnamese people are highly adaptable but might lack collective unity. He re-emphasizes his preference for the term 'unified Vietnam' (đất nước Việt Nam thống nhất) as an adjective, signifying a permanently unified nation, rather than a past action. He notes that while Vietnamese people integrate well into other cultures, their deep-seated patriotism often resurfaces in times of need. The 'Time for Vietnam' forum aims to harness this collective spirit, not through overt nationalism, but by promoting a 'Vietnamese brand' or 'Vietnamese image' through the collective achievements of talented individuals across various fields—business, science, arts, sports. This movement seeks to create a shared culture and sense of Vietnamese identity.
Dr. Binh expresses strong confidence in the current generation of Vietnamese youth, describing them as 'talented' and 'smart'. He believes they are open-minded, eager to learn, and ready to integrate globally, discarding past prejudices. He suggests that the 'Time for Vietnam' forum can provide a supportive environment for these young people to shine and further develop their potential. He envisions a future where individual learners, through their demands and active participation (co-designing their education), drive the institutional autonomy of universities. This includes students having representation in university boards, ensuring their voices are heard and considered in shaping educational pathways.
The host thanks Dr. Binh for his insights into education and the spirit of Vietnam. He provides details about the upcoming 'Vietnam Thoi Khac Viet' forum, organized by the Peace and Development Fund of Ho Chi Minh City. This multi-faceted forum, taking place on August 16-17 in Ho Chi Minh City, will cover themes of culture, connection, and creativity. He encourages viewers to find more information via the link in the video description and to follow Viet Success on YouTube and podcast platforms for future content.