Redefining Higher Education in Vietnam in the Digital Age

The first chapter of this book addresses significant changes during the digital transformation in Vietnam. Global trends such as the Fourth Industrial Revolution (digital transformation and artificial intelligence, or AI) have affected universities. Emerging issues during the digital transformation require Vietnamese universities and colleges to emphasize on the balancing act between hi-technology and Vietnamese cultural domains, various competitions, and open education. In addition, graduates from universities and colleges need to be fully capable in adapting to the dynamic labor markets arising due to the impact of digital communication, remote work, and changes in various online work types. This chapter summarizes and analyzes the realities of higher education in Vietnam today. It outlines some strategies that ensure the challenges and opportunities of academic institutions, and also factors that lead to students’ success beyond graduation in the world of work. It addresses essentials of new teaching and research trends at current public and private universities, effective course development practices, and key support mechanisms for students to ensure success in their respective degree programs. The digital transformation observed in Vietnamese higher education includes student information systems, library services, and the digitization of educational processes. In addition, there are issues of the use of distance education applications and integration of digital technologies and e-learning into face-to-face education processes and mentoring students’ learning. This chapter also provides a summary of the following seven chapters of this book.