Minister Sơn: Focus on developing, restructuring universities going forward

Minister of Education and Training Hoàng Minh Sơn has called for a fundamental shift in the approach to managing higher education in Vietnam. During a recent meeting with the Higher Education Department, Sơn stressed that the focus must move from restrictive administrative control to a proactive, development-oriented mindset. This new approach requires officials to constantly ask how they can best support universities, students, and faculty, fostering an environment of growth and innovation rather than one of mere compliance.

The Minister highlighted that the effectiveness and quality of higher education are paramount in the current era. He asserted that a more decisive and forward-thinking approach would prevent the delays and inefficiencies that have plagued the sector. To achieve this, Sơn demanded stricter adherence to public service discipline and enhanced monitoring of task progress, emphasizing clear accountability and sanctions for non-compliance. This signals a move towards greater transparency and efficiency within the ministry itself.

Crucially, Sơn advocated for a transition from administrative oversight to data-driven governance. This means prioritizing core elements such as curriculum standards, university accreditation, and robust data systems for admissions and student tracking. The goal is to create a more dynamic and responsive higher education system that truly serves the needs of its stakeholders. The Minister's directive to focus on strategic development and university restructuring indicates a commitment to modernizing Vietnam's educational landscape to meet future challenges.

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The mindset now must be one of creating development, always asking 'how can I help the universities, the students, the lecturers?', instead of mainly setting regulations to control and restrict.