Pioneering digital transformation to achieve international excellence

Recognising and adapting to global trends is vital for institutions to meet the needs of learners and stay relevant in the digital era. “Higher education is undergoing profound transformation driven by internationalisation, digitalisation and lifelong learning,” says Nguyen Minh Ha, president of Ho Chi Minh City Open University (HCMCOU) in Vietnam. “In response to these trends, HCMCOU aims to position itself as a modern open university that bridges traditional and digital education.”

Founded in 1990 as a multidisciplinary public university, HCMCOU has continuously adapted to national and international trends, keeping up with changes in global academic standards. The effectiveness of this dynamic approach is reflected in the university’s growing reputation and excellence.

The university was chosen by Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training to deliver an educational technology training network as part of the national digital transformation initiative. This is a testament to the HCMCOU’s pioneering position in digital education. Its focus on digital transformation includes a comprehensive learning management system that follows students throughout their academic journey, be it a traditional undergraduate course or a lifelong learning top-up module from Vietnam’s massive open online courses.

The university ensures that its courses remain relevant both nationally and internationally by designing them based on labour market demands and international quality frameworks. HCMCOU offers courses accredited by Vietnam’s accreditation agencies and international organisations such as the Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation and the Association of South-east Asian Nations University Network-Quality Assurance. This enables HCMCOU students to confidently enter the global labour market or pursue further academic paths in any country.

The scientific research centres at HCMCOU publish around 300 papers each year, contributing to global knowledge in various disciplines. The HCMCOU Journal of Science is one of two publications in Vietnam to be recognised by its Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism for excellence in digital transformation in journalism.

By focusing on the well-being of students and using international benchmarks for education, HCMCOU has cultivated a flexible learning ecosystem that prepares graduates to thrive. The university’s commitment to delivering world-class education is strengthened by its flexible and supportive learning environment. It offers diverse learning modes that incorporate full-time, distance and online learning, and places learners at the centre of its strategy.

“The university serves tens of thousands of learners across various modes, highlighting its strong commitment to accessibility and flexibility,” Nguyen Minh Ha says. More than 7,000 students currently benefit from the scholarship opportunities offered by the university. Students can also participate in international experiences through partnerships with institutions across Europe, Asia and the US.

HCMCOU also encourages faculty members to take part in academic exchanges, which support their professional development and contribute to the university’s digital transformation journey, says Nguyen Minh Ha. Staff are trained in digital pedagogy and modern education technologies. “The university recognises that digital transformation requires not only infrastructure but also human capacity development.”

Find out more about Ho Chi Minh City Open University.