Governance, Quality Assurance and Future Direction of Higher Education in Vietnam: Towards a Sustainable Development Agenda

This book critically examines the dynamics of higher education in Vietnam within the context of global shifts, challenging the prevailing dichotomy of Global North and Global South. Focusing on the unique case of Vietnam, a nation shaped by diverse educational influences, the text investigates the country’s higher education (HE) landscape, marked by a convergence of Eastern and Western ideologies. As globalization and the COVID-19 pandemic reshape the international education scenario, Vietnam’s ability to navigate this transition, juxtaposed against Western counterparts, becomes a focal point.

The authors delve into crucial governance aspects, scrutinizing the autonomy of leading Vietnamese universities across public and private sectors. Through case studies and empirical data, the book assesses the contemporary state of HE governance and quality assurance, shedding light on internal transitions catalyzed by pivotal policy implementations. Additionally, the book explores Vietnam’s commitment to UN Sustainable Development Goal 4, unravelling features influencing higher education sustainability and potential risks demanding adaptive responses. As the book concludes, it addresses the intersection of artificial intelligence, exemplified by ChatGPT, and higher education governance, offering insights into the ethical implications of these technological advancements. This comprehensive exploration contributes a nuanced understanding of Vietnam’s higher education landscape, emphasizing the necessity for dialogue and exchange between Global North and Global South in the pursuit of sustainable, quality education for all.

Giang Hoang is an academic at Monash University. She holds a PhD in Finance and Governance from La Trobe University (LTU). She has over 18 years of experience in higher education, investment banking, and financial services. She was also Deputy Dean at Hanoi University and Executive Director of the Joint Program between La Trobe University and Hanoi University (Vietnam). While holding this position, she worked closely with LTU’s senior leaders to help the program achieve accreditation by EFMD-EPAS and AACSB.

Van-Trao Nguyen is a researcher and a lecturer at Hanoi University (HANU), Vietnam. He has worked extensively in Vietnam’s higher education (HE) sector for 30 years and gained significant experience in education and research in applied linguistics, language-in-education policy and planning, and advisory services in various areas of HE quality assurance and governance and management. In addition to being the President of Hanoi University, he has held positions on the executive board of the Linguistic Society of Vietnam and the HANU Foreign Language Studies Journal.

Minh-Hieu Thi Nguyen’s distinguished career is built on an international academic foundation from Asia-Pacific and European higher institutions. With over 20 years in academia, her leadership and governance expertise focus on innovating teaching and developing strategic partnerships. Being a key member of influential international initiatives, Nguyen actively promotes social entrepreneurship and represents the Asian Association of Social Psychology in Vietnam, working toward poverty eradication, equality, decent work, and sustainable development.