Creating Real Value for Students and Society
Amidst the new trend of the global economy, higher education is undergoing significant transformations. This shift requires universities to adopt innovative perspectives on developing new disciplines and creatively redesign educational programs to align with learner needs. Hanoi Industrial Textile and Garment University (HTU) has embraced this trend to enhance its capacity for training high-quality human resources for the textile and garment industry and society. Pioneering educators who design new programs play a critical role in driving this transformation.
Renewal
Sharing insights on the new Graphic Design program, which will begin instruction in the 2024–2025 academic year, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Hue, Head of the Faculty of Fashion Design, emphasized the university’s commitment to updating and enhancing training programs to align with the practical demands of the labor market. The program is designed to integrate new modules on applied arts alongside learning experiences at partner businesses. This approach helps students understand knowledge, develop practical skills, and apply it to the textile industry and society.
HTU has established strong partnerships with enterprises in the textile-garment industry and, by 2025, plans to expand these collaborations to businesses in the graphic design field. This connection not only allows students to gain real-world experience but also enables the university and its partners to organize research activities, competitions, and events such as fashion shows and student product showcases. These initiatives also help refine educational programs to meet industry demands.
The Faculty of Fashion Design has conducted labor market surveys, consulting experts, businesses, and alumni to identify practical needs. Based on these insights, the faculty has developed a flexible curriculum that incorporates the latest industry knowledge. The courses combine theoretical learning with practical projects, creative competitions, and experiential activities, encouraging students to enhance their creativity, critical thinking, teamwork, and communication skills. These initiatives ensure students are well-prepared to transition smoothly into professional roles after graduation.
Similarly, Dr. Duong Thi Tan, Head of the Faculty of Economics, highlighted the transformative impact of the global economy, particularly the rise of digital technologies and evolving business models. Recognizing the immense potential of E-commerce and Business Administration, the university introduced the E-commerce program in 2023 and plans to launch the Business Administration program in 2024. These programs aim to equip students with specialized knowledge and practical skills aligned with modern technological trends.
To meet these objectives, HTU’s training programs integrate technology and digitization. For instance, the E-commerce curriculum covers foundational knowledge as well as advanced topics such as data analytics, search engine optimization, e-commerce platform management, and the use of artificial intelligence in marketing and customer service. Students also gain experience with digital tools and software, preparing them to navigate real-world technological platforms during their studies. Meanwhile, the Business Administration program incorporates modules on digital transformation in business management, supply chain digitization, and the use of technological tools in decision-making.
To enhance practical learning, the Faculty of Economics has implemented various initiatives, such as collaborating with reputable enterprises and training organizations to develop up-to-date curricula. Faculty members participate in professional development events hosted by the Vietnam E-commerce Association and trade education networks to ensure their knowledge remains current. Over the past two years, HTU has also encouraged students to participate in startup and digital business competitions, allowing them to work with digital platforms and gain practical business experience.
These measures ensure that HTU students excel in both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills. The emphasis on technological application and digital transformation provides them with a strong foundation to meet employer demands in E-commerce and Business Administration, preparing them to enter the job market with confidence and a competitive edge.
Lecturers Ready to Adapt
Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Hue, Head of the Faculty of Fashion Design, shared that lecturers have approached the establishment of new programs with a proactive and positive mindset, fully aware of the importance of educational innovation amidst a competitive labor market.
“One of the biggest challenges in teaching a new program is the lack of appropriate materials, textbooks, and resources. This sometimes makes it difficult to develop the curriculum,” she said. “Additionally, new programs often require innovative and distinct teaching methods. Identifying and applying these methods effectively is a difficult task. Thanks to the efforts of our teaching staff and the support of the university’s leadership, we have gradually overcome these difficulties, building a high-quality program that attracts students. We all understand that teaching a new program effectively requires learning and updating professional knowledge. This motivates each of us to participate in training courses, workshops, and research related to the subject” added Ms. Nguyen Thi Le Nga, a lecturer in Graphic Design.
Similarly, Ms. Le Thi Thuan, a lecturer in E-commerce, expressed her enthusiasm for the new opportunities, saying, “We embrace this challenge with a spirit of innovation, passion, and responsibility. However, being a pioneer in teaching also brings significant challenges, especially in updating professional knowledge, renewing teaching methods, and developing materials that meet practical demands. To address these difficulties, we regularly hold meetings to share experiences, seek quality resources from reputable institutions, and participate in specialized training courses in E-commerce and Business Administration. Additionally, we collaborate with partners to closely understand labor market needs, adjusting our teaching content to ensure relevance and practicality. As a result, students not only master theoretical knowledge but also develop skills that meet employers’ requirements immediately after graduation.”
Ms. Thuan, who is currently pursuing a doctoral program with a focus on E-commerce, aims to deepen her expertise while contributing to program development in this field at the university. Similarly, faculty members in Business Administration actively research and update trends, including supply chain management, digital workforce management, customer relationship management, innovation management, and essential soft skills for the modern business environment.
Each lecturer adopts a unique approach to teaching new disciplines, but they share a common goal: to inspire students while helping them recognize the career opportunities these programs offer. They aim to prepare students with the confidence and adaptability needed to thrive in a constantly evolving job market.
Ms. Thuan concluded, “Teaching a new program, we aspire to update and enhance our professional expertise through training courses and workshops, both domestically and internationally. We also wish to gain practical industry experience in E-commerce and Business Administration. Additionally, we hope the university will organize more specialized competitions, creative activities, and entrepreneurial initiatives to provide students with practical opportunities to showcase their talents. These elements are crucial for HTU to establish a strong reputation for its new programs within the higher education system.”
Attracting Students Through Quality
Graphic Design is a program offered by many major universities. To establish a competitive position and attract students, HTU has developed flexible programs that integrate areas such as multimedia art design and digital graphics. This broadens students’ perspectives on the field, enabling them to understand the application of graphic design across various domains and enhancing their versatility in the workforce.
“We employ modern teaching methods, such as project-based learning, to create an engaging educational experience. In addition, we build strong partnerships with businesses to provide internships and job opportunities for students after graduation. Utilizing social media platforms to connect with students, we share valuable information about the program while organizing extracurricular activities, clubs, and events that help students develop soft skills, network, and explore personal interests. By focusing on these factors, we aim to create a high-quality learning environment that attracts students and elevates the department’s position in higher education,” emphasized Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Hue, Head of the Faculty of Fashion Design.
Similarly, to compete with other universities offering the same programs and attract students, HTU’s Faculty of Economics focuses on three key elements: program quality, faculty expertise, and practical experience for students.
Dr. Duong Thi Tan, Head of the Faculty of Economics, explained:
“First and foremost, we emphasize building a flexible, up-to-date curriculum aligned with real-world demands. The programs are designed to provide foundational knowledge while emphasizing practical application, especially in digital transformation and technology in commerce and management. In the E-commerce program, students gain skills in data analysis, project management, and implementing modern technology tools. Similarly, the Business Administration curriculum integrates digital management content, decision-making based on data analysis, and digital supply chain management. To keep pace with market changes, we regularly update the curriculum based on real-world needs and feedback from businesses.”
The university also prioritizes expanding and enhancing the quality of its teaching staff. Lecturers are encouraged to participate in advanced training programs, collaborate with leading experts, and engage in practical courses related to technology and management in E-commerce and Business Administration. Additionally, the Faculty of Economics plans to invite business professionals to conduct specialized lectures, offering students deeper insights and practical experience from industry leaders.
Practical experience for students is another key focus of the new programs. The Faculty of Economics is currently developing a virtual trading platform where E-commerce students can practice modules such as digital marketing and e-commerce operations. For Business Administration students, the faculty implements real-world projects like innovation-driven entrepreneurship and partnerships with businesses for hands-on experience in human resource management software, quality management, customer relationship management, and ERP applications for resource planning and business strategy development.
Furthermore, the faculty collaborates with companies providing e-commerce platforms and organizes specialized competitions to help students improve their skills and gain practical experience during their academic journey. Through these initiatives, HTU aims to equip students with comprehensive knowledge, hands-on expertise, and a competitive edge, enabling them to thrive in the rapidly evolving job market.