DIVE National Round Table 1 Inspires Collaboration and Innovation

 A Celebration of Progress and Partnership

The opening session on 25 March kicked off with a sense of excitement and purpose. Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Chuong, Director of NEU, welcomed participants, both in-person and online, underscoring the importance of cross-border collaboration in shaping future-ready education.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fabien De Geuser (CFVG, NEU) and Dr. Le Viet Thuy (Applied IT Centre, NEU) led an inspiring presentation on the DIVE project’s achievements after its first year. Their message was clear: Vietnam is ready to embrace bold digital solutions to expand access and improve the quality of education.

From the highlands of Tay Nguyen to the coastal universities of Da Nang and Nha Trang, the first session was a powerful showcase of Vietnamese universities’ efforts to implement and scale digital learning:

• Dr. Tong Thi Lan Chi highlighted the rapid evolution of digital education in Vietnam, setting the stage for deeper discussions.

• Dr. Phan Nguyen Duy Minh shared a fascinating case study on applying digital tools to enhance engineering education at the University of Da Nang.

• Universities including Thai Nguyen University of Education, Vinh Industry University, Nha Trang University, Can Tho University, and Hue University of Agriculture and Forestry detailed their groundbreaking work under the DIVE project’s key focus areas: curriculum innovation, inclusion, and quality assurance.

The dialogues were lively, practical, and above all, collaborative—reflecting a shared determination to rethink traditional education in favor of a more agile, tech-driven future.

European Insights and Global Exchange

As the day shifted into evening, the conversation moved seamlessly into the global arena. European partners joined via online platforms, sharing transformative models and best practices:

• Prof. Dr. Sergio Martin (UNED) unveiled the innovative UNED Hub, designed to help mature learners thrive in virtual environments.

• The EFMD team presented pioneering ideas on digital quality assurance and accreditation standards.

• Dr. Mario Guillo captivated the audience with strategies for building intuitive learning platforms to boost student engagement.

• Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) rounded off the session by offering invaluable insights on supporting faculty in developing digital competencies and institutional strategies.

It was a masterclass in global knowledge exchange: east and west learning from each other, with a mutual commitment to driving excellence and equity in education.

The second day offered participants a hands-on experience. They toured the cutting-edge digital infrastructure at NEU—proof that the university is not just talking about digital transformation, but living it.

More Than an Event—A Movement

The DIVE National Round Table 1 was more than a conference; it was a rallying point for Vietnam’s higher education community. It showcased how, with the right vision and partnerships, digital transformation can be a powerful tool for inclusion, quality improvement, and innovation.

As the participants parted ways, they carried home a clear message: the journey of reimagining Vietnamese higher education for the digital age has only just begun. And it’s a journey they’ll continue together.