Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City (HCMUT, VNU-HCM), in its efforts for internationalised education strategy, has put great emphasis on the major goal of enhancing either the quality or quantity of training activities in soft skills and physical education for Office for International Study Programs (OISP) students.

OISP Student Conference 2024, held on Sunday, April 14th, has drawn a strong showing of nearly 300 students, representing a diverse range of cohorts at HCMUT OISP.

The conference kicked off with a consolidated response session by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Truong Quang Vinh, Vice Director of the OISP. Issues addressed ranged from campus facilities,  tuition fee and scholarship policies, course registration procedures, to international professors, student extracurricular activities, and social work credits. His comprehensive responses underscored HCMUT’s commitment to further investing in infrastructure, leveraging educational quality, fulfilling student services, while diversifying academic and physical activities. 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Truong Quang Vinh, Vice Director of the OISP, responding to students’ questions.

Next on the stage, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thien Phuc, Vice President of HCMUT, highlighted: HCMUT’s pioneering role in internationalising higher education has been significant since the early 2000s. The next 5-10 years continue to witness the university’s endeavours in curriculum revamps, teaching – managerial staff development, as well as a focus on attracting and enhancing services for international students. 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thien Phuc, Vice President of HCMUT, highlighting its education internationalisation strategy.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dang Dang Tung, Director of the OISP, then presented a comprehensive overview of the university’s robust internship ecosystem, career guidance programs, and scholarship opportunities. He also unveiled the OISP’s promising initiative: the Soft Skills and Physical Training Project Planning (2024-2028). The project aims to equip students with crucial skills to thrive in today’s ever-changing social and business landscape, while promoting well-rounded health and physical capabilities. Some foundational projects are already underway, including renovated sports courts, the launch of talent-nurturing competitions and clubs (including the recently established OISP Judo Club), and a series of workshops, webinars, and camps focusing on essential soft skills. Time management skills, Mastering the art of Life Navigation, International presentation skills, et cetera, are a few to be named.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dang Dang Tung, Director of the OISP, informing the plan for Soft Skills and Physical Training Project Planning for OISP students.

Regarding campus facilities, OISP has made significant progress. In 2023, a great deal of milestones were completed, including upgrades to the B11 sports courts, renovated faculty lounges in buildings B9 and B10, a refreshed main gate pond area, new classroom doors, a refurbished C6 canteen and clubhouse, and the completion of the BKA Auditorium (B2). Looking ahead, 2024 promises continued improvements such as restroom renovations, new classroom furniture, upgraded medical stations, enhancements to the B11 badminton court, and renovations to the B4 canteen. Additionally, network and camera system upgrades are in progress.

The conference featured a lively Q&A session with active student participation. Students raised concerns and posed questions about online class schedules, internship registration procedures, regulations for sports facility usage, and weekly student activities. The panel thoughtfully addressed all inquiries, demonstrating the university’s commitment to open communication and responsiveness to student feedback.

OISP Student Conference is annually organised by the Office for International Study Programs (OISP) of Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City (HCMUT, VNU-HCM), with an aim to: – Gather feedback and innermost desires of learners, in order to innovate – enhance the quality of education and support services. – Address student concerns  – Announce the development direction of the university in general and the OISP in particular.