Hanoi, September 10, 2025 – The Vietnam Final Dissemination Event of the SOARing to Digital Transformation Project concluded with remarkable success at the Pan Pacific Hotel Hanoi, marking a significant milestone in UK-Vietnam educational collaboration and digital transformation initiatives.
Record Participation and Engagement
The flagship event, themed “Together We Transform: Case Studies & Insights from Digital Transformation Experiences in the Vietnamese Higher Education Community,” attracted strong participation from the Vietnamese higher education sector:
- In-person attendees: Approximately 60 participants
- Virtual participants: 30 participants via Zoom platform
Distinguished Leadership Opens Event
The event commenced with high-level endorsements from key diplomatic and educational leaders. Mr. Alex Strugnell, Deputy Ambassador of the British Embassy in Hanoi, highlighted the strategic value of UK-Vietnam educational partnerships, while Mr. James Shipton, Director of British Council Vietnam, emphasized the transformative impact of international collaboration in higher education.
Project Achievements Showcased
Associate Professor Milena Bobeva, SOARing DX-VN Project Lead from Bournemouth University, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the project’s remarkable achievements, including the successful implementation of digital maturity assessment tools across multiple Vietnamese institutions and the establishment of sustainable frameworks for ongoing digital transformation.
Strategic Insights from Vietnamese Leadership
The event featured strategic perspectives from prominent Vietnamese education leaders:
- Dr. Le Viet Khuyen, Vice Chairman of the Association of Vietnam Universities & Colleges, provided policy direction for accelerating digital transformation across Vietnamese higher education
- Ms. Nguyen Thi Mai Khanh, Deputy Head of International Cooperation at Vietnam Association of Community Colleges, outlined the crucial role of community colleges and international projects in supporting institutional digital development
Institutional Success Stories
The program highlighted compelling case studies from participating institutions:
Tra Vinh University: Dr. Tieu Thanh Thuy shared practical experiences in implementing digital maturity self-assessment tools, demonstrating measurable improvements in institutional digital capabilities.
University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City: Associate Professor Pham Duong Phuong Thao presented comprehensive strategies for advancing digital transformation through global engagement and international partnerships.
Community College Innovations: Representatives from Dong Thap Community College (Dr. Pham Quang Huy), Kien Giang College (Dr. Nguyen Thi Hoang Quyen), and Gia Lai College (Ms. Nguyen Thi Thao) showcased grassroots digital transformation initiatives, demonstrating scalable approaches for community-level educational institutions.
International Expertise and Industry Partnerships
The event featured prominent international and industry speakers:
Simon Berkett, Senior Digital Transformation Specialist from Jisc UK, provided valuable insights into proven international frameworks and digital maturity models that can be adapted for Vietnamese higher education contexts.
Mr. Nguyen Hung Cuong, APAC Managing Director of NashTech, offered industry perspectives on technology solutions and partnerships that support educational digital transformation initiatives.
Innovation in Teacher Education and Ecosystem Building
Two significant innovation presentations highlighted broader digital transformation approaches:
Teacher Education Digital Hub (TEDH): Dr. Nguyen Lam Duc from Vinh University presented case studies on creating digital transformation infrastructure for teacher training institutions across Vietnam.
Digi: Đổi Project: Dr. Ho Thi Hanh Tien from Phu Xuan University demonstrated comprehensive approaches to building inclusive digital ecosystems for higher education institutions.
Key Outcomes and Impact
Practical Tools and Resources: Participants gained access to proven digital transformation assessment tools, implementation frameworks, and best practice models that can be immediately applied within their institutions.
Professional Networks: The event facilitated valuable connections between Vietnamese higher education leaders, government representatives, international experts, and industry partners, creating a sustainable network for ongoing collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Policy Development: Discussions generated clear recommendations for future policy development and scaling initiatives, providing concrete pathways for sustainable digital transformation across Vietnamese higher education.
International Recognition: The event positioned the SOARing DX-VN project and participating Vietnamese institutions as regional leaders in higher education digital transformation, attracting attention from international education organizations and potential future partnerships.
Looking Forward
The success of “Together We Transform” represents a culminating achievement for the SOARing to Digital Transformation Project and establishes a strong foundation for continued UK-Vietnam educational collaboration. The insights, tools, and professional networks developed through this initiative will continue driving digital innovation across Vietnamese higher education institutions long after the project’s formal conclusion.
The SOARing DX-VN Final Event Series continues with the UK Final Dissemination Event scheduled for September 23, 2025, in London, where project outcomes will be shared with UK stakeholders and the broader international higher education community.
