On 22 May, the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) hosted a forum at the Hanoi University of Civil Engineering on strengthening cooperation on research and training between higher education institutions and FDI enterprises. The event brought together representatives from government agencies like the MOET’s International Cooperation Department and Department of Higher Education, educational institutions, Aus4Skills, the National Innovation Center and major European companies operating in Vietnam.
Co-Chair of EuroCham’s Human Resources and Training Sector Committee William Badger spoke at the event and emphasised the importance of soft skills and sustainability training to prepare Vietnamese graduates for the global workforce. To this end, he advocated for increased collaboration through joint research initiatives that could lead to groundbreaking innovations by harnessing the strengths of Europe and Vietnam.
Mr. Badger outlined several key requirements that major European FDI companies typically look for in Vietnamese graduates, including high English proficiency, industry-specific technical knowledge, experience with specialised software tools, effective communication abilities, strong teamwork, a professional work ethic, and cross-cultural competence.
Additionally, he emphasised the growing importance of sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) training. “Universities and schools need to educate students on sustainability, energy efficiency, and best practices in ESG. These are global issues that transcend regional boundaries,” he stated. With European consumers increasingly focused on product sustainability, employees who understand a company’s ESG commitments can better appreciate their broader impact.
The forum underscored the important role that industry-academia cooperation plays in ensuring Vietnamese graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the global job market, particularly in attracting and retaining major European investments in the country.
