TRƯỜNG ĐẠI HỌC THƯƠNG MẠI

KHOA KINH TẾ VÀ KINH DOANH QUỐC TẾ

BÁO CÁO THẢO LUẬN

HỌC PHẦN: TIẾNG ANH THƯƠNG MẠI 1

ĐỀ TÀI

Education and Training in Vietnam

Nhóm sinh viên thực hiện: 2

Lớp học phần: 242_ENTI3311_29

Giảng viên hướng dẫn: Phạm Thị Phương Liên

Hà Nội, 2025
 MỤC LỤC

1.Introduction & Overview……………………………………………………………

2. Historical Development………………………………………………………………..

3. Curent Trends & Innovations………………………………………………………...

4. Challanges & Opportunities…………………………………………………………..

5. Conclusion & Future Outlook………………………………………………………...

ĐÁNH GIÁ THÀNH VIÊN……………………………………………………………...

1. Introduction & Overview

“Business sectors” are broad categories that classify economic activities based on the type
of goods or services they produce and represent the macro-level structure of an economy.
Meanwhile, “Business industries” are subgroups within sectors that group businesses by
their specific economic activities or products. Clearly, they are more specialized than
sectors.

Therefore, we narrowed our topic field, which is only in Vietnam. Well, Vietnam has a
wide variety of well-known sectors and industries such as “Agriculture, Information
technology, tourism, manufacturing, textiles and garments, etc…”. But we decided to pick
up a pretty much familiar one, which is about “Education and Training”. This one bridges
tradition and innovation together, shapes minds and fuels the nation’s rise. Follow us and
we will explore how this sector has become a linchpin of Vietnam’s socio-economic
transformation. Let’s begin with an overview of its role, structure, and significance.

Education is Vietnam’s third-largest public expenditure, receiving 20% of the national

budget. It employs over 1.2 million teachers and contributes 5.8% to GDP—a figure set to
grow as Vietnam targets becoming a high-income economy by 2045. But beyond
numbers, education is a catalyst for equality. According to Professor Nguyen Van Minh,
in order to raise a child in both mental and physical ways, we need to have “3 pillars”
which are School, Family and Society.

Vietnam’s education system is divided into 5 levels. The first level is preschool (ages 3-5)
which is pretty much optional. Secondly, from ages 6-11, we have primary school and
students mainly focus on literacy and numeracy. Thirdly, from ages 11-15, we have lower
secondary, this is mandatory as well with a broader curriculum. Moreover, from 15-18,
we have upper secondary or high school. Particularly, at this level, students have to enrol
2
in competitive exams to enter their chosen school. Last but not least, higher education
includes universities such as TMU, HUST, NEU,... and other vocational colleges.

Traditionally teacher-centered, Vietnam is shifting toward student-centered learning. The

2018 New General Education Program reduces rote memorization, emphasizing creativity
and critical thinking. Challenges remain in rural areas due to resource gaps. Reforms also
target teacher training and curriculum modernization, though implementation is uneven.

Vietnam also shines internationally with a lot of achievements namely; 2018 PISA
Rankings: 13th in reading, 24th in math, and 4th in science—outperforming the OECD
average. Literacy Rate: 95.8% (World Bank, 2019), with near gender parity in enrollment.
STEM Focus: Rising university programs in tech and engineering, fueling a skilled
workforce.

2. Historical Development

To truly grasp the challenges and opportunities in Vietnamese education today, it's
essential to understand the forces that shaped it. We'll explore how ancient philosophies,
colonial influences, and national struggles have all contributed to the system we see now.
It's a story of adaptation, resilience, and the pursuit of progress.

Education and Training in Vietnam: Historical Development

(1) Confucianism Era: The foundation of learning

Our story begins with Confucianism, which provided the very foundation of Vietnamese
learning for centuries. Rooted in Chinese thought, this system focused on moral principles
and social order. It trained mandarins - scholar-officials - to govern the country. While
emphasizing knowledge and ethics, this system primarily served the elite, creating a gap
in educational access. (Pause)

(2) French Era: Seeds of western education

The French colonial period marked a turning point. France introduced a Western-style
education system, bringing new subjects like science and math. This created opportunities
for some Vietnamese to access modern knowledge. However, it also reinforced colonial
power and cultural dominance. The Confucian system gradually lost its influence, leading
to a clash between tradition and modernity.

(3) War Era: Education under fire

The 20th century brought war and division. Education became intertwined with national
identity and ideology. In North Vietnam, it focused on socialist values and practical skills
for building a new society. In South Vietnam, it was more Western-oriented, but faced

3
challenges from conflict and instability. This era highlighted education's role in shaping a
nation's future, even amidst turmoil.

(4) “Doi Moi” Era: Rebuilding and Reforming

Following reunification, the “Doi Moi” reforms of the 1980s brought renewed focus on
education. Recognizing its importance for economic growth and global integration, the
government invested in improving quality and access. International partnerships played a
crucial role. This era marked a shift towards a more modern and inclusive education
system.

In short, Vietnam's educational history is a tapestry woven from diverse threads. From
Confucianism to colonialism, war to reform, each era has shaped the system we see today.
The story is one of challenges overcome and opportunities seized. The legacy of the past
informs the present and guides the future of education in Vietnam.

3. Curent Trends & Innovations

1. Digital Transformation in Education

Vietnam is changing education with technology. The Ministry of Education and Training
(MOET) supports online learning platforms, e-books, and smart classrooms. Schools and
universities use Learning Management Systems (LMS) like Moodle, Edmodo, and
Microsoft Teams to help students learn online. Also, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is helping
students learn better. AI can personalize lessons based on student progress.

2. EdTech and Online Learning Growth

Many EdTech startups in Vietnam, like Hocmai, Topica, Elsa Speak, and Kyna, help
students learn online. These platforms provide:

-Online courses for students and workers.

-AI-powered English learning apps, like Elsa Speak.

-Job skills and vocational training for better careers.

After COVID-19, hybrid learning (online + offline) is still popular.

3. Focus on Soft Skills and Career Readiness

Companies now want employees with soft skills like communication, teamwork, and
4
critical thinking. Schools and universities are adding:

-Entrepreneurship, leadership, and digital skills courses.

-Career guidance programs to help students choose jobs.

-Internships and job training with companies.

4. Expansion of Bilingual and International Education

More parents want bilingual education and international programs for their children.

-International schools offer IB (International Baccalaureate), Cambridge, and American

curricula.

-Some public schools have bilingual English programs to prepare students for global jobs.

5. AI and Big Data in Education

-AI and Big Data are improving education:

-AI chatbots help students with questions.

-Predictive analytics find students who need extra help.

-Automated grading saves teachers time.

Education in Vietnam is changing fast. Digitalization, STEM, and international education

are very important. Schools are moving from memorization to active learning. These
trends help students get the skills they need for modern jobs.

4. Challanges & Opportunities

1. Challenges

a, Practical skills

Vietnam’s education system has been concentrated on academic and university level in
contrast to the emphasis on vocational training and practical skills development. Focusing
on academic knowledge only causes the shortage of realistic lessons, leading to students
having difficult adaptability when entering the labor market. The labor market in Vietnam
5
is evolving rapidly, particularly with the growth of industries such as technology,
manufacturing, and services. However, several soft skills such as communication,
teamwork, and critical thinking are often neglected.

b, Brain drain

Nowadays, brain drain is one of the biggest obstacles for Vietnam’s educational systems.
A significant number of Vietnamese students are seeking higher education in other
countries because of infrastructure, teacher quality, and occupation chance. After
graduating, they decide to stay in other countries instead of coming back to Vietnam
which leads to the loss of talent and human capital. For instance, there were many
talented Vietnamese people after receiving learning support fees from the nation. Instead
of coming back to the country to dedicate their abilities, they decided to stay overseas.

c, Teacher shortage

Teachers in remote areas have to teach multiple subjects without proper training. Besides,
there are several studies pointed out that educators are one of the most underpaid jobs in
Vietnam, which leads to the decrease in their motivation. The teacher-to-student ratio
remains high in many public schools, making it difficult to provide personalized attention.

2. Opportunities

a, Economics growth

The demand for skilled workers in manufacturing, technology, and services in Vietnam is
increasing rapidly because of the rapid economic growth and the rise in foreign
investments. Meanwhile, the expansion of vocational training programs aligned with
industry needs, particularly in electronics, construction, and IT.

b, Technology growth

With the growing access to the Internet and smart devices enables online education
expansion especially in remote areas. In the Covid-19 pandemics, people witnessed a
huge development of e-learning platforms, virtual classrooms, and AI and how advanced

6
technology is.

c, Education demand

As the middle class expands, families are increasingly willing to invest in private schools,
international programs, and higher education abroad. Additionally, young professionals
are seeking continuous learning and skill development to stay competitive in the global
job market. This rising demand drives the need for modernized curricula, digital learning
platforms, and innovative educational approaches to meet evolving learner needs.
Besides, the urge for learning soft skills is increasing day by day to create opportunities
for entrepreneurship in the education field.

5. Conclusion & Future Outlook

Vietnam’s education and training system has undergone significant transformations, from
village schools to a modern and globally integrated system. Over the years, the country
has made remarkable progress in expanding educational access, improving literacy rates,
and implementing reforms to enhance teaching quality. However, challenges such as
inequality between urban and rural areas, outdated teaching methods, and the gap between
education and job market demands remain pressing issues. At the same time,
opportunities in digital education, vocational training, and international collaboration
provide promising prospects for future development.

Looking ahead, Vietnam’s education system is expected to continue evolving with

technological advancements, policy innovations, and a greater emphasis on practical
skills. Digital learning and artificial intelligence will play a larger role in classrooms,
making education more accessible and interactive. The government is likely to prioritize
critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity in the curriculum to move away from
rote learning. Furthermore, vocational training and STEM education will receive more
investment to ensure students are equipped with skills that meet the demands of a modern
workforce.

To build a competitive and future-ready education system, strong cooperation between the
7
government, private sector, and international partners will be essential. By addressing
existing challenges and leveraging new opportunities, Vietnam can develop a more
inclusive, high-quality education system that prepares students for success in a rapidly
changing world.

8
 ĐÁNH GIÁ THÀNH VIÊN

ST
Họ và Tên Chức vụ Nhiệm vụ Đánh giá
T

7 Lê Khánh Duy Thành viên

8 Cao Kì Duyên Thành viên

9 Nguyễn Ánh Dương Thành viên

10 Nguyễn Tùng Dương Nhóm trưởng

11 Nguyễn Tùng Dương Thành viên

12 Lê Minh Hoàng Thành viên