New Head of School to focus on programs that support Vietnam’s growth

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Tiếng Việt

New Head of School to focus on programs that support Vietnam’s growth

Associate Professor Eric Dimla has been appointed Head of the School of Science & Technology at RMIT Vietnam.

A senior academic with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, as well as a Chartered Mechanical Engineer (CEng) and Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineering (FIMechE) UK, Associate Professor Dimla says his priority is to continue building on the University’s three strategic pillars: growth, quality, and differentiation.

“I’m proud to be joining an institution that prides itself on being different,” said Associate Professor Dimla, referring to the University’s emphasis on helping students develop industry relevant skills such as critical thinking and confidence.

“Our unique selling point is that our students are immediately employable, and so we have to continue offering quality programs that focus on this differentiator.”

Associate Professor Eric Dimla is the new Head of the School of Science & Technology.

One of Associate Professor Dimla’s priorities is to look at areas where the School can grow its program offerings. The place to start, he says, is to look at Vietnam’s history.

“We need to look at where Vietnam is in its development; it’s not unlike China 15 years ago. Then we ask ‘What is it that the country needs?’” Associate Professor Dimla said.

“There will be tremendous potential in infrastructure, construction, and various fields in engineering. We can supply a ready labour force for those areas, as well as for the sectors that support them.”

Another priority for Associate Professor Dimla is to strengthen the School’s research.

“Research informs teaching,” he said, “And the quality of our programs will be reinforced by academic staff who are engaged in relevant research, especially in the areas which are needed by Vietnam.”

Prior to joining RMIT Vietnam, Associate Professor Dimla held leadership roles in the University Teknologi Brunei and Southampton Solent University. In addition to his academic experience, he brings industry expertise through his work with Daimler Chrysler, Alstom Power and Alford Technologies.

Story: Howie Phung