RMIT Vietnam places strong focus on serving the communities

RMIT Vietnam places strong focus on serving the communities

As Australia and Vietnam celebrate 50 years of bilateral relations in 2023, RMIT University is recognised as the leading Australian investment in Vietnam and the largest university campus overseas. RMIT University in Vietnam has continuously reinforced its commitment to higher education in Vietnam and the region through its contribution to the education landscape, innovation ecosystems and broader communities. 

An experienced leader and award-winning academic whose career spans both higher education and business - RMIT Vietnam Pro Vice-Chancellor and General Director Professor Claire Macken shared about the University’s strategic vision moving forward to become a leading university of impact for Southeast Asia. 

What most excites you personally about taking on the role of Pro Vice-Chancellor and General Director of RMIT University in Vietnam?

I’m in a privileged position to have the role of Pro Vice-Chancellor and General Director of RMIT Vietnam. This role is a huge opportunity to shape the future of education and engagement of RMIT with Vietnam and the Southeast Asian region, and to further strengthen the relationship between Vietnam and Australia.

Alt Text is not present for this image, Taking dc:title 'news-1-rmit-vietnam-places-strong-focuses-on-serving-the-communities' RMIT Vietnam Pro Vice-Chancellor and General Director Professor Claire Macken

RMIT Vietnam is already known for its world-class and international education offer and innovative programs. It is exciting to lead the University into this new and exciting future by enabling quality learning, teaching, research and engagement.

Being the first fully foreign-owned international university in Vietnam issuing Australian awards and starting with just over 30 students, how has RMIT Vietnam grown over the past 23 years since being awarded the investment license in 2000?

We commenced teaching English and degree programs in Ho Chi Minh City in 2001, in Hanoi in 2004 and English language programs only in Danang in 2018. Starting with a humble number of students, we now boast a dynamic student body of more than 12,000, and alumni of more than 17,000.

RMIT Vietnam has made a commitment to upholding international standards of quality best practice both in the academic space and beyond the classroom walls. Our university is based on creating a range of quality and industry-responsive programs relevant to the national and global marketplace that we provide, existing qualified and experienced academic staff, quality of graduates we have produced, our state-of-the-art facilities and exemplar student experience.

Alt Text is not present for this image, Taking dc:title 'news-2-rmit-vietnam-places-strong-focuses-on-serving-the-communities' RMIT Vietnam offers a wide range of programs in business, design and communication, science, engineering and technology, and English and pathways.

We are now offering 17 undergraduate programs in business, communication and design, science, engineering and technology, six postgraduate programs in business administration, international business, artificial intelligence and cyber security, and eight pathways and English programs for students who intend to study at an international university or simply want to excel in English. We have adopted a different approach to teaching and learning where traditional exams have been replaced by industry-relevant projects and contemporary, multimedia resources.

Our programs have been delivered by a remarkable group of qualified and experienced academic staff who work hard, in and beyond the learning environment, to empower our students. They provide contemporary theoretical and experiential learning opportunities. They anchor the partnerships with the private sector. They actively collaborate with local universities, communities, and government agencies. And last but not least, they act as a bridge into Australia and international expertise: the hallmark of an international education. 

We have a wide range of modern classrooms, purpose-built lecture theatres, studios, laboratories, and other specialist spaces such as financial trading lab, engineering hub and media suites and more, that provide a perfect setting for student to thrive. RMIT library is the largest English language library in Vietnam, providing access to over 300,000 books, periodicals, e-books and e-journals. Students and alumni also have online access to RMIT’s extensive library in Australia. 

Alt Text is not present for this image, Taking dc:title 'news-3-rmit-vietnam-places-strong-focuses-on-serving-the-communities' The benefits of an RMIT education have become clear not just when students leave the University but during their time at RMIT as well.

The benefits of an RMIT education have become clear not just when students leave the University but during their time at RMIT as well. Through placements, internships, cross-disciplinary collaborations, and sectoral showcases, students gain confidence and skills, deepen their awareness of the business environment and build valuable networks they need to succeed in an ever-changing world.

Our students have left the RMIT legacy in national and international competitions, including but not limited to CFA Research Challenge, Social Innovation Challenge, Vietnam Young Logistics Talent, Vietnam Young Lions, Young Stars AD Competition and Circular Campus Programme.

RMIT graduates are readily employable and go out into the world with their enriched experience, qualifications and confidence. They deploy their knowledge and experience in major industries locally including media and communication, IT, telecoms and consulting services, finance, tourism and hospitality, and more. Some work overseas and enhance the grid of global connections. Many hold senior and management positions and are the change makers in business, not-for-profit sector, government, education and industry. 

Moving forward, RMIT University aims at creating positive impact and addressing shared challenges and opportunities for the Asia Pacific region. How does it look like in action?

Our obligation as a higher education institution is to the communities we serve. Universities are here to contribute to solving the biggest global challenges and we have such a big role to play in achieving the outcomes and finding solutions to those challenges.

As RMIT looks to its future, we are committed to setting a direction for RMIT in Vietnam to continue to be a prominent leader in technology, design and enterprise for learners, researchers and the community. We aim to embrace a greater focus, extending thought leadership, educational offerings and partnerships into Southeast Asia to drive regional impact around shared challenges and themes. There are so many opportunities and challenges, and we're privileged to be in Vietnam and the region.

Our first action is to position RMIT as Vietnam’s leading international university for Southeast Asia which means RMIT will be a prominent leader in technology, design and enterprise, digital transformation, sustainable development and partnering with industry.

RMIT Vietnam aims to be the front door for Australia to understand and engage with Southeast Asia.

Our role is to attract ideas, experts and talent, and to foster strong connections in relation to Australia, Vietnam and the region. 

RMIT Vietnam is committed to continuing to contribute to Vietnam’s future social and workforce needs particularly in the areas of Industry 4.0, the digital economy, sustainable development and creative industries.

Right now, we are addressing RMIT’s scale into the future, including new investments into physical locations to enable the University to serve the growing needs of Vietnam.

Although I am excited to work with industry, business, government and other partners, it is wonderful to see our students buzzing on campus, how hard they study, how their parents are so proud of them, and the vibrant, positive and optimistic country that Vietnam is.

Story: Ha Hoang

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