On September 4, 2025, Vietnam National University of Forestry hosted an academic seminar on "Strategic Thinking," presented by Prof. Dr. Keijo Varis from the Turku University of Applied Sciences, Finland, who is also a Member of the Finland-Vietnam Friendship and Cooperation Association.

Welcoming Prof. Keijo Varis, Prof. Dr. Pham Van Dien, President of VNUF, highlighted the importance of the seminar in expanding international cooperation, facilitating knowledge exchange, and enhancing the quality of education and university governance. He also underscored the need for innovative thinking and deeper international integration in higher education.

Prof. Dr. Pham Van Dien with Prof. Dr. Keijo Varis

Prof. Dr. Keijo Varis emphasized that strategic thinking is a core competency for managers: building and implementing effective strategies; selecting and using appropriate planning tools; analyzing and forecasting contexts, accurately assessing organizational capabilities, and making timely decisions.

In addition, Prof. Keijo Varis introduced the perspectives of many international scholars such as J. Liedtka, Henry Mintzberg, and Juha Näsi, who argue that strategic thinking is not merely theoretical analysis. It is also the ability to see from multiple perspectives, connect the Past, Present, and Future, and adapt to change.

Prof. Dr. Hoang Van Sam exchanges views with Prof. Dr. Keijo Varis

 

Strategic thinking is not only a core competency for leaders, but it also has practical significance for students. According to Prof. Keijo T. Varis, equipping students with knowledge and skills in strategic thinking will help them hone their ability to think long-term, analyze situations, and make sound decisions—essential tools for stepping confidently into the future.

The discussion session was vibrant, with lecturers and students actively raising questions and exchanging views on applying strategic thinking in practice. Their contributions not only helped clarify the practical relevance of the theory but also provided valuable suggestions for teaching, research, and management.

The academic seminar not only brought many valuable benefits to staff, lecturers, and students but also clearly demonstrated the university's determination to promote innovation in higher education, improve governance capacity, deepen international integration, and build a high-quality workforce to meet the development requirements of the new era.

With continuous efforts in innovating university governance, expanding international cooperation, and improving the capacity of its faculty, the university not only prioritizes the quality of education and scientific research but also focuses on developing strategic thinking and global knowledge integration. This is all aimed at building a modern, creative, and internationally integrated higher education environment.