VNUF's development strategy focuses on becoming a digital university — a multidisciplinary, multi-sector institution promoting entrepreneurship and innovation, leading the trends of digital transformation and smart governance, and building regional and international influence in agriculture and forestry.

On April 24, 2025, VNUF organized a forum themed "Digital Transformation in Universities: Practices and Development Trends", aiming to raise awareness and foster the application of digital transformation across all university activities. The event also sought to share experiences, discuss critical issues, and shape the strategic direction for VNUF's journey towards becoming a digital, smart, and entrepreneurial university.

Participants included Prof. Dr. Pham Van Dien – President of VNUF; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cao Quoc An – Chairman of the University Council; Vice Presidents; leaders of affiliated units; a large number of staff, lecturers, and students. The program was also connected online with VNUF's Dong Nai and Gia Lai campuses, expanding the academic space across the entire training system.

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Nguyen Nhat Quang, Director of the Institute of Science and Technology, Vice President of the Vietnam Software and IT Services Association (VINASA), and a seasoned expert in digital transformation.

In his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Pham Van Dien emphasized: "Digital transformation presents an opportunity for VNUF to accelerate, break through, and reach international standards, gradually building a smart university model — where students are at the center and technology serves as the foundation. Digital transformation must start with a shift in mindset, working styles, and concrete actions to enhance work efficiency and educational quality."

Prof. Dr. Pham Van Dien, VNUF president speech

During the forum, Dr. Nguyen Nhat Quang delivered a presentation titled "Smart University and Digital Transformation". He highlighted that building a smart university is not just about applying technology to isolated management or teaching activities but requires comprehensive innovation. All operations – management, teaching, research, and student services – must be connected, analyzed, and optimized using advanced digital technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Cloud Computing.

He further emphasized that digital transformation is a fundamental change in thinking, operational models, and approaches; focusing on digital data and connectivity within the university; shifting from isolated data usage to shared data platforms; evolving from management information systems to collaborative platforms; and the importance of data analytics and AI in education and training.

Dr. Nguyen Nhat Quang presenting on Smart Universities and Digital Transformation

Forum attendees

The forum provided an open, practical, and inspiring academic forum. Presentations and discussions contributed to enhancing awareness, stimulating innovation throughout the university, and marking an important step in VNUF's long-term digital strategy.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Minh Toai – Vice President in charge of academic affairs, emphasized: "The university clearly defines students as the center of the digital transformation journey. VNUF is actively applying digital technologies across areas such as teaching, learning resources, academic administration, and the digital library. To achieve successful digital transformation, the university will follow the '5D' orientation: Digital Vision – Digital Resources – Digital Organization – Digital Interaction – Digital Knowledge."

Forum Chairpersons

Through this event, VNUF reaffirmed its strong commitment to promoting modern technology applications in all activities, aiming to build a smart – innovative – integrated – and sustainably developing university in the digital era.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Huy Dai - Director of Science and Technology Division

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ha Van Huan - Director of Academic Affairs Division

Source: Science and Technology Division