To expand academic dialogue and share international experience, on September 26, 2025, School of International Training Institute of the VNU University of Economics and Business organized an international conference on the theme "Bridging Business and Technology: Advancing STEM Education for the Global Economy."
In an era where technology is reshaping the entire socio-economic structure, STEM education has become the foundation for training the global workforce. Aiming to broaden academic dialogue and share international experience, on September 26, 2025, the International Training Institute of the VNU University of Economics and Business (UEB-SITE) organized an international conference on the theme "Bridging Business and Technology: Advancing STEM Education for the Global Economy." The event brought together domestic and international scholars, experts, and managers, creating a platform for knowledge exchange, curriculum innovation, and the promotion of international integration.
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Held at the VNU University of Economics and Business, the conference was not only an academic gathering but also a testament to the university's strategic vision: to become a bridge between global knowledge and Vietnam's development needs.
At the event, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Anh Thu, Vice Rector of the VNU University of Economics and Business, delivered a speech emphasizing the university's pioneering role in integrating STEM into economics and management training. She also shared that for students to become "global citizens" in the digital economy, universities need to restructure their curricula with an interdisciplinary approach, harmoniously combining business knowledge with technological skills.
Two keynote presentations were delivered at the conference by Prof. Andreas Hauskrecht from the Kelley School of Business, Indiana University, USA, and Dr. Nguyen Duc Bao, Director of the International Training Institute at VNU University of Economics and Business.
In his presentation "STEM and AI: Labor Force Productivity and Economic Growth," Prof. Andreas Hauskrecht offered a comprehensive analysis of the impact of STEM and artificial intelligence on the economy. He stressed that AI is not just a support tool but has become a "second brain" for modern production and management. Nations that can successfully integrate AI and STEM into business education will have a distinct advantage in global competition.
The presentation cited examples from the United States and Europe, where business administration students are required to be proficient in basic programming, understand big data analysis, and be able to apply mathematical models in financial management, marketing, or logistics. These are the factors that help them enter the labor market as versatile "global citizens."
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From a Vietnamese perspective, Dr. Nguyen Duc Bao presented on "The Rise and Impact of STEM-Designated Business Programs." He pointed out that over the last 10 years, the number of STEM-designated business programs in the United States has increased sharply, especially at the postgraduate level. This trend is not limited to the West but has also spread to Asia, where dynamic economies like Singapore, South Korea, and China have been quick to adopt it.
According to Dr. Bao, Vietnam needs to view STEM education not as an "emerging trend" but as an essential training standard. The International Training Institute at VNU University of Economics and Business (UEB-SITE) is one of the pioneering units in Vietnam, incorporating modules on data analysis, technology management, and innovation into its international joint programs. This provides a foundation for students not only to learn management theory but also to master technological tools for practical business applications.
The subsequent panel discussion on "Shaping the Future of STEM Education for Sustainable Economic Growth: The Case of Vietnam" featured Prof. Andreas Hauskrecht, Prof. Jill M. Castek, Dr. Nguyen Thuy Anh, Mr. Nguyen Do Ha, Dr. David Van Buskirk, Prof. Andrea Lu, Dr. Shannon Brown, and Dr. Nguyen Duc Bao.
The discussion highlighted that Vietnam is at a golden opportunity for a breakthrough but also faces the challenge of a digital skills gap. A business representative noted that many graduates, while possessing economic knowledge, are weak in data analysis and not proficient with digital tools, making it difficult for them to participate in global projects.
The experts agreed that for sustainable development, Vietnam needs to quickly integrate STEM into business training, viewing it as a national strategy rather than a piecemeal solution. The reality is that while Vietnam has made significant progress in economics education, a large digital skills gap persists. Many studies, including data from the Ministry of Education and Training, indicate that the majority of economics graduates lack the ability to utilize data, analyze markets with technology, and master modern management software.
This leads to a paradox: Vietnam is attracting strong international investment, yet its domestic workforce does not fully meet the requirements, forcing companies to spend significant time and money on retraining. This is a major challenge and a wake-up call for the education system.
In this context, STEM is not just a "lifeline" but also a strategic opportunity. By linking business training with technology, Vietnam can create a new generation of workers who are both well-versed in theory and proficient with digital tools, ready to integrate and compete globally.
At the conclusion of the conference, the experts proposed five key policy recommendation groups, aiming to make a practical contribution to improving the national education system in the digital economy era:
Develop a STEM-integrated business curriculum framework: Introduce subjects like data analysis, applied artificial intelligence, modeling, and basic programming into bachelor's and master's degree programs.
Train and develop a "dual-competency" faculty: Implement postgraduate programs, short-term training, and international exchanges to enhance teaching capabilities to STEM standards.
Strengthen industry-university collaboration: Design practical, integrated course modules and pilot interdisciplinary projects (e.g., AI in finance, digital logistics, FinTech in marketing) to enable students to learn by doing.
Develop a comprehensive STEM ecosystem in universities: Establish data centers, business simulation labs, digital libraries, and an assessment system based on practical skills rather than traditional exams alone.
Design financial policies, scholarships, and preferential loans for students in STEM-designated business programs, with special priority for female students and talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
