10th January 2011, Minister of Ministry of Education and Training has signed the decision 189/QD-BGDDT which appointed Prof. Nguyen Hong Son to the Rector post of University of Economics and Business - VNU, 2011 - 2016 term. On this occasion, we have had a discussion with new rector of the UEB.
Reporter: We would like to congratulate on your appointment as the new rector of University of Economics and Business - VN, 2011 - 2016 term. How is your feeling now?
Prof. Nguyen Hong Son: It is an honor, pride and a little pressure. I am aware of my responsibility as well as a strong confidence. The power of belief, intellect and common agreement for the development of the university is the vital element and motivation for me and management board to lead the university to the final goal.
Reporter: Although it is a young university, the UEB has been recognized as an active and brave unit in terms of university innovation and has gained several breakthroughs. In your new position, do you plan to continue the direction?
Prof. Nguyen Hong Son: Innovation is a necessary activity, which need to be constant, or you will always be the same, or even backward. However, innovation has to embed the harmony and generate a value. University of Economics and Business - VNU has has entered a new stage of development - stage of affirming position. Therefore, during this period, besides continuing to develop innovative breakthroughs, the University will take into account the sustainability towards quality, efficiency and priority.
As announced in its development trategy, University of Economics and Business - VNU has been striving for high quality and international level. To achieve this goal, we have a framework with detailed plans for 5 years and each year, in which the renovation of university autonomy is considered as a focal point for developing all resources to create breakthrough developments in quality and efficiency of training and research in the coming period. In my opinion, universities are so-called enterprises which provide public and nonprofit service. Therefore, university autonomy towards advanced university autonomy is the administration in which the quality and efficiency, professionalism and outcome… are the measure of all activities at the university, especially in training and research. “Innovation” is also reflected in the renewal of the operating mechanisms and management, decentralization and devolution in order to facilitate the working, teaching, research and learning environment, which encourage the unity, agreement, passion and creativity among all members in implementing the tasks and contribute to achieving the overall goals of the university.
Reporter: Innovating in tertiary education management is a major policy of the Ministry of Education and Training. It is also a concerned issue in education in general as well as of universities. There have been number of universities facing the inadequacies in implementing the process. How would you evaluate the obstacles to the Universisty of Economics and Business?
Prof. Nguyen Hong Son: As I mentioned above, the harmony is the key factor, which must be set as the priority in the process of “innovation” of an organization. So far, it can be affirmed that UEB has always maintained the direction. In the last period, I had the opportunity to share responsibilities and support my predecessor, who is pioneer has many ideas in innovation. More fortunate, the UEB always has the common consensus, which is to innovate towards sustainable development as well as the support of senior management and related agencies. On the other hand, the university’s activities, especially training and research has initially gained some achievements such as: Honor training program of International Economics Bachelor accredited by the standards of the ASEAN University Network (AUN), the Central Organizing Committee assigned the training of key officials for ministries, sectors and local authorities (Project 165); Annoucing and publishing the UEB feature products - Annual Vietnam’s Economic Report in two languages: Vietnamese and English; Three State level searches received application address and contribute to the advisory of Vietnam’s socio-economic development; The UEB participate in international research network sponsored by Foundations and World Bank, winning the WTO Chair Programme, etc... These initial achievements are the basis for the university to continue to develop breakthrough towards quality and efficiency. Therefore, we can say nothing is a major obstacle.
Reporter: So we can tell the development path ahead the UEB is quite promising?
Prof. Nguyen Hong Son: Indeed. However, there are also challenges. When I officially receipt the new position, I have felt very clearly the challenges as the leader of an organization. It is such a pressure for me to respond the strong expectations and firm belief of all staff, faculty and students on sustainable development of the university in a difficult condition. For each stage, we always have challenges, and always these obstacles are not the same. Nevertheless, the thing is that we have to encounter, dare to act and keep the confidence of overcoming the challenges, turn them into motivation to continue.
PV: To fulfill the final goal, one of vital factors is the leader’s ability for gathering and employing talents. What is your opinion on this matter?
Prof. Nguyen Hong Son: It is right but not enough. Quoting our ancestors: “Talents are the national foremost vitality.” This is not only true in terms of national aspect but also for an organization. It is said, talent is the most precious asset of all organizations, but I think they are worth much more. Having talents, we will have everything and the more talents are employed, more talents will be gathered together. Likely, the more knowledge is used, the more knowledge is generated.
For the last period, one of advantages of the University of Economics and Business is that we have attracted many young and high qualified staffs come to work. In the future, the human resources management of the university will pay special attention on appropriate mechanisms and policies to attract talents, nurturing their passion, encouraging creativity, co-operation, professionalism, and improving personality capacity. Hopefully, University of Economics and Business - VNU will continue perform as a destination for lecturers, scientists, managers and entrepreneurs who have dedicated to quality and devoted to the development of the university in particular and the country in general.
Reporter: What would UEB staff and faculty expect from their new rector?
Prof. Nguyen Hong Son: As soon as I was appointed this position, I have developed a quite detailed and feasible action framework to promote the efficiency of all resources to build brand for the university through quality and international level; Improving the living standards for UEB staff in both materiality and spirituality; Building an encouraging environment for working, teaching, research, and learning. Although there still are challenges ahead, as in the leading position, I strongly believe that I can respond the expectations of UEB staff and faculty with a consensus and synergy of all members as well as strong support from the authorities, other relevant agencies and domestic and foreign partners.
Reporter: The last but not least, as the leader of UEB, would you like to share something?
Prof. Nguyen Hong Son: I strongly hope that, with personal experience and enthusiasm each UEB member will continue to promote the community spirit, solidarity, integration and active development, work together to develop a common consensus. Besides, I also hope that the university will continue to receive strong support and effective cooperation in all aspects of the Ministry of Education and Training, Vietnam National University, Hanoi and other relevant agencies, partners in-house and abroad. I think that the lesson of harmony between internal and external resources still performs its value to the UEB. It will create the synergy to help the university overcome the challenges and shorten the path to the goal of international quality and level.
As New Year 2011 and Tan Mao Lunar New Year is coming, I would like to send the all UEB staff warm wish with health, success and happiness. Wish all graduate students and students a New Year filled with health, good result in study. On this occasion, on behalf of UEB leaders, I would like to send to all University partners the New Year wishes of wellbeing and prosperity. Hope that Tan Mao New Year continues to bring success to everyone.
Reporter: Thank you very much. Wish you health and success on your new position!
_________________
Related information:
>> Appointing Prof. Nguyen Hong Son to the position of University of Economics and Business rector