15 Years of ISB: Continuously Innovating Toward a Global Future

02 Feb, 2025

In 2024, Vietnam's education sector witnessed remarkable growth driven by the application of technology and innovation in vocational training, equipping students with essential skills to meet the demands of the global labor market. Inheriting this foundation, the International School of Business (ISB) continues to pursue their mission, “Transformation - Make Dreams Come True”, with commendable efforts in innovating teaching methods and expanding international collaborations. Amid the fresh and vibrant atmosphere of spring, ISB celebrates their 15th anniversary - a milestone to reflect on personal outstanding achievements. These accomplishments have significantly contributed to transformative change and opened up bright career prospects for students.

Achieving Enrollment Targets and Expanding Training Programs

Over the past year, ISB has successfully met enrollment targets across all programs, from undergraduate to postgraduate levels.

At the undergraduate level, programs (listed as the ISB BBus Talent Bachelor, ISB ASEAN Co-op Bachelor, Western Sydney Bachelor and Global Pathways) continued to attract a large number of students. Admission quality witnessed significant improvement, with higher academic scores compared to that of the previous years.

At the postgraduate level, programs like the PSO MBA, MBA Talent, and UQÀM Executive MBA enabled learners to enhance their management knowledge and leadership skills, meeting the demands of the global business environment. In particular, to align with digitalization trends, ISB introduced two new programs: the Master of Asset Management and the Master of Data-Driven Marketing, equipping students with essential skills for the digital era.

Additionally, ISB successfully launched the Doctor of Business Administration program, offering opportunities for advanced research and professional development at a higher level.

Over the past year, ISB has achieved its enrollment targets for programs and expanded its Master's training courses

International and Professional Collaboration to Enhance Career Development for ISB Students

ISB has established strategic partnerships with the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), providing students with opportunities to advance their careers through prestigious international certifications. These certifications not only enhance students’ profiles in the eyes of employers but also open doors to career progression and senior-level positions.

CIM certifications equip students with fundamental knowledge, update them on the latest trends, and offer practical tools in the field of marketing. What is more, CIMA certifications enable students to develop advanced financial expertise in finance and accounting.

Collaborating with CIM and CIMA providing ISB students a competitive edge in their career journeys

Creating a Holistic Development Environment Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

ISB not only focuses on developing professional knowledge and skills but also prioritizes the mental well-being of the ISB Community through activities aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Free psychological counseling programs help students reduce stress and improve mental health, contributing to SDG 3 on good health and well-being. Regular activities like "Happy Time Together" offer relaxation and connection opportunities for staff, fostering a healthy working environment in line with SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth. The "Boost Box" program provides free snack packages for students during exam seasons, supporting SDG 4 on quality education.

ISB with special emphasis on mental well-being, together with professional knowledge and skills, through activities tied to the SDGs

Unlocking Student Potential Through Holistic Development Activities

Skill development (Skill - S) is a key component of ISB's ASK training philosophy. Through diverse activities, students not only refine their life skills but also expand career opportunities and build community connections.

Volunteer campaigns - Spring Volunteer Campaign (Xuan Tinh Nguyen) and Great Solidarity Week (Noi Vong Tay Lon) - provide opportunities for students to contribute and to enhance their social skills. Sporting events like ISB Games promote sportsmanship spirit and improve physical well-being.

Additionally, academic competitions like ISB Debate, Supply Chain Hackathon, and Business Challenge help students strengthen critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Career-oriented programs such as Career Launchpad and Big 4 Insights by Alumni support students in preparing for international careers and laying a strong foundation for their future.

Diverse activities for enhancing students’ life skills, expanding career opportunities and building community connections

Empowering Students to Build Relationships and Leadership Skills

Building a quality professional network and equipping students with essential skills and knowledge are key factors that help them confidently integrate into the international working environment. To achieve this goal, the ISB Leadership Program regularly organizes large-scale seminars featuring CEOs and senior leaders from top enterprises. These events provide students with opportunities to connect, to gain valuable insights, and to explore promising career prospects.

Additionally, the Company Tour activity within the ISB Leadership framework allows students to visit major companies, offering them a closer look at real-world workplaces and current career trends.

Another highlight is the collaboration between ISB and Resource Exchange International (REI) to implement the Applied Management Competency Certificate (AMCC) course. This program focuses on developing essential soft skills (strategic planning, financial analysis, and fostering community culture), providing students with a solid foundation for their business careers.

The ISB Leadership Program with regular diverse career development activities, equipping students with a solid foundation for their future careers

Strategic Directions for the ISB Institute in 2025

The year 2025 marks a significant milestone as UEH celebrates their 50th anniversary and ISB reaches their 15th year. Building on these achievements, ISB has established key objectives for 2025 to enhance educational quality and to affirm their international standing:

1. Successfully implementing enrollment plans and attracting high-quality students.

2. Orienting and promoting the ISB brand through targeted communication activities.

3. Developing strategic communication initiatives to raise awareness of undergraduate, Master’s, and Doctoral programs.

4. Expanding international collaboration by developing joint training programs with reputable educational partners.

5. Advancing scientific research and increasing publications in ISI and SCOPUS-indexed journals.

6. Integrating technology into education, focusing on programs related to artificial intelligence, blockchain, and advanced technologies.

7. Fostering an innovative learning environment, encouraging students to engage in research projects and internships with international enterprises.

8. Organizing extracurricular activities and soft skills training programs to provide students with holistic development opportunities.

9. Enhancing academic and research programs in strategic fields such as the digital economy, innovation, and entrepreneurship to create new career opportunities for students.

10. Promoting sustainable development initiatives to support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

As a member of a multidisciplinary university, ISB takes pride in their achievements in education, enrollment, and international cooperation over the past year. These impressive results, combined with the development strategies for the new year, promise to continue reinforcing ISB’s position and contributing to the advancement of UEH as a leading institution in multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary development.

News and photos: International School of Business (ISB)