Education at UEH: Linking Knowledge with Sustainable Development Goals
10 Oct, 2023
The University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) is committed to high-quality education as a foundation, aiming not only to equip the Vietnamese and global labor markets with “global citizens” skilled in both expertise and practical skills but also to empower them to act sustainably.
With the vision of becoming a multi-disciplinary university with a reputable academic influence focused on sustainable development in Asia by 2030, the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) emphasizes creating a quality training environment that leverages technological adaptation, pioneering innovation, and fostering lifelong learning among students, faculty, and scholars. By choosing the path of sustainable development, UEH affirms that education for sustainable development is a critical mission for higher education worldwide today, aimed at achieving educational quality goals.
From 2022 to 2025, UEH has been focused on implementing "Global Citizen Training" to empower learners to take sustainable actions in the 2026-2030 phase. The "Education" pillar at UEH seeks not only to meet societal demands or provide expertise in its core fields but also to empower learners actively through interdisciplinary programs personalized to individual learning needs and linked to real-world issues that contribute to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UEH improves the quality of education through three aspects: (1) Curriculum design, (2) Teaching methods, and (3) Learning approaches. For more details on UEH's journey in training global citizens, please refer to [here].
UEH Programs Incorporating Sustainability Knowledge and Skills
At UEH, sustainable development is regarded as a strategic focus for the university, structured around five main pillars: (1) Education, (2) Research, (3) Operations, (4) Management, and (5) Community Engagement. Acting as a focal point, UEH’s training activities are gradually incorporating multi-disciplinary, inter-disciplinary, and cross-disciplinary knowledge tied to global issues and the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into 56 academic programs. This integration is reflected through the regular redesign, review, and alignment of course syllabi, learning outcomes, educational materials, program pathways, and course structures across various fields of study. A unique strength of UEH graduates lies in their training across six trend-oriented courses: Introduction to Data Science, Soft Skills, Entrepreneurship, Psychology, Design Thinking, and Sustainable Development. The Sustainable Development course, in particular, focuses on providing the most current and essential knowledge in sustainability, addressing today’s global challenges.
In addition, UEH has launched training programs specifically focused on sustainable development. In these programs, students and learners can engage with 15 sustainability-integrated courses, complete with specially designed course materials and modules. These programs aim to equip learners with sustainable thinking and actions to thrive in Vietnam’s and the world’s ever-evolving environments.
Master’s Program in Environmental Economics and Management (MEEM) - School of Economics, UEH-COB
The Master's program in Environmental Economics and Management (MEEM) at the School of Economics, UEH-COB, fosters eco-conscious leaders and entrepreneurs equipped with environmental economics and management expertise. Through its motto “Making Ecopreneurs & Environmental Managers", the program allows students to learn to assess environmental impacts, manage resources, promote green business initiatives, and implement environmental policies, contributing to a sustainable economy, society, and environment in Vietnam.
AgriBusiness Program - School of Economics, UEH-COB
The AgriBusiness Program at UEH focuses on sustainable development in agriculture. It provides training in sustainable food supply chain management, value chain analysis, and food safety quality management. Offered mainly at the Vinh Long Campus, students enrolled in this program are prepared to lead in agribusiness, exports, and agricultural strategy planning, with a focus on environmentally friendly practices.
Dual Degree Program - Executive Master of Smart City and Innovation Management and Master of Human Ecology and Technology
Combining smart city management with human ecology and technology, this dual-degree program emphasizes the human-environment interaction to promote ecological balance. Students are trained in sustainable design and management practices for urban solutions, supporting public health and reducing environmental impact. After completing the program, graduates will be equipped with knowledge in environmental psychology, sustainable design, and advanced technologies for environmentally friendly solutions. The program aims to develop urban infrastructure and spaces that not only ensure human health but also minimize negative environmental impacts.
Supporting Educational Projects on Sustainability Awareness
UEH is committed to creating a healthy international learning and collaboration environment that contributes to Vietnam’s sustainable development journey in the future. On October 26, 2023, UEH proudly announced its participation in the EU4Sustainability project—part of the Jean Monnet Actions—focused on improving understanding of sustainable development in Vietnam. This provides students with essential tools to comprehend the European Union's role in promoting global sustainable development.
Dr. Hoàng Hải Yến, Head of the Banking Department, will be the project coordinator.
In this project, UEH students, along with students from other universities in Vietnam, will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of beneficial courses taught by lecturers from UEH and experts from European universities. The courses include:
- Global Sustainable Development Trends (15 hours)
- Sustainable Development Goals in Europe (15 hours)
- EU Sustainable Finance and Investment (15 hours)
- Research on Sustainable Societies in Europe (15 hours)
- Sustainable Development in the EU's External Relations (15 hours)
- Sustainable Development and General Principles of EU Law (15 hours)
- The EU Green Deal: Prospects and Challenges (15 hours)
Extracurricular Activities Integrating SDG Skills
Beyond embedding sustainability into the curriculum, UEH organizes extracurricular activities to provide students with practical skills for achieving the SDGs. These activities are designed to develop skills in a hands-on manner, offering comprehensive growth for all UEH students and preparing them for a sustainable transition into the job market. Here are some of the extracurricular activities incorporating the "Education" that UEH organized in 2023:
|
Activity |
Description |
|
Digital Transformation and Digital Skills Development Festival UEH 2023 - UEH Youth Union and Student Association |
To meet the needs of the digital age and provide students with opportunities to explore and apply digital products, the program connects creative thinkin with practical approaches for applying digital skills in their studies and careers. Program Details:
Integrated SDGs: SDG 8; SDG 9 |
|
Effective Teamwork Skills: An Essential Toolkit for New Students in 2023 - UEH Student Union |
The UEH Student Union, in collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City Student Support Center and SCG Group, organized the "New Student Toolkit" program in 2023, focusing on "Effective Teamwork Skills." In addition, the session will provide valuable information about the "SCG Sharing The Dream" scholarship. The program aims to help students adapt to their new learning environment and acquire essential skills to achieve their dreams. SDGs Integrated: SDG4, SDG8 |
|
The "Peace In Soul" mental health support program, organized by the Student Union of the Tourism Faculty |
The program aims to help students understand and rediscover their motivation, and build and maintain positive energy in their studies and work. It creates an environment where students can express themselves, feel heard, and remain resilient in the face of pressures and challenges. The initiative raises awareness among students about mental health issues, encouraging them to take an active role in caring for and loving themselves. Additionally, it provides methods to reduce stress and promote a healthy lifestyle. SDGs Integrated: SDG3 |
UEH is committed to improving the quality of education and creating a healthy, reputable environment for students and lecturers to engage in lifelong learning and develop into global citizens. Additionally, with a focus on sustainable action, UEH is dedicated to building a close academic community that leads in implementing solutions for environmental and social challenges. The training programs at UEH expand knowledge and help students and learners understand the significance of sustainable development, preparing them to contribute positively to the sustainable growth of Vietnam and the world.
News and photos: Department of Communications and Partnerships
