In the context of artificial intelligence (AI) becoming a powerful driving force reshaping all aspects of social life, higher education is facing the need to innovate not only in training content but also in human development philosophy. AI is no longer a single technology; it is an ecosystem that impacts the perception, behavior, emotions, ethics, work and professional capacity of each individual. The University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU-USSH) has clearly recognized this challenge and chosen to proactively lead instead of passively adapting.
The University's official issuance of the AI Competency Framework for Learners in November 2025 is a strong affirmation that VNU-USSH enters the AI era with its own identity: humane, responsible and oriented towards the sustainable development of society.
REGULATIONS ON AI COMPETENCY FRAMEWORK FOR STUDENTS OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES UNIVERSITYThe AI Competency Framework is built on a consistent philosophy: developing technological capabilities must go hand in hand with preserving and strengthening human values. This is an important difference, because as the world is racing towards increasingly complex models, VNU-USSH focuses on the human factor, the technology user, and the ability to regulate, criticize, evaluate, and control the impact of AI on life. This philosophy runs through the entire structure of the Competency Framework, from equipping students with basic knowledge about the operation and limitations of artificial intelligence models, to emphasizing digital ethics, social responsibility, critical thinking, and the ability to make independent decisions in learning and career environments supported by AI.
The special feature of the AI Competency Framework issued by VNU-USSH is its comprehensive and in-depth approach. Learners are not only guided in using AI tools, but also develop two parallel groups of competencies. One group is long-term adaptive competencies such as flexible thinking, growth mindset, self-mastery, creative problem-solving, communication - collaboration and project management. These competencies act as a sustainable foundation, helping learners adapt to the constant change of technology without losing their personal identity.
The AI competency framework for students includes 6 competency domains.
The second group consists of six specific AI competency domains, covering everything from understanding AI and data, critical thinking with AI output, to ethics, responsibility, human-centeredness, the ability to apply AI in a professional context, and finally, designing and developing responsible AI systems. Each competency domain is described through four levels from awareness, application, depth to mastery, creating a clear, standardized development path that is suitable for many different learners. This approach demonstrates long-term strategic thinking: AI changes every day, but properly nurtured human competencies will help students stay steadfast in the face of all fluctuations.
The AI competency framework not only has academic significance, but also creates a legal and methodological foundation for the implementation of teaching and learning with integrated AI throughout the school. From here, VNU-USSH has the basis to develop new courses, adjust output standards, build training courses, blended learning models and pioneering interdisciplinary educational programs such as digital social sciences, digital humanities, social data analysis or digital media. At the same time, the AI competency framework also paves the way for the formation of open learning resources, innovation centers, data analysis, or digital learning materials to help students proactively explore and apply AI safely and effectively.
For learners, the issuance of the AI Competency Framework brings practical value. VNU-USSH students can confidently enter the labor market with a solid foundation in technology, while also understanding the ethics, legality and limitations of AI. They not only know how to use tools, but also have the ability to evaluate, criticize and lead humane AI practices. This ability will become a competitive advantage in the context of strongly digitized professions, from journalism - media, library - information, social work to cultural management, public administration or service business.
Furthermore, the VNU-USSH AI Competency Framework contributes to shaping the portrait of digital citizens that future society expects: people who are both knowledgeable and responsible, do not blindly trust technology, know how to protect their own privacy and that of others, respect diversity, fairness and always stand on the side of human values in every decision. As AI increasingly intervenes in life, human qualities, independent thinking, compassion and integrity will be the foundation for sustainable social development.
Looking back, the decision to issue the AI Competency Framework not only demonstrates VNU-USSH’s initiative in the face of global trends, but also affirms the University’s role as a pioneering academic unit with influence in the Vietnamese university system. This is a strategic step, demonstrating the aspiration to accompany the country’s development, while affirming the mission of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities: to train people who know how to learn, think, create and act responsibly in a world where technology changes every day.
VNU-USSH’s traditional strength lies in humanities knowledge, in the ability to analyze people, society and culture, areas that machines, no matter how advanced, cannot completely replace. Therefore, the School clearly sees what makes up the core value when AI is permeating every corner of life: the ability to help learners understand correctly, use correctly and master technology with the depth of social and humanities knowledge.
It is a difficult path, requiring perseverance and long-term vision. But it is also this path that helps VNU-USSH establish a special role in the current educational ecosystem: the role of a unit that guides thinking, creates a framework of values and fosters humanistic capacity for learners to enter the world of artificial intelligence with courage and responsibility.
