Sharing experiences on financial autonomy between two universities of social sciences and humanities in two regions of the country

In the context of Vietnam’s higher education sector strongly transforming towards comprehensive autonomy, more and more public higher education institutions are proactively seeking suitable, sustainable and effective development models. The University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU-HCM is also one of the units that has implemented financial autonomy in recent times.

At the meeting, representatives of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU-HCM shared specific contents related to the budget allocation mechanism, the development of a medium-term financial plan, the organization of the financial apparatus and internal control methods in the autonomous model. The frank sharing, based on practical experiences, helped the delegation have a clearer view of the steps to prepare and operate this model in the public university environment.

MSc. Duong Van Tu, Head of Planning and Finance Department, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU-HCM, discussed at the working session - Photo: THU THAO

Speaking at the program, Dr. Phan Thanh Dinh, Vice Principal of the School, expressed that financial autonomy is a systematic process, requiring synchronization from policy to implementation. Besides financial management capacity, the key factor is the consensus and responsibility of the entire team in the School. That is the foundation for shifting from a subsidized mindset to proactive operation.

Dr. Phan Thanh Dinh, Vice Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU-HCM, presentedIt is clear that financial autonomy is a systematic process, requiring synchronization from policy to implementation - Photo: THU THAO

On the side of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU expressed special interest in the experiences in building internal regulations, organizing coordination between departments, as well as strategies to diversify legal sources of income outside the state budget. The two sides also discussed practical issues such as balancing regular expenditures and investment expenditures, independent auditing and ensuring financial transparency in the educational environment.

MSc. Kim Thi Diep Ha - Head of Planning and Finance Department, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU, Hanoi, discussed at the working session - Photo: THU THAO

The exchange not only contributed to clarifying core issues in the process of implementing financial autonomy, but also opened up opportunities for the two universities to continue to accompany, share and support each other in the upcoming development journey. In the context of autonomy becoming an inevitable trend of Vietnamese higher education, connections like this will create an important premise for the formation of effective governance models, promoting internal strength, and moving towards a dynamic, transparent university that adapts well to the requirements of the times.
In the spirit of OneUSSH, the two Universities of Social Sciences and Humanities under the National University at the two ends of the country have a tradition of sincere and loyal cooperation. Therefore, in recent times, the leaders of the two universities have had specific policies and programs for cooperation between the two schools in training, scientific research, and sharing common resources in the development process.