Ussh and Facebook are collaborating to introduce Digital Thinking as a subject in Vietnamese universities.

A delegation of faculty members from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities - VNU Hanoi were guests of Facebook Singapore from December 16-19, 2019.

The delegation from the University listened to presentations from leaders of Facebook (FB) Singapore on FB's activities in the Vietnamese market; how FB builds and develops community standards for users; and policies and regulations for handling hate speech and misinformation on the FB platform.

The delegation split into groups to propose and present ideas for integrating digital thinking into universities.

Accordingly, in the last four years, three countries in Southeast Asia have emerged strongly in the field of information technology: Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam. Facebook has invested $12 billion in these markets. In particular, the Vietnamese market is currently developing very strongly with many opportunities. However, unlike other countries, investment in digital information in Vietnam is mainly concentrated in businesses – this is a positive sign for development.

The entire team worked continuously for two days without rest, but also gained a lot of knowledge related to Digital Competencies and Digital Thinking – essential qualities and skills for digital citizens worldwide.

Furthermore, Vietnam has a population of 97 million, with the majority being young – in their 30s. The Vietnamese government is currently investing heavily in technology, and a young generation of programmers is rapidly developing. 70% of Vietnamese consumers use the internet to search for product information and make purchases.

FB Singapore's conference room is spacious and offers flexible seating arrangements with whiteboards on the surrounding walls.

Facebook's "Values ​​of the Internet" survey, which assessed factors such as internet access skills, internet access conditions, internet readiness, and internet access rights in various countries, showed that Vietnam ranked 44th out of 100. Specifically, internet relevance ranked 10th out of 100, internet readiness ranked 24th out of 100, but digital literacy ranked 63rd out of 100. This highlights a significant gap in the digital skills of Vietnamese users.

Group 1 presented on developing a Digital Thinking course in universities.

The areas that Facebook is currently focusing on are: Digital economy, cybersecurity, and community development. In Vietnam, Facebook supports businesses in their development, aiming to become global startups, with a particular focus on empowering women in business. Facebook also helps 3,000 Vietnamese programmers connect with the region, encouraging them to share and exchange experiences with software companies and large businesses – creating connections between programmers and businesses.

Group 2 proposed integrating knowledge of Digital Thinking into existing subjects.

In the field of cybersecurity, in 2006, Facebook removed 2 billion fake accounts and 90 million offensive images that violated community standards.

Group 3 discussion topic: extra-curricular activities

In the field of community development, Facebook has implemented activities to support disaster prevention and control staff in localities across Vietnam, and student management staff of the Ministry of Education and Training on how to use and access Facebook's features; organizing workshops in provinces and cities to support skills in using Facebook in the workplace... In 2019, Facebook launched the "Vietnam Social for Good" program with the participation of famous figures to call for gender equality, protect women, and condemn domestic violence... In 2020, to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Vietnam-US relations, Facebook planned to launch the "Facebook for Vietnam" program with five main content branches: Safety - Communities - Innovation - Cities - Economics. Among these, the "We Think Digital" program is a component of Facebook's community development activities in Vietnam.

Professor Pham Quang Minh, Rector, and Professor Vu Minh Khuong (Professor at the National University of Singapore)

A representative from Facebook stated that the "We Think Digital" program has been implemented in high schools across Vietnam, training over 110,000 students and more than 1,000 high school teachers. They are currently seeking partners to introduce this content into universities. The Facebook representative hopes that the University of Social Sciences and Humanities – Vietnam National University, Hanoi will be a strategic partner in developing a Digital Thinking course and fostering digital skills within the community. This is essential knowledge that Facebook believes it has a responsibility to provide to its users, including: the operating principles of the Internet and Facebook; understanding the concepts and characteristics of "digital footprint" and "digital identity"; identifying potential risks and dangers to users on Facebook; distinguishing between virtual and real life; learning how to protect online information security; and learning how to interact responsibly and respectfully in the digital environment. Practice positive engagement when interacting online...

Professor Vu Minh Khuong shared with the delegation the challenges Vietnam faces in developing its digital economy and what Vietnam needs to do to integrate with the world.

The university's delegation discussed with FB representatives and proposed three ideas for incorporating knowledge of Digital Thinking into the university curriculum. First, they proposed creating a completely new course on Digital Thinking and teaching it to all students. Second, they proposed integrating Digital Thinking content into existing courses at various training units. Third, they proposed disseminating knowledge of Digital Thinking through student and youth social activities, as well as through the activities of the Youth Union and Student Association, ultimately leading to the establishment of a student club on this topic.

Professor Pham Quang Minh presents gifts to thank the members of the Facebook Singapore working group.

If this collaboration is achieved and the University's proposals are realized, humanities students will have the opportunity to acquire fundamental knowledge necessary to become safe and responsible digital citizens in the global era; opening up prospects for further cooperation between the University and a leading global social media and online networking service company in the fields of training, research, community development, etc.

The school's delegation had a very successful business trip with many memorable experiences at one of the world's largest social media and online communication companies.