Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen: I hope to be able to do something for the field of Public Relations.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen (Deputy Head of the Faculty of Journalism and Communication)

ButCongratulations on the recognition of your hard work and professional achievements by the State with the title of Associate Professor this past year. Could you share your thoughts on this event??

I am delighted to have been able to pursue my beloved field of study (Journalism and Communication) and to have received the title of Associate Professor, a recognition from the State and society for my contributions to this field. This achievement is not only due to my personal efforts, but more importantly, to the encouragement and support of the Faculty leadership, the University, and my wonderful colleagues. It seems my responsibilities have also become heavier. I am constantly thinking about what I can do to contribute even more to the development of the Faculty of Journalism and Communication and the University.

ButPublic relations is a fieldlearnAs a relatively young institution within the Vietnamese university system, what challenges does it face?in building and developing this field of studyWhat worries her the most? 

2015 was a challenging year for the Public Relations (PR) field, for me, and for the Faculty of Journalism and Communication. The biggest concern for those of us involved in teaching was how to invest in future generations, and how to ensure that graduates could adapt to the dynamic and complex realities of this profession.

Recalling the early days of establishing the Public Relations Department at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, there were many difficulties and shortages. We had to actively recruit talented individuals to help build and develop the department. It was a long and arduous journey. The Public Relations Department at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities was still young, so my greatest concern was how to improve the quality of training. To address these issues, two fundamental conditions needed to be met: learning materials and faculty. Textbooks and learning materials on Public Relations were very limited and needed to be developed from the ground up to support teaching. Meanwhile, the network of training staff in Public Relations was small and also needed attention in terms of development and training. They are the ones who will "inspire" students, "awaken" their desire to learn, and instill in them a love for the profession.

Despite the difficulties, I believe that I and my colleagues will succeed because we love this work and are eager to do something for the field of Public Relations, for the Faculty, and for the University. I feel very fortunate that even in difficult times, I have always received the support and assistance of my family, friends, colleagues, and beloved students.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen receives the certificate of Associate Professor title/Photo: Thanh Long

- The Faculty of Journalism & Communication has justThis represents a new step in the development of the Public Relations industry, through the first-ever implementation of this program.training partnershipsMaster of Media Managementwith the University of Stirling (UK)Is this perhaps a positive sign?

That's right. This is the first time an international joint training program on "Media Management" has been implemented in Northern Vietnam, a success in international cooperation for the Faculty of Journalism and Communication and, more broadly, for the University of Social Sciences and Humanities. The program will enroll its first cohort in May 2015. In the era of integration, international joint training is a correct direction and brings many benefits to Vietnamese universities. Firstly, the university's lecturers have the opportunity to work with foreign lecturers, which is a great opportunity to exchange educational experiences and improve academic standards. Secondly, Vietnamese students directly benefit from being taught by leading foreign experts with international quality. Thirdly, the prestige of the university in general and the Faculty of Journalism and Communication in particular will also be enhanced because university rankings all take internationalization criteria into account.

But The Public Relations program at the school is entering its third enrollment season this year. The training process...first cohort of studentsWhat thoughts did it evoke in her?  

The first cohort of students in the Public Relations major, Faculty of Journalism and Communication, left a deep impression on me. Their entrance exam results were excellent, with high scores compared to the overall average of the university. But more importantly, these first two cohorts of students had a clear direction in the profession they were pursuing. However, today's young generation is quite different from our generation. They are much more open in their activities, clearly aware of their rights as learners, and eager for new knowledge. Therefore, they constantly demand that instructors refresh each lesson, ensuring accuracy and continuously updating their knowledge. This is also an inevitable trend of the 21st century; it is necessary to create a more democratic and respectful environment between teachers and students. Only with the efforts and cooperation of both teachers and students can the quality of teaching be improved.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen is simple and down-to-earth in her daily life. / Photo: Thanh Long

But I used tostudentof KPress flowersand Communications,Then she was retained as a lecturer in the Department and the University; it was a long period of dedication to this institution. Which memory is the most profound for her??

2015 marked the 70th anniversary of the founding of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities and the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Faculty of Journalism and Communication. I recall the first generation of teachers and students of the Faculty of Journalism at the University of Hanoi. I remember Professor Ha Minh Duc (Professor Ha Minh Duc - the first Dean of the Faculty), Associate Professor Duong Xuan Son (Associate Professor Duong Xuan Son - former Vice Dean), and Professor Pham Dinh Lan (former Vice Dean) taking students to villages to ask for meals and to military companies for interaction. The bond and closeness between teachers and students were simple yet touching. In the early days of the Faculty of Journalism and Communication, Professor Ha Minh Duc even went to various cram schools to introduce the Faculty. His image, as a 10th-grade student, was deeply ingrained in my mind. Our teachers were truly the most dedicated and devoted educators I have ever known. We have learned so much from our teachers, especially about the teaching profession. Teaching is a difficult profession with a heavy responsibility. A good teacher can help an entire generation of students find their bright future. Conversely, a teacher who teaches incorrectly can contribute to "ruining" that entire generation. I am extremely grateful and appreciative of the previous generations of lecturers. Their dedication and passion are a crucial motivation for me to contribute more to the Faculty of Broadcasting and Communication, the university, and my beloved students.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts, and I wish you the best in fulfilling your wishes in the new year.