In developing internationally standardized training programs as part of the Vietnam National University, Hanoi's (VNU) Strategic Mission, the social sciences and humanities (SSH) disciplines are identified as having unique characteristics. Establishing internationally standardized criteria for SSH disciplines/specializations is essential for the successful implementation of the Strategic Mission in practice. Several scientists have shared their perspectives on this issue.
* Professor Vu Duong Ninh - former Head of the Department of International Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities: To achieve international standards, one must access modern theoretical systems.In the current era of integration, the social sciences and humanities, like all other sciences, need to strive for international standards. International integration aims to elevate the level of our universities; expand learning opportunities and integration for our students into the global education and research system; absorb the strengths of the world's science while also developing the unique characteristics of our national science. Once integrated, we must definitely achieve a certain international standard. Therefore, if we ask whether it is necessary for sciences, including the social sciences and humanities, to achieve international standards, the answer is: yes, and very much so!
It is indeed very difficult to establish a set of internationally recognized standards for the social sciences and humanities, but in my opinion, any science aiming for international recognition must first demonstrate fundamental and systematic principles, in compatibility with global science. This is the most important foundation that all scientific disciplines need. Building upon this foundation, the second factor to consider is modernity, that is, the acceptance of new ideas, which is especially important in today's information age. Thirdly, there is the element of creativity, which could be internationally significant innovations contributing to the world's common knowledge base, like the case of Ngo Bao Chau, for example; or innovations that are applied to solve problems in the specific context and practical realities of Vietnam. So, what solutions are there to achieve international standards for education and science? First and foremost, we must "liberate" the issue of foreign language proficiency. Foreign languages must be used proficiently and effectively as a tool to help us exchange information and engage in dialogue with international colleagues. Previously, the teaching and learning of foreign languages in our country was dependent on political changes. During the colonial period, we studied French, then Russian, and only from the 1990s onwards did we switch to English. Our foreign language teaching is very good in specialized language schools or foreign affairs departments, but the general level of education still falls short of standards. Students spend a lot of time and effort learning foreign languages, but it is ineffective and they cannot use them. Secondly, computer and internet skills are essential. Thirdly, mastering methodological issues is crucial: approach methods, research methods, teamwork methods, etc. Among the criteria for achieving international standards in the social sciences and humanities, in my opinion, the most important is access to modern theoretical systems. Academic disciplines must be built on a foundation of modern, up-to-date theoretical systems. This is also a weakness of ours today. Another criterion is the number of scientific research papers published in international journals. However, a distinction needs to be made: while the natural sciences are more concerned with international publications, the social sciences and humanities, with their unique characteristics, need to consider whether those studies address practical problems specific to Vietnam.
* Professor Dinh Van Duc - Director of the Center for Asia-Pacific Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities: developing criteria that are both consistent with international practices and reflect the creativity and unique characteristics of Vietnam.Because science is a distinct field, a separate area, it also has standardized principles and procedures at the international level—that is, universal values applicable to all places, countries, and fields, whether social sciences or natural sciences. When discussing science, one must consider its fundamental nature, its modernity, and its creativity. However, alongside these universal characteristics, there are also local issues specific to each field, region, country, and ethnic group. Therefore, the general principles of science are "localized" in each field and region, while still ensuring the three requirements mentioned above. Social sciences and humanities must also fully demonstrate these characteristics, but they also have specific characteristics because they are linked to society and people. And society has its own unique characteristics in terms of nation, ethnicity, and operating mechanisms. Therefore, we have international standards, but we also have national standards. International standards should remain universal, while national standards depend on the specific conditions of each place; they are rules but more concretely defined. With this approach, the social sciences and humanities in any country must strive to meet international standards. These standards also change over time. Current standards for social sciences and humanities must be linked to global information, information technology, interdisciplinary collaboration, and interconnectedness…
When establishing international standards for social sciences and humanities disciplines, it is necessary to consider both the general principles of science and the specific criteria of social sciences and humanities, as well as the criteria of each specialization; while also reflecting the unique creativity of Vietnam, it must be consistent with international practices. Some criteria are immediately apparent, such as modernity and accuracy, but others need clarification, such as foreign language proficiency standards. Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) is a multidisciplinary, research-oriented university, so establishing these standards is essential. However, I believe we shouldn't rush; instead, we need a long-term strategy and a step-by-step plan. In my opinion, we should develop a set of international standards for strategic mission programs in the immediate future. The pilot phase should differ from the expansion phase, and the standards for undergraduate programs should differ from those for postgraduate training. These standards need to be very detailed, with output standards being crucial and highly practical for the current level of Vietnamese social and scientific development. Regarding solutions to achieve international standards in social sciences and humanities, for Vietnam National University, Hanoi, firstly, we must clearly define two standards: training standards and research apprenticeship standards for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Secondly, we must provide students with up-to-date information and teaching. Thirdly, we must connect this knowledge with Vietnamese practice. Secondary solutions include: improving foreign language proficiency, information technology skills, library systems (providing scientific information, learning materials, etc.), and scientific journals. Faculty members should have international scientific publications, and students should have domestic scientific publications. In particular, emphasis must be placed on skills education: professional skills, soft skills, life skills, etc.
* Dr. Hoang Anh Tuan - Deputy Head of the Department of History, University of Social Sciences and Humanities: International standards must be consistent throughout the entire training process.Simply put, international standards in science are the sets of values that any scientific discipline must strive for if it wants to gain recognition from the global scientific community for its professional quality. Social sciences and humanities are an integral part of science in general, and therefore naturally also have international standards, although the highly specific nature of certain disciplines cannot be ignored. In our country, in the context of the current strong process of global integration, training programs in the social sciences and humanities also need to correctly and promptly recognize international standard values to avoid falling too far behind the advanced social sciences and humanities around the world, which have been developing very rapidly in recent times. To achieve this, we must, of course, consider internationally standardized criteria that are consistent throughout the entire training process, encompassing everything from entry standards (requirements regarding professional qualifications, scientific research results, foreign language skills, etc.) to training program standards (professional training management; modern facilities; advanced training programs; promoting international training cooperation; emphasizing the promotion of academic foreign languages so that learners can proactively cooperate internationally to develop their expertise; building an international training environment to attract scientists from around the world to lecture and conduct research, thereby creating opportunities for learners...), and output standards (highly qualified human resources with good foreign language skills, capable of independent research, teamwork, and international cooperation; degrees recognized by the global scientific community...). The pilot program by Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) to develop three internationally accredited social science and humanities training programs within the framework of its national curriculum is considered a groundbreaking solution towards achieving the aforementioned goal. Based on the evaluation of the results of these programs, VNU should expand the scope of training programs in the social sciences and humanities, prioritizing those close to international standards, while focusing on investing human and material resources in these training programs to have more programs meeting international standards in the coming years.
