Student service, support, and care model: an experience in Singapore.

The delegation visited three leading educational institutions in Singapore: the National University of Singapore (NUS), the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM), and the Singapore Polytechnic Institute (SP). After working at these institutions, we – those directly involved in student affairs at the training units of Vietnam National University, Hanoi – have gained valuable experience in supporting students.

National University of Singapore: supporting students' holistic development

At the National University of Singapore, the delegation met with representatives and staff from the Student Affairs Department and learned that the National University of Singapore has developed an online portal to support students; skill development and career counseling programs are organized regularly and quite frequently. Each year, the University sends outstanding students to multinational corporations and companies for internships, and more importantly, to inspire them with entrepreneurial spirit and career development.

The National University of Singapore has established over 200 extracurricular clubs for students and encourages their participation with the motto: get out of the classroom and experience exciting activities! At the Student Services Centre, students receive advice and support on issues related to tuition fees, training, and administration: from tuition payment and bills, student travel discount cards, transcripts... to certificates of participation in activities, student certificates, student ID card issuance, lost and found services… This is a highly convenient service model for students.

The National University of Singapore has established a student sports center equipped with modern facilities for various sports: a football field, an outdoor swimming pool, a multi-purpose training room, a gym, a squat room, a yoga studio, etc. These are essential facilities to ensure students receive comprehensive education and training.

To achieve the goal "Helping learners develop holistically as global citizens and become pioneering leaders who drive change.The National University of Singapore places great emphasis on the activities of its Community Engagement Centre. This centre organizes and connects students to participate in volunteer activities for the community, not only in Singapore but also in other countries. The centre has implemented several projects in Vietnam, such as: an English language teaching project for children in Ha Giang, a project to design and build IT classrooms in Tra Vinh, and a project to rebuild classrooms damaged by Typhoon Monsoon in Dong Nai… This is an opportunity for students to learn, experience different cultures, and make useful contributions to the community.

Singapore Institute of Management: focus on international students

At the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM), a Student Learning Centre was established to support students with their academic needs. SIM is the leading and largest private institution in Singapore, annually admitting a large number of international students from around the world. Many students struggle with studying and researching in English. The Centre is responsible for introducing these students to workshops and discussions on research skills and essay writing in English; it also organizes group study sessions on academic issues or provides support for specific subjects. The volunteers are current or former students who guide international students on essay writing, note-taking, and even specialized research skills to help them successfully complete their programs.

A unique aspect of SIM's student care and support model is the establishment of a Student Health Center. This center guides students in effectively managing their personal health, encompassing physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. The center is always available to provide psychological counseling when students encounter personal difficulties or require expert guidance. The center encourages students to participate in tea parties, talks, and workshops on topics such as healthy eating solutions, improving physical health, the benefits of sports, stress management, and building quality relationships.

Singapore Polytechnic Institute: Emphasize career guidance and the role of alumni.

During our visit to the Singapore Polytechnic Institute (SP), we were introduced to innovative approaches in career support for students. SP invites experienced professionals from multinational corporations and companies to serve as instructors. Instead of teaching conventional theory, they provide practical exercises based on real-world problems faced by their respective companies, prompting students to develop solutions. This is considered the most effective way to support career development for students, allowing them to engage with current business issues.

Ms. Nguyen Thanh Mai (Specialist in the Political and Student Affairs Department, University of Social Sciences and Humanities) participated in the working group of Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

We also see a strong connection between the Institute and its alumni network. The Institute values ​​its alumni, considering them the pride of the training institution. They are crucial contributors to the Institute's success. There is a dedicated office for alumni. Furthermore, alumni actively advise and support students throughout their studies, internships, and careers by acting as academic and career advisors through thematic talks; sponsoring academic activities and extracurricular programs; accepting interns; or recruiting recent graduates…

Suggestions for Vietnam National University, Hanoi

Our experiences with student support and care models at three leading educational institutions in Singapore have given us new ideas that can be applied at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities and Vietnam National University, Hanoi:

First,The university established a psychological counseling center for students. This is a necessary activity to support students in overcoming personal psychological obstacles. Nearly 90% of the students at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities come from provinces and cities, with about 40% coming from the northern mountainous provinces, where the living, working, and learning environments differ significantly from Hanoi. Therefore, students will inevitably experience some apprehension and anxiety when starting their student life. The psychological counseling center will provide professional psychological support; counseling and listening to the difficulties and concerns students face in their studies, daily life, and overall well-being.

Secondly,More space and activities are needed to enhance students' health. To ensure students can develop holistically, both physically and mentally, they need the conditions and space to participate in healthy extracurricular activities. The Center for Physical Education and Sports of Hanoi National University needs to be reformed in terms of both facilities and operational model to best serve students.

Third isFurther strengthen career counseling and job placement support for students. Career counseling and job placement support for students is a long-term process, not just for final-year students.

For example, at the Singapore Institute of Management, students have numerous opportunities to participate in discussions, workshops, or career fairs and job counseling sessions organized by alumni and companies. Final-year students don't study specialized subjects; instead, their role is to learn about and participate in these activities, such as internships or career orientation camps, to broaden their career opportunities.

According to SIM's annual surveys, 60% of graduates from private universities find full-time employment within six months of graduation, earning an average salary of S$2,550. Meanwhile, 82.7% of SIM graduates find full-time employment within six months of graduation, earning S$2,700, while the remaining 18.8% work part-time or in other freelance jobs.

Fourth,Data on graduate employment should be gathered primarily from employers and alumni.

Through our group interviews with colleagues at the National University of Singapore, the Singapore Institute of Management, and the Singapore Polytechnic Institute, we learned that these institutions primarily conduct surveys on graduate employment through alumni employers. This allows us to obtain accurate and truthful information about graduate employment, as well as identify the strengths and weaknesses of graduates. Based on this, the universities can adjust their training programs to better meet the needs of employers.

Fifthly,Hanoi National University should issue regulations on granting certificates to students who participate in volunteer activities. These certificates would be valuable proof for students when they graduate and seek employment.