Teachers who teach well will be rewarded.

Associate Professor Pham Quang Minh, Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, delivered a speech at the seminar.

Faced with the challenges of global trends in higher education, the Party and State have implemented policies to support Vietnamese scientists, such as educational scholarships under Project 322 and Project 911. On the part of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, the Board of Directors has also pioneered in providing substantial financial support for staff to pursue further education and improve their qualifications; and directly rewarding international publications (annually, the budget allocated for international publications is no less than 200 million VND). "So what about us, the young staff members? What are you doing?" asked Associate Professor Pham Quang Minh.

Many scientists around the world and in Vietnam believe that Vietnam is a fertile ground for research in the social sciences and humanities. Vietnam is like a living museum, a hub for research. However, if young Vietnamese researchers in general, and young lecturers at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in particular, fail to keep up with trends and proactively adapt, they risk being marginalized.

Associate Professor Pham Quang Minh said, "The tradition of the University has created pressure for young staff members, standing on the shoulders of giants, but we must overcome it, and we absolutely can overcome it, to continue history and affirm the school's brand in the future."

Overview of the seminar

To further promote this integration and development process, Associate Professor Pham Quang Minh suggested that the University's Human Resources Department should soon research and propose a plan to encourage younger staff members. Accordingly, in addition to rewarding scientific research, the University will have policies for excellent teaching staff, because excellent teaching is the foundation for excellent research, and excellent research will provide the basis for engaging classroom sessions.

At the seminar, many scholars agreed with the view that the future of the school lies in the hands of young lecturers. Therefore, the core strategy for development should focus on the staff, especially young staff members.

According to Associate Professor Tran Khanh Duc (Hanoi University of Science and Technology), young lecturers need to equip themselves with English language skills to access global scientific research materials. Currently, 80% of scientific literature uses English, and young researchers without English skills cannot develop their careers.

Furthermore, young lecturers need to recognize that they are "teachers" rather than "teaching technicians." This challenges young lecturers to equip themselves with a rich foundation of knowledge in culture, society, and politics early on. When they go to class, they should apply that knowledge to convey information to students, rather than simply repeating what is already in the textbook.

Associate Professor Hoang Anh Tuan, Vice Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, is giving a presentation at the seminar.

Students are becoming increasingly passive, and lecturers need to find ways to overcome this weakness. Instead of creating excessive pressure, flexibility is needed in connecting with and disseminating knowledge. Associate Professor Hoang Anh Tuan, Vice Rector of the university, shared, "Sometimes we have to encourage students, treat them as companions, and constantly change our teaching methods so that knowledge reaches them in an interesting and useful way."

Besides teaching well, young Vietnamese researchers also need to pay attention to research and publishing scientific research, because only through research can scientists generate new knowledge and contribute to the community and society. Dr. Kosal Path, from the City University of New York, shared: "Research is the only way to create new knowledge. It's strange that lecturers always require their students to participate in science while they themselves don't have any publications." He added, "In fact, in the US, top universities always consider scientific research as the number one criterion when admitting graduate students."

Sharing his thoughts in the presentation "The Position of Young Lecturers in Vietnamese and German Universities: Some Comparative Reflections," Associate Professor Dr. Hoan Anh Tuan, Vice Rector of the University, emphasized: For young lecturers, always keep in mind that research is your main goal, and that research products are like your "blood," your "career," and a way to contribute to society.