Bac Lieu University to Enhance Quality as Regional Human Resource Training Hub

Bac Lieu University, located in Ca Mau Province in southern Vietnam, has outlined a strategy to prioritize educational quality and meet labor market demands by 2030, with a vision towards 2035. The university aims to focus on the quality of graduates rather than simply increasing the number of disciplines or students. On September 11, Mr. Nguyen Ho Hai, Member of the Central Party Committee and Secretary of the Ca Mau Provincial Party Committee, visited Bac Lieu University to discuss the current state of human resource training in the province and the Mekong Delta region. During the meeting, Secretary Hai noted that while the university has made progress, its performance has not yet matched its potential. He pointed out that many initiatives remain in the planning stages with limited concrete results, a shortage of highly qualified faculty, and insufficient practical outcomes in scientific research and technology transfer. Secretary Hai emphasized the need for specific measures to attract, train, and develop faculty with doctoral degrees, associate professorships, professorships, and expertise. He also stressed the importance of policies to effectively utilize the existing teaching staff. He instructed relevant departments to actively collaborate and provide guidance to help the university overcome its challenges, ensuring that no single issue is addressed by multiple conflicting departmental directives, and preventing the shirking of responsibility or administrative delays from hindering the university''s development. According to Dr. Phan Van Dan, Rector of Bac Lieu University, the institution currently employs 215 staff members, including one associate professor, 31 PhD holders, and 108 master's degree holders. The university regularly reviews and updates its curriculum in accordance with Ministry of Education and Training regulations and local labor market needs. It is also enhancing the application of information technology and digital transformation in its training activities, alongside implementing solutions to improve educational quality and prepare for the opening of new disciplines aligned with the development orientation of the university and the human resource needs of Ca Mau Province and the Mekong Delta region. The university currently offers 14 undergraduate programs and one college-level program, serving nearly 3,500 students. Beyond training, the university is actively promoting scientific research, innovation, and digital transformation linked to the socio-economic development needs of the locality. Four research groups have been established, resulting in 873 published scientific papers, 40 books, and 70 grassroots-level innovations. The university has requested the Provincial Party Committee and People's Committee of Ca Mau Province to support the completion and selection of a plan for a new university campus, which would require approximately 70 hectares of land and potentially connect to a 100-hectare development area. This expansion is seen as crucial for long-term development and creating a concentrated, integrated space for training, practical application, research, innovation, and technology transfer. Additionally, the university seeks prioritized investment in technical infrastructure, facilities, laboratories, research areas, dormitories, and digital transformation infrastructure, as well as funding for the repair, renovation, and effective utilization of existing provincial-assigned facilities.