Building a Close Connection between Higher Education and Industry for a Better Education Outcome for Vietnam
Vietnamese higher education has received massive criticism as its graduates do not seem
to satisfy employers’ needs. It is suggested that the outdated professional knowledge provided by
universities and the poor soft skills university students develop during the time at the university are
the direct reasons for the unsatisfaction among employers. This paper, however, aims to challenge
this common criticism. It summarises the research outcomes of a doctoral thesis on the topic of
“enhancing graduate employability in Vietnam” and suggests that shifting the responsibility for
graduate unemployment onto the higher education system in Vietnam is convenient but simplistic.
Bridging the gap between the higher education system and the employment market will require the
goodwill and efforts from a range of stakeholders. First and foremost, there is a need to develop a
close cooperation and connection between the higher education system and industry. This is
essential for the building of a practical curriculum to develop students’ enterprise skills desired by
employers. It requires the effort of not only the educational system, but also of the employer in
enhancing graduate employability in Vietnam.
