On May 14, in alignment with the implementation of Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW issued by the Politburo on "Breakthroughs in the Development of Science, Technology, Innovation, and National Digital Transformation"; along with Plan No. 01-KH/BCĐTW on promoting the “Digital Mass Education” movement issued by the Central Steering Committee for the Development of Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Transformation; and Plan No. 02/KH-BCĐ issued by VNU-HCM 57 Action Program Steering Committee; the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City (USSH, VNU-HCM), launched a specialized training course titled “AI Knowledge Update for Staff in 2025’.
This program marks a concrete step in realizing the goals of the “Digital Mass Education” initiative - moving beyond technological upskilling to promote an inclusive, human-centered model of digital transformation.
"Digital Mass Education" – A New Paradigm in the Digital Age
In her opening address, Prof. Dr. Ngô Thị Phương Lan, Rector of USSH, VNU-HCM and Head of the Digital Transformation Steering Committee, highlighted that digital transformation entails more than technological integration. Rather, it represents a fundamental shift in mindset, competencies, and the role of individuals in adapting to change. In this context, technology becomes a baseline competency for all.
The course aims to equip university staff with essential digital skills and a foundational understanding of artificial intelligence (AI), in response to the national call for inclusive digital transformation, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Prof. Dr. Ngô Thị Phương Lan stated that this program is to ensure genuine digital transformation, which adopted the spirit of “Digital Mass Education” - a movement initiated by General Secretary Tô Lâm.
Just as the original “mass education” movement once helped Vietnam eradicate illiteracy, “digital mass education” continues to democratize access to digital knowledge. This motto inspires practical and flexible training programs tailored to real-world applications.
These internal training initiatives embody the University’s commitment to implementing Resolution 57, promoting lifelong learning, and enhancing institutional performance. In this mission, USSH, VNU-HCM, positions itself as a proactive institution fostering a digitally fluent academic and administrative environment - while putting people at the core and knowledge as the foundation.
Prof. Dr. Ngô Thị Phương Lan, USSH Rector, Head of the Steering Committee for Digital Transformation, affirmed that digital transformation is not only the application of technology to management or teaching processes, but also a well-rounded innovation- Photo: LÝ NGUYÊN
Applying AI in Administration and Governance: A Shift in Practice and Mindset
The training course "Effective Application of AI in Administration and Governance" headed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Thanh Bình, Head of the Department of Applied Informatics at the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics, University of Science, VNU-HCM, exemplified a practical and learner-centered approach. Thus, it attracted strong participation from staff across all departments.
Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyễn Thanh Bình, Head of the Department of Applied Informatics at the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics, USSH, VNU-HCM, is in charge of the internal course "Effective application of AI in administrative and management work" - Photo: LÝ NGUYÊN
Focusing on real administrative tasks - such as drafting documents, managing correspondence, and designing presentations - the course introduced AI as a tool to enhance, rather than replace, human work. Instead of overwhelming participants with technical jargon, the training emphasized accessible, scenario-based learning.
The theoretical component helped participants understand the nature of AI - its operating principles, benefits, and limitations - to instill a mindset of responsible and informed AI usage. Special attention was given to prompt engineering - a core communication method with AI tools - using practical examples contextualized to real-world scenarios to enhance comprehension and applicability.
A notable feature of the course was the in-depth discussion on ethics, data privacy, and potential risks. Using real-life case studies, the program addressed pressing issues such as misinformation, handling sensitive data, and professional accountability.
These sessions stimulated critical dialogue, turning the classroom into a collaborative space for reflection and problem-solving. This stands as a clear embodiment of the “digital mass education” spirit.
To ensure relevance and impact, the course was divided into two tracks. One focused on administrative and support staff, emphasizing AI applications in governance and operations. The other catered to lecturers in the social sciences and humanities, exploring AI’s role in pedagogy, research, and academic evaluation.
This segmentation reflects a personalized training approach, aligning with the University’s broader goal of empowering each staff member according to their specific functions and needs.
The training course on "Effective application of AI in administrative and management work" attracted many officials and employees to participate - Photo: LÝ NGUYÊN
With its applied focus, participant-centered design, and alignment with staff development strategies, the AI training course at USSH, VNU-HCM is not only a launchpad for digital transformation but also a testament to our people-centered approach that embodied the spirit of “digital mass education”.
Source: THU THẢO – LÝ NGUYÊN
Translated by: Như Quỳnh Lý
