On September 17, the Institute of Social Sciences and Humanities Research, in cooperation with the Department of Socio-Economic and Urban Culture at USSH, VNUHCM, organized a practicum program for third-year students of Mass Communication courses at Sài Gòn Giải Phóng News.
The trip was organized to provide students with realistic visiting opportunities and direct experience with study methods through communication and questioning with journalists, thereby strengthening in-class knowledge, practicing skills, and expanding their understanding of mass communication in urban subjects. Representatives from the Institute of Social Sciences and Humanities Research participating in the event included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thị Hồng Xuân - Director, along with lecturers and researchers. On behalf of Sài Gòn Giải Phóng News, the attending representatives included Journalist Nguyễn Khắc Văn - Deputy Editor-in-Chief in Charge, Journalist Nguyễn Phước Bình - Deputy Secretary General and Head of the Department of Science, Journalist Nguyễn Tường Hân - Editorial Secretary and Head of Department, and Journalist Trần Thị Hồng Vân - Editorial Secretary’s Assistant.
During the program, students had the opportunity to meet and listen to insights from SGGP representatives. They shared many real-world experiences about mass media while also introducing the news production process, from collecting information to editing and publishing newspapers and online news. Additionally, students learned about the editorial operations in the digital age and how social media has become a key channel, directly impacting information dissemination methods. Emerging issues such as the application of artificial intelligence in news production, benefits and challenges, as well as the merging and conversion processes in today's news system, were also analyzed in depth by the speakers.
The practicum also featured students from Burapha University. Dr. Jirayoot Seemung shared insights about the official news situation in Thailand. Thai students positively discussed the information processing procedures and the changes in the newspaper's role in the digital age.
In addition to journalism, SGGP representatives emphasized the importance of media in urban development, helping students better understand journalism’s relationship to urban development. The practicum sparked vibrant conversations, allowing students to directly exchange ideas on how journalism contributes to raising public awareness of modern urban issues. Specifically, students had a practical tour of specialized departments at the Sài Gòn Giải Phóng News editorial office, such as the Editorial Department, Technical Department, and Multimedia Communication Department. Here, they were able to observe the coordination process between different departments to produce high-quality journalistic products that meet the public's need for fast, accurate, and timely information.
The trip to Sài Gòn Giải Phóng News was a valuable opportunity for students of the Faculty of Urban Studies in particular, and students of social sciences and humanities in general, to gain real-world exposure at a professional press agency - the official mouthpiece of the Party Committee, Government, and People of Ho Chi Minh City. From this experience, students were motivated to further improve their knowledge, skills, and necessary experiences in the field of mass communication - a field that plays a particularly important role in modern urban life, aiming toward sustainable development. Through the trip, students gained a more comprehensive and profound understanding of the role of mass communication in reflecting social life while also clearly recognizing the importance of delivering accurate and timely information in the context of rapid urbanization and increasing international integration.
Some pictures taken at the event:
