LQT Talk #13: Global citizen orientation and methods for integrating real-world business situations into the classroom

On September 20, 2024, LQT Talk #13 took place at the Grand Hotel, marking a special milestone for the second cohort of students as they participated in this event series for the first time.

Meet the top leaders in the fields of business and education

The discussion session revolved around two topics: “Global Citizenship” and “Integrating Real Business Situations into the Classroom.” The event was honored to have a delegation from Western Sydney University, Australia, collaborating with Dr. Lý Quí Trung to bring students fresh perspectives from leading industry and education leaders.

The guests attending the event included:

– Professor Jennifer Westacott AO – Chancellor

– Professor George Williams AO – Deputy Chancellor and Chair

– Professor Deborah Sweeney – Deputy Chancellor and Vice Chair (Research, Enterprise, and Global Development)

– Mr. Angelo Kourtis – Vice Chair and Chief Executive Officer

– Dr. Nicolene Murdoch – Vice Chancellor (Global Engagement)

– Dr. Douglas Foster – Provost of the Western Sydney Vietnam program

– Dr. Lý Quí Trung – Founder of the LQT Bachelor of Business program

The mission of global citizenship and the importance of education in fostering a global mindset

According to Professor Deborah Sweeney, Deputy Chancellor and Vice Chair (Research, Enterprise, and Global Development) at Western Sydney University, Australia, to become a global citizen, each individual must actively care about and take action on the issues facing the world. She emphasizes that students need to step out of their comfort zones, actively explore new things, and continuously learn in order to make a difference. Through lifelong learning, students will equip themselves with the knowledge and skills necessary to address global challenges and contribute to building a better world.

According to Professor George Williams AO, Deputy Chancellor and Chair of Western Sydney University, the school’s vision is to train students to become leaders who not only have strong expertise but also possess soft skills such as social communication and adaptability. He stresses that developing these skills must go beyond textbooks and be fostered through real-world experiences and social interactions. These elements help students become confident and ready to respond to changes in today’s world.

Realizing the vision of integrating a global mindset

According to Professor Deborah Sweeney, in the effort to promote a global mindset as an essential part of the learning journey, Western Sydney University will continue to enhance the integration of practical experiential activities into the curriculum. Students will have opportunities to participate in international events, cultural exchanges, and community activities, thereby broadening their perspectives through diverse cultures. This approach not only cultivates social skills and adaptability in a globalized environment but also better prepares students for their future careers.

The event became lively as speakers discussed integrating business challenges into teaching to increase the practical relevance of the curriculum. To ensure the training content remains aligned with market demands, Professor Jennifer Westacott AO, Chancellor of Western Sydney University, Australia, stated that the university will continue expanding partnerships with business partners and entrepreneurs. This will not only provide students with opportunities to engage with real business situations but also help them build professional networks.

Dr. Lý Quí Trung also affirmed that the LQT Talk series is designed as a form of integrating business knowledge into the classroom. Students will have the chance to meet experienced entrepreneurs from various fields. The stories they share include not only successes but also failures and challenges they faced on their entrepreneurial journeys.

Dr. Lý Quí Trung emphasized that these are valuable experiences helping students gain deeper understanding of the business world and extract practical lessons to nurture their own entrepreneurial aspirations. Additionally, the LQT Bachelor of Business program offers students a three-month practical internship opportunity in Australia. Through this, students not only experience a completely new work environment and culture but also develop flexible thinking skills and expand their international networks.

Student discussion at LQT Talk #13

During the discussion session, Mai Anh, a student from the WSU-LQT BBUS cohort 02, asked: “Given the high unemployment rate among graduates from public universities in Vietnam, many experts believe the main reason is that students lack the necessary skills to compete in the job market. So, what can the Western Sydney University community do to support public universities in Vietnam?”

In response, Dr. Lý Quí Trung shared: “Although we cannot provide direct support, we can help indirectly. With a modern and practical curriculum, the WSU-LQT BBUS program equips students with knowledge and skills that meet the demands of the global labor market. If public universities can incorporate these elements into their teaching, the quality of education and students’ competitiveness will improve, thereby contributing to reducing unemployment rates.”

Conclusion   

LQT Talk #13 concluded with deep and meaningful insights, marking a memorable milestone for WSU-LQT BBUS cohort 02 students on their learning and career development journey. Through this, Western Sydney University promises to continue enhancing the learning experience and supporting students in equipping practical skills, preparing them to face challenges in the global business environment.