INTRODUCTION

Within the framework of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting equitable and inclusive learning opportunities, the UD has implemented a range of open vocational training and management education programs for the public, contributing to expanding learning opportunities, develo

Organizing vocational training and professional development courses based on societal needs (Ad hoc)

The UD encourages its member universities to proactively design and organize courses that respond to the practical needs of learners and the labor market, with the aim of meeting the demand for highly qualified human resources in the context of international integration.

At the University of Foreign Language Studies – The University of Danang, two professional development programs were launched in October 2025: a pedagogical training course for bachelor's degree holders in relevant disciplines who aspire to become English teachers, and the 2025 professional development program for Korean language teachers in Vietnam. These programs focus on developing pedagogical knowledge, teaching methodologies, and competencies in organizing educational activities, addressing the need to expand and improve the quality of the foreign language teaching workforce. Participation is not limited to students currently enrolled at the university but is also open to university graduates, practicing teachers, and individuals seeking further professional development, provided they meet the admission requirements of each program[1].

Another example is the University of Science and Education – The University of Danang (UED), which regularly offers professional development courses in pedagogical skills, professional title standards, educational management, and capacity building for local teachers. These courses are designed to accommodate the professional development needs of teachers and educational administrators across Vietnam's Central and Central Highlands regions, contributing to improvements in the quality of the regional education workforce. In particular, the programs are delivered flexibly on an ad hoc basis, meaning that courses are organized in response to specific requests from local authorities, educational institutions, or individuals seeking to improve their professional competencies. Upon successful completion, participants receive certificates in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Education and Training, ensuring their formal recognition and professional relevance. UED's professional development programs illustrate how higher education institutions can contribute to community development by providing access to professional knowledge and skills beyond formal degree programs. In doing so, the university supports lifelong learning and continuing professional development, enabling educators and other learners to update their knowledge and competencies throughout their careers[2].

These efforts demonstrate the positive social contributions of the University of Danang (UD), extending beyond formal education to supporting local human resource development and improving the quality of education in Vietnam. Demand-driven professional development programs provide concrete evidence of UD’s commitment to SDG Indicator 4.3.3, while aligning with the criteria of the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings concerning lifelong learning and community-oriented education.

The University of Science and Education – The University of Danang (UED) continues to recruit participants and deliver professional development programs designed to meet the evolving needs of teachers and educational personnel. In 2025, the university announced a range of programs, including pedagogical training for graduates with relevant bachelor’s degrees who aspire to become primary, lower secondary, or upper secondary school teachers; professional development for lower secondary school teachers teaching Natural Sciences or History and Geography; training in methods for teaching life values and life skills; professional development based on the occupational title standards for school counseling personnel; and capacity-building courses in school counseling and social work in educational settings. These programs target individuals seeking to acquire additional professional competencies in accordance with the requirements of Vietnam’s 2018 General Education Curriculum and applicable professional regulations in the education sector.

Demand-driven professional development programs at the University of Science and Education – The University of Danang

In addition, the university conducted a professional development program on curriculum development and teaching methods for Natural Sciences and Social Sciences at the general education level for 20 Lao participants. Completed in November 2025, the program contributed to expanding the scope of professional development activities through international cooperation[3].

Closing ceremony of the professional development course on curriculum design and the teaching of Natural Sciences and Social Sciences at the general education level for Lao participants

The professional development programs offered by the two universities demonstrate their capacity to address diverse learning needs beyond formal degree programs, particularly in pedagogical training, foreign language teaching methodologies, general education, and learner support. By organizing multiple admission rounds throughout the year, designing programs for specific professional groups, and delivering courses in response to requests from institutions and organizations, these universities provide additional opportunities for continuing education and ongoing professional development. Depending on the nature and requirements of each program, participants who successfully complete their training receive certificates or certificates of completion in accordance with applicable regulations.

These initiatives provide evidence of the University of Danang’s (UD) efforts to expand lifelong learning opportunities, in line with the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) concerning quality education, particularly the goal of ensuring access to vocational and higher education.

 Regularly offered vocational training and professional development programs

In line with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all, the University of Danang (UD) has established and maintained a system of regularly scheduled vocational training and professional development programs (on a programmed basis). These initiatives aim to develop a continuing education ecosystem that serves local communities, teachers, educational administrators, and workers across Vietnam’s Central and Central Highlands regions.

Training and professional development programs for school teachers and local educational administrators organized by the University of Science and Education in 2025

University of Science and Education - The University of Danang (UED) maintains professional development programs for teachers and educational administrators, including courses offered through multiple enrollment rounds throughout the year. One example is the certificate-awarding program “Methods of Teaching Life Values and Life Skills,” designed for lecturers at colleges and universities, as well as teachers working in preschools, general education schools, continuing education centers, and other educational institutions. The program lasts approximately 1 to 1.5 months and is delivered online, focusing on developing participants’ competencies in designing and organizing educational activities that promote life values and life skills among learners. Enrollment is conducted on a regular basis, with classes commencing once the required minimum number of participants is reached. This arrangement enables teachers from different localities to participate in professional development and obtain certificates relevant to their teaching careers[4].

In the Central Highlands region, the University of Danang – Kon Tum Campus continued its collaboration with Quy Nhon University to provide professional development programs and certificates based on professional title standards for preschool, primary, lower secondary, and upper secondary school teachers. The programs were offered through multiple enrollment rounds in 2025, with announcements for the first round on February 11, the second on March 26, and the third on June 6, 2025. Participants included practicing teachers at educational institutions and individuals seeking to obtain certificates in accordance with professional title standards. By maintaining several enrollment rounds throughout the year, the campus enabled teachers to select suitable training periods while expanding local opportunities to update their professional knowledge and pedagogical competencies.

Beyond teacher professional development, the University of Danang – Kon Tum Campus also expanded its short-term training programs into foreign languages and technology applications. On June 23, 2025, the campus introduced the program “Advanced Applications of AI in Teaching,” designed to help teachers become familiar with artificial intelligence tools for professional use. On July 1, 2025, the campus announced enrollment for short-term Lao language courses lasting three, six, and nine months. Offering programs of different durations enabled learners to select learning pathways suited to their foreign language needs in professional communication, workplace activities, and international cooperation. The campus's activity reports also documented its collaboration in organizing professional title development courses, AI application training, foreign language programs, and basic information technology application certification courses during 2025.

The University of Foreign Language Studies – The University of Danang (UFLS-UD) offers professional development programs for foreign language teachers to improve their teaching competencies in general education institutions. In 2025, the university collaborated with the Korean Language Center in Ho Chi Minh City, under the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea, to implement a professional development program for Korean language teachers at the general education level. Following more than two months of training, the program concluded on December 22, 2025, with 25 participants successfully completing the course and receiving certificates of completion. The training combined Korean language teaching methodologies, practical pedagogical activities, and study visits to general education institutions. The program provided teachers with opportunities to update their professional knowledge, exchange teaching experiences, and apply instructional methods in their teaching practice.

Training course on starting a career in consulting at the University of Technology and Education – The University of Danang

n the field of vocational skills training and business support, the University of Technology and Education – The University of Danang organized a training course entitled “Starting a Career in Consulting” on July 23, 2025, with the participation of representatives from government agencies, consulting professionals, and businesses. The program aimed to develop participants’ knowledge and practical consulting skills while providing opportunities to exchange professional experiences and gain a better understanding of consulting practices and business support services. This initiative illustrates the expansion of short-term training beyond technical disciplines to include professional skills that address the needs of organizations and businesses.

Evidence from 2025 indicates that professional development activities at the University of Danang (UD) were delivered through two main formats: structured training programs with scheduled enrollment, defined course durations, and certificates of completion; and short-term training workshops designed to address specific professional needs of local authorities, institutions, and businesses. Among these initiatives, the teacher professional development programs offered by the University of Science and Education, the University of Danang – Kon Tum Campus, and the University of Foreign Language Studies provide clearer evidence of regularly scheduled training and continuing professional development.

CONCLUSION

The continued provision of these training and professional development opportunities aligns with Indicator 4.3.3 – Vocational Training Events (Lifelong Learning) of the THE Impact Rankings, demonstrating UD’s role in supporting vocational skills development and continuing education for learners outside formal degree programs. The supporting evidence could be further strengthened by providing actual participant numbers, course curricula, assessment results, and certificates of completion for each training program.