Promoting the role of party organizations in schools – Experience from Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry 14-09-2023

The Party Committee of Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City (under the Party Committee of the Ministry of Industry and Trade in Ho Chi Minh City) has successfully completed its tasks for many years; promoted its role of the internal Party organization. Over the years, the Party Committee has improved its leadership and direction methods, resulting in higher quality activities by school committees, branches, authorities, and unions. This has also elevated the role of Party members, strengthening the connection between the Party organization, government, and mass organizations in schools. Additionally, the effective implementation of professional and political tasks by Party ministries and school branches has been achieved.

12th Branch Congress, Party Committee of Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City, term 2022-2025.

Powerful Thriving

Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City, a unit under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, is responsible for offering doctoral, master's, and bachelor's programs with an annual enrollment capacity ranging from 36,000 to 40,000 students. The university comprises three training institutions, with the main campus situated in Go Vap district, Ho Chi Minh City, and two subordinate branches in Quang Ngai province and Thanh Hoa province. At present, the university employs a total of 1,430 staff members, with 1,060 lecturers (comprising 74.12% of the workforce), including 7 professors, 42 associate professors, 288 PhDs, and 704 master's degree holders. The school's party is composed of 29 branches with a total membership of 639 individuals.

In recent years, to effectively execute Resolution No. 29-NQ/TW dated November 4, 2013, issued by the XI Party Central Committee, which pertains to the "fundamental and comprehensive reform of education and training, meeting the requirements of industrialization and modernization in the conditions of a socialist-oriented market economy and international integration," the school's leadership has prioritized guiding and overseeing the innovative and coordinated implementation of various measures. These measures aim to enhance the quality of education, foster a robust and ethical party organization, and promote the continuous development of the school.

The University's Party Committee places great emphasis on the vital tasks of propaganda, political and ideological education, and the cultivation of revolutionary ethics for cadres, lecturers, and students. These tasks are deemed essential for the successful implementation of Resolution No. 29-NQ/TW by the XI Party Central Committee. Party Committees and school leaders consistently promote, disseminate, and fully comprehend the Party and State's directives, resolutions, guidelines, and policies regarding education and training. This effort aims to heighten awareness of the fundamental and comprehensive reform of education and training, emphasizing its pivotal role, significance, and importance in national development. This, in turn, enhances the sense of responsibility, fosters moral values, encourages self-study and research, and advances qualifications across all domains, enabling the acquisition of new scientific knowledge for the betterment of the nation and the successful realization of Resolution-driven objectives.

To align with the Party and State's principles, which prioritize education as a paramount national policy and recognize that investment in education equates to investment in development, the school's Party Committee has overseen the formulation and refinement of numerous programs, mechanisms, and policies tailored to the institution's specific circumstances. Simultaneously, resources have been concentrated on the development of education, with a focus on enhancing school infrastructure, procuring modern teaching equipment, and elevating the quality of administrative personnel and educators. This strategic approach aims to internationalize education, ultimately benefiting students and reinforcing the school's standing and reputation.

The school's Party Committee has provided leadership and guidance in restructuring and optimizing the institution's apparatus, emphasizing efficiency and reducing unnecessary intermediaries. This included aligning the composition of managerial and teaching staff with the school's training requirements. The focus has been on nurturing and enhancing the qualifications of managerial personnel and educators, as well as attracting highly qualified lecturers to join the university. This approach has promoted internal cohesion, unity, and the collective strength of the institution, while simultaneously encouraging creativity and autonomy within units, while upholding individual responsibility in assigned roles. This consolidation has resulted in a reduction in the quantity of school staff, with 333 fewer individuals compared to 2013, and an increase in the number of professors, associate professors, and doctorate holders by 229 individuals.

To enhance the quality of education, the school's Party Committee has been proactive in improving the enrollment process right from the initial stages. It emphasizes aligning enrollment with the school's reputation, ensuring the entrance quality, and sensibly allocating annual enrollment targets. Given the substantial number of yearly applicants, ranking 14th out of 235 universities nationally, the school has concentrated on effective admission consultancy. It participates in admission events organized by prominent educational publications such as Education and Times Newspaper and Tuoi Tre newspaper. Additionally, the school directly engages with high schools in Ho Chi Minh City and various provinces to offer guidance.

Furthermore, the institution allocates funding to support high school student delegations from provinces and cities, enabling them to visit the school's learning environment and observe student activities. Consequently, annual enrollment goals have consistently been met, and entrance quality has been steadily maintained and improved each academic year, consistently surpassing the Ministry of Education and Training's general quality assurance standards.

Additionally, the Party Committee guides the faculties, political affairs departments, student support units, the Youth Union, and the Students' Union in orchestrating career fairs, employment counseling, as well as graduate surveys and polls. Through this avenue of information, the Party Committee and the school's Board of Directors gain insights into the demands and prospects in order to align training programs closely with real-world requirements. This approach enables the establishment of outcome standards tailored to the needs of organizations seeking human resources and creates opportunities for students to secure employment, scholarships, and showcase their capabilities.

In the realm of education, the school's Party Committee instructs faculties and departments to revamp teaching methodologies with a focus on placing learners at the core of the training process. This involves diversifying training approaches and adjusting the curriculum to align with societal needs. The university has established collaboration agreements with 2,200 businesses, annually offering over 3,000 job positions. It actively partners with enterprises to execute training programs for cadres, civil servants, public employees, and workers. Additionally, the school engages businesses in the supply chain of high-quality human resources and encourages their support for scholarships aimed at underprivileged and diligent students. Furthermore, the institution has introduced four tuition-free Japanese courses for eligible students seeking employment in Japan, along with 19 short-term professional courses as part of the LOTTE-KOICA Project, focused on comprehensive development in the retail distribution industry of Ho Chi Minh City.

In the realm of scientific research, the Party Committee guides faculties and departments to emphasize the practical application of their research activities, aligning them with real-world needs. They actively engage in research on topics and schemes at the state, ministerial, and university levels, and participate in both domestic and international scientific conferences. Over time, numerous university policies and research programs have been successfully executed and published in ISI/Scopus journals. The quantity and quality of inventions, state, ministerial, and university-level research projects, as well as textbooks, have increased.

Many lecturers are actively involved in research across various levels. Over the three-year span from 2020 to 2022, the school witnessed 30 accepted intellectual property applications, with 8 intellectual property patents being certified, including one patent. Furthermore, 44 articles in the WoS/Scopus categories of Q1 and Q2 were published, alongside six science and technology projects, one training textbook, one monograph, and two patent applications.

The university also successfully transferred multiple high-applicability university-level scientific research projects to manufacturing enterprises for commercialization. Notable examples include Ca Ty fish sauce, microbiological preparations for animal husbandry, and "Melon juice" products. In 2022, a significant accomplishment was the transfer of the "non-baked brick pressing line" to Duc Thanh Company, which garnered high praise for its superior quality compared to imported equipment lines.

Additionally, the school has achieved exceptional research achievements in various fields, such as metagenomics, medicinal plants, processing and preservation technologies, biotechnology and food, environmental protection, green products, chemical technology, advanced materials, quantum dot solar cells, transparent conductive materials, and control and automation.

The university's student movement for scientific research is flourishing, both in terms of quantity and quality. Various initiatives, including scientific research topics, the Eureka Scientific Research Student Award, the Startup Innovation Contest, and the Young Scientific Conference, have attracted a significant number of students and participants. On average, each Young Scientific Conference sees approximately 500 student papers registered for presentation, while more than 100 topics are submitted for the Eureka Prize organization. Additionally, over 50 ideas are proposed each year in the Startup Innovation Contest, along with more than 30 research topics annually.

Many students have achieved significant recognition in science and technology competitions. Notable accomplishments include winning the First Prize in the 2022 National Startup Student Contest, securing the 3rd Prize in Eureka 2022 at the city level, and claiming the First Prize in the 2022 Startup Idea Contest at the city level.

In August 2023, members of the Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City’s Youth Union embarked on a origin-tracing journey.

The Party Committee directs the faculties and departments to enhance training quality through consultancy and accreditation, adhering to the Ministry of Education and Training standards. They also collaborate with reputable organizations for evaluation and accreditation. Through continuous efforts and improvements, by 2021, the school achieved a score of 684/500 and met international standards such as AUN-QA and ABET in various fields, including Biotechnology, Information Technology, Food Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Machine Building Engineering Technology, Control and Automation Engineering Technology, and Food Safety.

As of September 2021, the university has maintained its position in the QS-Quacquarelli Symonds ranking as one of the 601+ best universities in Asia, ranking 11th best in Vietnam, and meeting QS Stars 4-star quality standards. Furthermore, according to the Webometrics ranking by Cybermetrics Labs (under the Spanish National Research Council), the university ranks 2,165 worldwide and is among the Top 5 higher education institutions in Vietnam.

The Party Committee and the school's Board of Directors have actively promoted international cooperation with a focus on practicality and effectiveness. They have reviewed international joint training programs, evaluated their effectiveness, and provided guidance and solutions for enhancing training quality. In 2022, the university welcomed 27 international delegations from various countries and territories, fostering cooperation in training and scientific research. Additionally, they signed 52 agreements with partners from countries including Korea, Germany, Taiwan, the United States, Italy, Japan, and Canada for student and faculty exchanges, experiential learning, and research.

The university has also entered into collaboration agreements with institutions like Algonquin College in Canada for a 3+1 university student exchange program, Angelo State University (ASU) in the USA for a 2+2 undergraduate model and a 1+1 master's degree model, and the University of Liège in Belgium for associate master's degree programs. They have partnered with the UK on the project "Improving Students' Ability to Meet Recruitment Requirements in the Digital Transformation Period," funded by the British Council, and signed agreements with institutions like the University of East Anglia (UEA, UK), August Company, Tokyo University of Technology (Japan), and Build IT (USA). Moreover, they are actively implementing the KOICA project (Korea) on cosmetology and are exploring cooperation programs with Italy, Hungary, Cuba, India, Taipei, Laos, Cambodia, and more.

Effective Party Building: A Priority​

In the realm of Party building, to enhance and refine the leadership approach of the Party committee at all levels, it is essential not only to prioritize the effective dissemination and mastery of the Party's directives, state policies, resolutions, and laws but also to regularly instill political ideals, ethics, and a commendable lifestyle among our cadres, Party members, and students. This involves a progressive upgrade in the quality of political theory education and a concerted effort to facilitate opportunities, both in terms of time and resources, for these individuals to enhance their grasp of political theory and professional expertise. Consequently, as of now, we have achieved a 100% compliance rate among cadres, Party members, lecturers, and school staff, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to the Party's principles, state policies, local regulations, along with solid moral character, a healthy lifestyle, dedication to their profession, and a pioneering spirit in all endeavors, including emulation movements and self-assertion in adapting to new challenges.

The Party Committee has diligently reviewed and augmented the operational guidelines of the committee at each level, closely collaborating with the school leadership board to allocate specific responsibilities to each level of commissioners, tying these duties to the various faculties, departments, and sections. Particular attention is dedicated to enhancing the quality of branch activities and the caliber of Party members. Strict adherence to the principles of democratic centralism, self-critique, and monthly living regulations for branch members is maintained, ensuring both the content and quality meet the necessary standards. Committees and leaders  have been instructed to maintain close vigilance over the ideological landscape, thoughts, and aspirations of cadres, Party members, and employees, enabling them to promptly address any deviations, challenge incorrect or negative tendencies, and counter any decline in political ideologies, morality, and lifestyle. Our emphasis remains on actions aligning with words.

Commitment was put to creating a supportive environment for disadvantaged Party cadres and members. Regular inspections and supervisions are conducted to ensure adherence to Ho Chi Minh's ideology, ethics, and style, closely tied to the resolutions of the Party's 4th Central Committee during the XI and XII courses, with a special focus on setting an example for Party cadres and members, particularly those in leadership roles. In addition to routine meetings, the branches, in accordance with their specific circumstances and tasks, have chosen pertinent issues that are relevant to the school's situation, organizing thematic activities to emphasize Party leadership and enhance knowledge, skills, professional qualifications, and moral character for Party cadres and members.

To further elevate the branches quality, the school Party Committee has assigned comrades at the commissioner level to actively participate in branch activities, providing guidance, assistance, and addressing any challenges or obstacles encountered in the implementation process.

At the start of the school year, in accordance with the established emulation targets, the school's Party Committee has directed its branches to devise a program and an implementation plan tailored to the school's specific circumstances and has assigned distinct responsibilities to each Party member. Concurrently, there is a concerted effort to advance the study and application of Ho Chi Minh's ideology, ethics, and style while connecting this endeavor with the "Every Teacher as an Exemplar of Ethics, Self-Learning, and Creativity" campaign. This entails recognizing and commending exemplary instances, showcasing role models, and celebrating innovative approaches to learning and embodying Ho Chi Minh's thought, ethics, and style.

The school's Party Committee closely monitors the growth of Party members. Annually, through teaching and learning emulation movements, mass organizations select capable individuals among cadres, lecturers, and students with strong political aptitude. These selected individuals are then introduced to Party awareness classes, contributing to the expansion of Party membership. The school includes Party member development as a key criterion in assessing emulation and reward initiatives. As a result, the yearly intake of new Party members has seen an increase in both quantity and quality. Between 2020 and 2023, the school admitted 134 new Party members, with 85 of them being students.

Đảng ủy nhà trường luôn chú trọng công tác phát triển đảng viên.

The school's Party Committee consistently prioritizes Party member development. Under the leadership and guidance of the Party Committee, the quality of school committee, branch, authority, and union activities has improved over the years. Party members have played an enhanced role, fostering strong connections between the Party organization, government, and mass organizations within the school. Party ministries and school branches effectively oversee and guide the performance of professional and political tasks. The annual assessment of the quality of Party grassroots organizations has been successfully met, with all branches ensuring that Party members fulfill their responsibilities.

Valuable Insights: Lessons Learned

The Party Committee and the School Management Board have gleaned the following experiences from their leadership and direction of task implementation:

First, the committee consistently emphasizes the importance of enhancing awareness among school leaders, staff, lecturers, and students regarding the pivotal role of comprehensive educational and training reform in national construction and development. This is essential to garner consensus throughout the implementation process. Additionally, the committee places significant emphasis on effectively leading and directing the implementation of political and ideological education, moral development, lifestyle guidance, and the cultivation of political courage and professional qualifications for cadres, Party members, lecturers, and students. These are regarded as fundamental and ongoing tasks at the Party committee level, within the school, and for every cadre, Party member, lecturer, and student.

Secondly, the formulation of training programs should align with the requirements of socio-economic progress, technological advancements, and labor market demands. It is crucial to prioritize investments in training quality and enhance integration, modernization, and alignment with international standards.

Third, school committees and leaders must focus on and allocate adequate resources to enhance training quality, foster integration, modernize educational approaches, and meet international standards for training. They should also establish specific mechanisms, policies, and incentives to attract highly qualified staff and lecturers to the university, ensuring the well-being and satisfaction of employees, both materially and spiritually.

Fourth, it is essential to uphold and rigorously adhere to the Party's activity guidelines within the branches while aligning these activities with the fulfillment of professional responsibilities. Emphasis should be placed on fortifying the Party and mass organizations within the educational institutions to foster internal cohesion. Furthermore, enhancing the quality and effectiveness of collaboration between committees, school leaders, and mass organizations is crucial for the development of political, moral, and lifestyle qualities among cadres, Party members, lecturers, and students.

To sustain effective leadership and guidance for education and training, the school's strategic direction for the coming years is as follows:

First, the school need to reinforce education aimed at enhancing the understanding of cadres, Party members, lecturers, and students regarding the significance and imperative of continuous innovation and quality improvement in education and training. This is essential for fostering a shared sense of purpose and unity in action, which, in turn, empowers each cadre, Party member, lecturer, and school staff to cultivate the motivation, attitude, and responsibility needed to excel in their assigned roles.

Secondly, it is vital to persist in the effort to strengthen and cultivate a high-quality managerial and teaching staff with an appropriate composition. Formulate a team of staff, lecturers, and researchers who align with the institution's demands and tasks, boasting strong professional aptitude, credibility, innovative thinking, and a gradual progression toward advanced and contemporary organizational, managerial, administrative, and educational methodologies. These individuals should be well-equipped to meet the University's development needs, both in the immediate and long-term future.

Third, the school has to persistently drive innovation in teaching and learning methods, emphasizing a contemporary approach tailored to each subject and training type. This approach aims to stimulate learners' proactivity, initiative, creativity, and holistic development, steering clear of one-sided instructional methods resembling mere memorization. Special attention should be given to instilling values related to lifestyle, professional skills, and the cultivation of self-study abilities and knowledge enrichment. Additionally, the promotion of learning and adherence to Ho Chi Minh's principles, ethics, and style should remain a central focus.

Fourth, it is a must to amplify the significance of committee roles and responsibilities in driving innovation, creativity, and the enhancement of education and training quality. Maintain unwavering dedication to the overarching and thorough reform of higher education, with a primary focus on nurturing learners' qualities and capabilities, while ensuring alignment with the needs of the labor market and the assimilation of progressive achievements in science and technology.

Fifth, the schoolm needs to allocate additional resources for enhancing information technology infrastructure and upgrade teaching facilities and equipment to achieve modern and synchronized educational resources. This transformation aims to establish smart schools that can effectively support the evolving needs of digital education and training.

Sixth, it is necessary to fortify efforts in international integration, emphasizing both comprehensiveness and depth. The school must develop a comprehensive internationalization strategy and firmly commit to making internationalization a pivotal component of the university's overarching development strategy.

Nguyen Duc Hoa
Party Propaganda Committee of Central Agencies in Ho Chi Minh City