Van Lang University Hosts the Closing Ceremony for the AUN-QA Programme Assessment for Fashion Design and Interior Design in 2024

On the morning of August 29, 2024, Van Lang University (VLU) hosted the closing ceremony for the 402nd programme assessment of the ASEAN University Network-Quality Assurance (AUN-QA). This event marked the conclusion of a comprehensive three-day on-site assessment by the AUN-QA expert team and represented a significant milestone in VLU’s continuous efforts to enhance the quality of its academic programs.

The assessment focused on two undergraduate programmes from VLU's Faculty of Arts and Design: Fashion Design and Interior Design. During the assessment, the AUN-QA experts thoroughly examined self-assessment reports, supporting evidence, and conducted interviews with over 128 stakeholders, including dean, vice-deans, programme chairs, faculty members, students, alumni, and industry partners. The team also visited the University’s facilities to ensure a well-rounded and objective assessment. Their feedback included practical recommendations aimed at elevating the quality of both programmes.

At the closing ceremony, the AUN-QA experts presented their preliminary findings. Prof. Dr. Arnulfo P. Azcarraga, Chief and Lead Assessor of the assessment team, impressed with the logical structure of the programme outcomes, which are well-aligned with the University's mission, vision, and educational philosophy. He was particularly impressed with the creative learning environment, which is equipped with modern technology and tools, giving students the opportunity to engage in both domestic and international fashion trends. These factors not only enhance students' learning experiences at VLU but also help them create valuable products during their studies. Prof. Dr. Arnulfo P. Azcarraga highlighted the strong focus on sustainable development within the Fashion Design programme as a key strength that the University should be further promoted. He also emphasized the close connections between the Fashion Design programme and industry partners, which plays a critical role in students' success. He concluded by expressing his gratitude to the University leadership, the Faculty Heads, and the Quality Assurance Department for their dedicated support in ensuring a smooth and efficient assessment process.

Turning to the Interior Design program, Prof. Dr. Amelia P. Guevar, Lead Assessor, commended the "learning through experience" philosophy and the emphasis on students' holistic development. The Interior Design Bachelor's programme at Van Lang University is structured to guide students from basic to advanced levels in a learning environment that continually supports and motivates them to become the best versions of themselves. After four years of study, students have ample opportunities to engage internationally through events, projects, and research, equipping them to enter the workforce or pursue entrepreneurial ventures, where they can positively influence both their profession and society. Prof. Dr. Amelia P. Guevar also suggested benchmarking the programme with other universities that share similar educational philosophies to create meaningful comparisons, helping it become one of the most prestigious programmes in Asia by 2030. Additionally, she recommended that the University continue collecting feedback from employers and alumni to ensure that its teaching and learning activities align with industry trends.

In her closing remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thi My Dieu, President of Van Lang University, shared her heartfelt reflections on the University’s journey of building and improving educational quality. She emphasized that over the years, the entire Van Lang community, especially the staff and faculty of the two assessed programmes, has worked tirelessly and unitedly to achieve the goal of aligning the training programmes with international quality standards in the age of Industry 4.0. She expressed pride in the solid foundations that the Fashion Design and Interior Design programs have built, affirming that the achievements of today are a testament to the University's strong commitment to providing an excellent, globally-oriented learning environment that makes a meaningful contribution to societal development. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Diệu hopes that, with the valuable feedback from the AUN-QA expert team, Van Lang will continue to improve its programmes and strive to be a leader in education, producing graduates who are not only professionally competent but also ready to serve their communities and create sustainable values.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thi My Dieu concluded by sincerely thanking the AUN-QA expert team for their time, insights, and constructive feedback, which helped Van Lang University and the assessed programmes identify key areas for improvement, ultimately enhancing the quality of teaching and learning. She also expressed her desire to continue working with AUN-QA in future assessments of other programmes.

The 402nd AUN-QA Programme Assessment at Van Lang University concluded on a positive note. With a spirit of collaboration and a commitment to continuous improvement, VLU looks forward to the official results of this assessment, ushering in a promising chapter in the University’s journey toward excellence and innovation in higher education.