Van Lang University Hosts the Opening Ceremony for the 402nd AUN-QA Programme Assessment in 2024

Striving to become one of the most admired young universities in Asia by 2030, Van Lang University (VLU) continues to implement a comprehensive integration and development strategy aligned with regional and international standards. Since 2016, AUN-QA standards have served as a cornerstone for VLU, driving the enhancement of its educational programmes and institutional resources in alignment with regional and global benchmarks. This commitment not only strengthens VLU’s quality assurance system but also boosts its competitiveness, fosters sustainable development, and deepens collaboration within the ASEAN academic community.

Building on the successful AUN-QA assessment of four programmes, including: Environmental Engineering Technology, Graphic Design, Accounting, and Hotel Management in 2022, VLU proudly hosted the Opening Ceremony for the 402nd AUN-QA Programme Assessment on the morning of August 27, 2024. This assessment focused on the Fashion Design and Interior Design undergraduate programmes run by the Faculty of Arts and Design. Notably, this was the first on-site assessment by AUN-QA at the University.

The ceremony welcomed Prof. Dr. Arnulfo P. Azcarraga, De La Salle University, the Philippines - Chief and Lead Assessor of the external assessment team, along with other experts from Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand, including Prof. Dr. Amelia P. Guevar, Asst. Prof. Dr. Jiraporn Intrasai, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Achmad Wicaksono. Representing VLU were Mrs. Bui Thi Van Anh, Chairperson of the University Board of Administrators, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thi My Dieu, President, and Mr. Phan Quan Dung, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Design, along with other members of the Board of Administrators, members of the Board of Presidents, Heads of Departments, Faculty members, Lecturers, Students, and key Stakeholders from the two assessed programmes.

In her welcome speech, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thi My Dieu emphasized the importance role of quality assurance and accreditation for academic programmes in higher education institutions, asserting that enhancing training quality in accordance with regional and international standards is a core factor for the sustainable development of VLU. She also reaffirmed the University’s mission to provide high-quality human resources to serve the community in the context of global integration, especially during the current era of rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI).

Prof. Dr. Arnulfo P. Azcarraga, in his opening remarks, expressed his honor to visit VLU. He highlighted that this second AUN-QA assessment at the University demonstrates its continued support for the mission of AUN-QA in ASEAN higher education. He also mentioned that AUN-QA will soon expand its initiatives with workshops, institutional assessments, and the AUN-QA International Conference in Ho Chi Minh City, aiming to bring potential innovations to higher education during this era of technological advancement.

At the ceremony, Mrs. Bui Thi Van Anh, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thi My Dieu, and Mr. Phan Quan Dung presented fresh flowers and mementos to the AUN-QA assessment team, expressing the University’s gratitude and signaling the desire to further strengthen the cooperative relationship between AUN-QA and Van Lang University in the present and future.

The AUN-QA assessment team will have a three- day working session with Van Lang University (August 27-29, 2024). Their activities include reviewing self-assessment reports and supporting evidence for the programmes, interviewing deans and heads of departments, officials, lecturers, students, alumni and employers of each programme, as well as visiting the University’s facilities. 

The Opening Ceremony concluded successfully, marking a significant milestone in VLU’s journey toward enhancing quality. With a spirit of cooperation and a commitment to continuous improvement, the University is confident that this assessment will provide valuable insights to elevate its programmes and lay a strong foundation for sustainable development, further solidifying Van Lang's position on the regional and international educational map.