Experts discuss the importance of ABET accreditation to Vietnam. Photo courtesy of the ASU

HCM CITY — Academic leaders and quality assurance professionals and experts discussed the importance, successes, and challenges of raising the profile of academic institutions through international recognition and ABET accreditation at a forum held in HCM City on January 6.

The “ABET Accreditation Value and Success Showcase” participants explored a structured approach and key factors leading to successful ABET program accreditation.

They also learned about increased capacity development for international accreditation and recognition via a keynote address and panel sessions highlighting Vietnamese successes in obtaining ABET accreditation. Proven models and key success factors were highlighted, all within the Vietnamese context.

The event also provided exploration of necessary steps and preparation towards successful international recognition of programmes with leadership involvement and critical tasks for programmes.

A key part of ABET accreditation recognition is quality and seeking continuous improvement.

“ABET’s goal is to make sure today’s STEM students are prepared to solve the many complex problems facing our planet when they graduate. The impact that ABET has on STEM education, the students and the graduates really do last a lifetime. Our collective efforts are focused on improving the educational experience for many students, both in Việt Nam and throughout the world, so that we will make the world a better place,” said Michael Milligan, Executive Director and CEO of ABET.

"I'd also like to point out that we’re currently in the process of registering ABET with the Vietnam Education Quality Management Agency (VQA) under the Ministry of Education and Training, which will allow us to become even stronger partners, with even more institutions and programs in Việt Nam,” he said.

Vice Principal of Industrial University of HCM City Đàm Sao Mai said: "Maintaining and spreading the culture of ensuring quality to the whole staff of the school is the responsibility of the whole team. Quality assurance and education accreditation is not the responsibility of a single person but is the consensus of the whole team and we must be accountable for the quality of training to the society and parents who have trusted to send their children to study at the school."

Đặng Minh Sự, Head of the Vocational Education Office under the HCM City Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, said it was necessary for schools to carry out education accreditation following international standard like ABET accreditation. — VNS