On its journey of international collaboration to improve educational quality, Duy Tan University has many like-minded and dedicated institutions on six continents ready to join hands to “cultivate the people”. DTU signed a collaboration agreement with Upper Iowa University on December 3rd, 2014 to offer an On-Site Study-Abroad program at DTU, with degrees awarded by UIU. This was in now small way thanks to the efforts Mr. Victor C. Lim. The Upper Iowa University President, Professor William R. Duffy II came to open the representative office on June 18th, and we met with Mr. Lim, who has been active for many years introducing foreign universities to Vietnamese ones.
Reporter: The On-Site Study Abroad program offers DTU students and others an opportunity to obtain an American accredited degree at DTU. I understand that you introduced DTU to UIU and have made significant contributions to developing the partnership between the two universities. Can you tell us how you did it?
Mr. Victor C Lim
Mr. Lim: Yes. I am a close friend of the former Senior VP, Dr. Phil Langerman who was in-charge of international relations back then and I persuaded Dr. Langerman and the former UIU President Dr. Mackay to bring the UIU program to Singapore. In 2013, I met with the current VP for international relations and I asked him to consider bringing the program to Vietnam. Once the UIU board agreed, I contacted Dr. Bao and introduced him to the UIU Vice President for International Relations, Dr. Ismael. Then I met Dr. Bao and we explored the possibility of introducing some other American programs to DTU, including the Upper Iowa University’s On-site Study Abroad program.
Reporter: You have spent much time developing this important relationship. You must have taken DTU into a special consideration and been determined to implement the program at DTU?
Mr. Lim: In my years working in international education, in Australia, NZ, the USA, Singapore and recently in Vietnam I have developed my Transnational Education program. I had a working relationship with the former UIU senior staff and know the quality of UIU programs and its accreditation. I know that the UIU Bachelor degree program has been highly successful in Hong Kong, where UIU has its own campus. In Malaysia they partnered with a private University and in Singapore they also have many local graduates. I first visited DTU back in 2012 and I was truly impressed by the hospitality and the warmth of the staff here. On one of my visits with my staff from HCMC, we met with DTU’s President, Mr. Le Cong Co, who also showed us great respect and hospitality. Since then, I have made every effort to deploy Upper Iowa University’s On-site Study Abroad program at Duy Tan University.
Reporter: Among the many well-known universities in America, why did you recommend Upper Iowa University for a partnership? What benefits will students get from the collaboration?
Mr. Lim: There are many American university programs offered offshore. However, it is the quality of education that I care most about. Above all, they are highly affordable without compromising on quality. They are meant for those who want an American education but cannot leave the country or family to go to the US for a couple of years. Many students in SE Asia have graduated with these degrees and benefited from their studies. I know that the UIU senior management team will not cut corners or compromise on its accreditation with the NCA or the quality of the program delivery.
Reporter: Now that DTU has signed the agreement with Upper Iowa University, how will you continue to support them to gain further success?
Mr. Lim: I was the Strategic Development Director at the Kent Institute of Business and Technology in Sydney. My role was to oversee the implementation of Kent’s programs through its offshore partners in Vietnam, the Philippines and Thailand. So I am very familiar with international education and how to bring Australian programs into SE Asia. I have Master’s degrees in Business Administration and Educational Leadership. If I have the chance, I would like to become a member of the faculty or a Program Administrator.
Reporter: You have been working in the field of education for a long time, especially in higher education. So how do you think we can improve the quality of education in Vietnam?
Mr. Lim: To me, education is a two-way process, teachers play an important role in molding the students. Teachers and students must show an eagerness to learn and be hungry for knowledge. Teachers must be able to share their experiences not only theoretically but also in practice.
Reporter: Can you tell me a little about the importance of international collaborations in education, transferring qualified academic programs from developed countries to Vietnam, a strategy DTU has followed over the years?
Mr. Lim: Vietnam is a rapidly developing country, where people must be ready to take advantage of business opportunities worldwide. These offshore education programs bring to Vietnam must be based on broad experience and the research that has been developed in western countries. The programs should be taught by teachers who have international experience and know how to transfer their knowledge. So international partnerships in higher education are essential and DTU is keeping up well with global trends.
In recognition of Mr. Lim’s contribution, Dr. Ismael Betancourt said: “Victor has recommended Upper Iowa University the perfect educational partner to deploy our academic programs here in Vietnam. With the support of Ms. Le Nguyen Tue Hang and Dr. Le Nguyen Bao, DTU Vice-Provosts, it took only eighteen months to put this program in place and make it a reality.”
(Media Center)