With his outstanding contributions to teaching and scientific research, Assoc.Prof. Dr Nguyen Gia Nhu, Provost of the DTU School of Engineering & Technology, was honored with the titles of Distinguished Teacher of Danang of 2023-2024 and of the Ministry of Education & Training of 2024. Cong Ly Newspaper had the opportunity to speak with him about his career journey and his thoughts on the role of educators in the digital transformation.
Reporter: Dear Assoc.Prof. Dr Nguyen Gia Nhu, could you share how you feel with the titles of Distinguished Teacher of Danang of 2023-2024 and of the Ministry of Education & Training of 2024 with Cong Ly readers?
Assoc.Prof. Dr Nguyen Gia Nhu: It’s a huge honor for me to be awarded both the titles of Distinguished Teacher of Danang of 2023–2024 and of the Ministry of Education & Training of 2024. This not only gives recognition to my personal efforts but also serves as a testament to the solidarity and support of the entire team at my workplace.
I’m deeply grateful to the DTU leadership and my colleagues for their constant support, companionship, and friendship, which allowed me to fulfill my duties and obtain this recognition. I see this as motivation to continue contributing to education.
DTU School of Engineering & Technology Provost Assoc.Prof. Dr Nguyen Gia Nhu
Reporter: What has been most meaningful to you on your journey of teaching and research?
Assoc.Prof. Dr Nguyen Gia Nhu: The aspect that I find the most meaningful of my career as an educator is witnessing my students grow and develop. Nothing is more rewarding than seeing them master knowledge and then apply it creatively in practice, and even exceed initial expectations. Their success is not only a measure of teaching quality, but also a big source of pride for an educator.
I also place great emphasis on creating a learning and research environment that encourages creativity and exploration, an environment where students are unafraid of making mistakes and ready to challenge themselves. I believe education goes beyond transmitting knowledge; it’s a journey alongside one’s students as they shape their thinking, develop themselves, and nurture sustainable human values. What gives teaching most meaning for me is sharing with them, guiding them, and inspiring them towards the realization of their full potential. I strive to give students opportunities to try their skills out in practice while equipping them with knowledge and also with confidence and problem-solving skills.
Education, in my view, is a two-way relationship. As I help students discover their capabilities, I receive fresh and creative perspectives back from them. This interaction is what makes teaching and research vibrant, meaningful, and challenging. The moments I can see my students grow, become independent, and succeed motivate me to continually innovate, improve myself, and contribute even more to education. The journey I share with my students and witnessing them as they work their ways up is the greatest happiness and the core meaning I treasure in my teaching career.
Reporter: In the context of the ongoing development of artificial intelligence and its potential to replace humans in many fields, how should higher education redefine its role to not only meet labor market demands but also nurture the human values and creativity that AI cannot replace?
Assoc.Prof. Dr Nguyen Gia Nhu: In the context of the strong growth of artificial intelligence or AI, universities face a dual mission: meeting the demand for a workforce appropriate to the rapidly changing job market while upholding their mission to foster human values and cultivate students’ unique creativity. To achieve this, universities must transform, not merely focusing on delivering specialized knowledge but also developing comprehensive skills such as critical thinking, solving complex problems, and creativity. These are areas where AI, however far it may develop, struggles to replace humans. Instead of fearing replacement by AI, students should be guided to use AI as a tool to make their learning, research, and career development more effective.
While AI excels at quick and accurate data processing, it’s still lacking when it comes to ethical understanding, compassion, and a sense of responsibility. Universities must therefore ensure that students are not only proficient in their fields but also imbued with human values, that they’d use technology for the benefit of society. Additionally, the hallmark of the AI era is that knowledge and technology continuously change, which means students must have lifelong learning skills to allow them to adapt and thrive in a dynamic world.
Educational programs need regular updates to meet this need. Fields like data science, AI, and cybersecurity should be integrated into curricula tailored to the specificities of each industry. At the same time, study of psychology and ethics should be integrated to ensure a balance between technology and human values. Universities must furthermore create flexible learning environments where students are encouraged to experiment, innovate, and even embrace failure as they develop their ideas in a sustainable fashion.
This is how higher education will not only adapt to but also lead in the AI era.
Reporter: How should the role of educators evolve as digital technology and artificial intelligence increasingly impact teaching and learning?
Assoc.Prof. Dr Nguyen Gia Nhu: In the current context, the role of university educators extends beyond imparting knowledge, and it needs to adapt and expand to meet the new demands of the times. Digital technology, and artificial intelligence in particular, has transformed how knowledge is approached and acquired. This takes away educators’ monopoly as providers of knowledge and turns them into guides who orient students on their journeys of self-learning and discovery.
Firstly, educators must act as mentors and companions. Instead of focusing solely on specialized teaching, educators should help students develop critical thinking, creative skills, and the ability to solve complex problems. These are skills in which technology, no matter how advanced, can’t replace humans.
Secondly, educators must inspire learning and human values. In an age where information is easily accessible online, students need teachers who are not only experts in their fields but also role models in ethics, social responsibility, and dedication. Educators must instill students with a passion for learning, perseverance in the face of challenges, and awareness of using knowledge to contribute to society.
Thirdly, educators must continually innovate and learn. With rapid technological development, staying updated is essential not only for students but also for educators. A university educator can’t lead students if they don’t keep pace with the latest developments in their field.
Education should not only create successful individuals but also foster a generation with responsibility for the future of humankind.
Reporter: Could you share some of your contributions that led to being named Distinguished Teacher of Danang of 2023–2024 and of the Ministry of Education & Training of 2024?
Assoc.Prof. Dr Nguyen Gia Nhu: First, I’d like to express my deepest gratitude to the DTU leadership, my colleagues, and all the students who have always given me companionship, support, and favorable conditions for me to excel in my role. My achievements stem not just from my individual efforts but also from collaboration, sharing, and collective dedication.
Over the years, I’ve worked to contribute high-quality training programs and foster partnerships with businesses and international organizations to enhance my academic reputation and to provide my students with the best possible support. I’ve collaborated with major technology corporations like Samsung, LG, FPT, and Hitachi. Through the 2023–2024 Samsung Innovation Campus program, I trained over 500 students in Danang in technology talent programs, with courses in AI, Big Data, and IoT. Samsung Vietnam gave a very positive assessment as a successful implementation of the program by a university in Vietnam. For two consecutive years, 2023 and 2024, Samsung Vietnam honored DTU by naming it Best Strategic Partner.
As Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Association of ICT Faculties, Institutes, Schools, & Universities or FISU; Secretary of the Advisory Council for developing ICT training standards at bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels under the Ministry of Education & Training; a member of the steering committee for the project to train and develop a national information security workforce from 2021 to 2025 under the Ministry of Information & Communications; and a member of the science council of the Danang Department of Information & Communications; I’ve made small contributions to the overall development of the IT and communication sectors.
DTU School of Engineering & Technology Provost Assoc.Prof. Dr Nguyen Gia Nhu (center): '
“Contributing to the cause of education is the greatest happiness.”
Reporter: Do you have a message for students?
Assoc.Prof. Dr Nguyen Gia Nhu: I’d like to share a sincere message with students: Live with kindness, dream big, and strive without pause to make those dreams come true. In a world changing at a dizzying pace, where technology and groundbreaking advancements influence every aspect of life, the values that keep us grounded are ethics, compassion, and a sense of responsibility toward the community.
I encourage you to not only dream of personal success but to also think about the values you can create for the world. When you can combine professional knowledge with a sense of responsibility, you won’t only be successful but you’ll also find meaning in life. Life is a journey of continuous learning. Don’t fear failure, as it gives you an opportunity to grow and discover your true potential.
Reporter: For national Teachers’ Day on November 20, I wish you and all other teachers abundant health and continued passion for the profession, that you may continue guiding and nurturing the dreams of your students.
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me.
(Media Center)