DTU has received VinFast’s VF9 and VF6 electric vehicles. They are being used to enable DTU students to study, practice, and master modern electric-car technologies right on campus.
DTU students excited to learn with VinFast’s VF9 and VF6. Photo courtesy of DTU
Developing high-quality workforce
The initiative is part of a collaboration between VinFast and thirty universities and colleges offering engineering programs nationwide aimed at standardizing curricula, course materials, and learning resources. This collaboration aims to develop a high-quality workforce to meet real-world demands in the production, maintenance, and repair of electric cars.
DTU is one of the Vietnamese institutions that VinFast sponsored with two electric vehicles, along with a range of training equipment and company-standard training materials for electric-car repair. This contributes to the effective implementation of the hands-on training model.
In addition to providing the vehicles for on-campus training, the company is supporting the development and rollout of the module “Basic Repair Techniques for VinFast Electric Cars” in the official academic curriculum, offered either as a required or elective course.
The company is also implementing a “Train-the-Trainer” transfer program for the university’s lecturers to bring them up to date with battery technologies, powertrain systems, and electric-car diagnostic software.
Among the thirty institutions that received electric-car models, DTU is one of only a few universities entrusted with the VF9, the current flagship model. This will give DTU students the chance to research and gain hands-on experience with the new technologies integrated into the VF9, including the advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS), the e-Cockpit smart virtual cockpit, and many other advanced features.
Access to a well-structured training program and regular practice with actual electric-car models will enable DTU students to master their theoretical knowledge and to develop in-depth practical skills while still in school. This will narrow the gap between training and the practical needs of businesses.
A VinFast expert guided DTU students in practice with the VF6. Photo courtesy of DTU
“Through partnerships with thirty leading universities and colleges in automotive engineering, our company wishes to build a comprehensive training ecosystem where students access the most advanced electric-car technologies already in the classroom,” Ms Duong Thi Thu Trang, global VinFast Deputy CEO of sales, explains.
“Beyond meeting the rapidly growing demand of the domestic market, this collaborative training effort will result in a new generation of qualified and highly skilled engineers. It’s also our contribution to a strong foundation for the future development of Vietnam’s electric-car industry.”
DTU Vice - Provost Dr Nguyen Huu Phu saids: “In 2024, DTU was administratively upgraded to a multidisciplinary university. DTU offers training in a wide range of cutting-edge technologies, such as Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Mechanical Manufacturing, and Control & Automation, which contribute to a strong foundation for training in Automotive Engineering Technology. DTU students are very excited to access new technologies through the training program transferred by VinFast. DTU’s current Automotive Engineering Technology program is designed to closely align with real-world production and repair practices, with a high degree of alignment with industry requirements. These foundations have been facilitating the effective implementation of the cooperation agreement between DTU and VinFast, with the goal of improving training and supplying highly qualified manpower to the electric-car industry.”
DTU Vice - Provost Dr Nguyen Huu Phu (second from left) with representatives
of the other institutions that signed collaborations with VinFast. Photo courtesy of DTU
Practice-oriented training
In response to the growing demand for well-trained professionals in the electric-vehicle sector, DTU plans to launch a new minor in Electric-Vehicle Technology under the major in Automotive Engineering Technology in 2026 - 2027. The curriculum will be built around courses focused on electric cars and will ensure strong compatibility with industry practices.
“It has been an incredibly valuable experience for us to explore VinFast’s modern vehicles and practice on them ourselves right at the DTU Center for Automotive Engineering,” student Truong Huu Duong explains after having practiced on VinFast’s VF9 and VF6 models.
“Listening to the real-world insights, practical troubleshooting cases, and technical thinking shared by the two VinFast experts has broadened our perspective beyond the scope of textbooks. Under their dedicated and close guidance, I personally disassembled, inspected, and diagnosed complex systems, and I learned a lot about the world’s latest electric-car technologies. I personally carried out pre-delivery inspection in accordance with VinFast’s rigorous standards. I examined every detail, from the electrical systems and battery conditions to the strict safety features, before vehicle handover.”
In addition to on-campus study and practice, DTU students also have access to internships and job-shadowing at service workshops and factories.
Outstanding students participating in the cooperative training program will be given hiring priority by VinFast after graduation. They will also get opportunities to take part in competitions and research & innovation projects related to electric-car technology. This will shape their professional competencies and give them the confidence to integrate into the world of design, manufacturing, and service.
(Media Center)