The landscape of Vietnamese education is standing on the cusp of a historic transformation. As the government actively steers the national roadmap to transition English from a traditional foreign subject into an official second language in schools (2025–2035, with a vision toward 2045), educational institutions face a double-edged sword: immense potential versus deep operational pressure.
To decode this complex puzzle, EdTech Agency and ELSA Vietnam recently co-hosted the highly anticipated “Deep-Dive EdTech Forum: English as a Second Language in Education”. The high-level event successfully brought together nearly 200 delegates, including policymakers, academic boards, K-12 principal networks, university directors, and corporate leaders, to align state policy with cutting-edge technology solutions.
Key Takeaways: Solving the Language Proficiency and AI Integration Puzzle
The forum served as a dynamic melting pot of ideas, focusing heavily on how artificial intelligence (AI) can effectively measure language proficiency, optimize institutional resources, and bridge the massive disconnect between classroom training and the demands of the modern labor market.
1. Navigating the K-12 Transition: From “Learning English” to “Learning in English”
At the K-12 level, discussions centered around shifting the curriculum from passive rote memorization to active communication. Speakers highlighted that while students might achieve high scores on standardized tests, they often struggle with real-world communication. ELSA’s presentation on the “Learning Loop” methodology and AI-driven infrastructure showcased how schools can scale native-like speaking environments without multiplying operational costs.
2. Higher Education & Corporate Alignment: Conquering the “Big Gap”
The second phase of the forum shifted directly to higher education and graduate employability. Panelists intensely debated the paradox of rising benchmark test scores versus the ongoing English talent shortage reported by foreign direct investment (FDI) enterprises. The consensus was clear: academic institutions must digitize assessment frameworks to mirror real-work competencies rather than just test-taking skills.
Deep Gratitude to Our Esteemed Guest Speakers & Panelists
The intellectual backbone of the forum relied on the diverse, multi-dimensional perspectives shared by leading figures across Government, Academia, and Industry:
- Prof. Dr. Le Anh Vinh – The Director of the Vietnam National Institute of Educational Sciences
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Luu Bich Ngoc – Chief of Office of National Council on Education & Human Resources Development
- Mr. Dao Tan Ly – Head of the Primary Education Department at the Hanoi Department of Education and Training
- Dr. Do Nguyen Hung – General Secretary, Vietnam Automation Association (VAA)
- Ms. Nguyen Hong Hanh – Founder & CEO of EdTech Agency; Founder of Negotiation
- Dr. Trinh Thi Anh Hang – Head of the Faculty of Foreign Languages, Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST)
- Ms. Dinh Phuong Ly – Chief Consultant at Mindful Partner; President of the Human Resource Association (HRA Vietnam); Former HR Director at Vingroup
- Ms. Nguyen Thu Bien – Principal, Hanoi Toronto School
- Ms. Chu Thi Thuy – Principal, Bac Hong Primary School
- Ms. Luong Thi Nhung – Vice Principal, Trau Quy Primary School
- Mr. Tran Trung Hieu – Founder & CEO, TopCV
- Ms. Trịnh Quynh Huong – Senior Business Development Manager, ELSA Vietnam
- Ms. Linh Ta – Head of Academics & Professional Expertise, ELSA Vietnam
- Mr. Brett Blumenthal – Regional Teacher Development Manager – ELL Pearson Asia
Recognizing Our Visionary Patrons and Solution Partners
The scale and impact of this forum were amplified by the strong backing of elite national communities and global education giants.
Strategic Endorsing Patrons
- EdTech Community (TECHFEST Vietnam): The premier national ecosystem connecting startups, businesses, and tech-driven educational experts.
- Vietnam Automation Association (VAA): A core member of the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations.
- National Startup Support Center (NSSC): The public sci-tech body under the Ministry of Science and Technology.
World-Class Solution Partners
- Pearson Group: The world’s leading learning company and the UK’s largest awarding organization.
- UpGrad: Asia’s powerhouse platform for higher digital education.
- iSMART Education: A pioneer member of EQuest Education Group, leading the charge in teaching English through Math and Science.
Looking Ahead: A Shared Vision for Educational Innovation
Through candid presentations and interactive panel dialogues, the forum provided school boards and universities with actionable blueprints to optimize their foreign language models.
EdTech Agency and ELSA Vietnam firmly believe that the practical insights shared during this event will continue to ripple outward, driving systematic, technology-backed reforms across educational institutions nationwide.
Stay tuned for upcoming initiatives, research whitepapers, and future events from EdTech Agency as we continue to shape the future of learning technology!