Banking University HCMC: Good results spur us to do even better

Bui Huu Toan - Acting President of the Banking University HCMC

How would you compare your High Quality Bachelor Program (HQBP) with the general training program? What was the original motivation for launching the HQBP?

The HQBP was approved for pilot implementation at the Banking University HCMC (BUH) in 2013 by the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) via Dispatch No. 6650/BGDDT-GDHH dated September 29, 2013. Later, it was officially approved by the MOET by Dispatch No. 247/BGDDT-GDHTH dated January 24, 2017.

The HQBP is currently being implemented in three majors: Finance - Banking, Accounting, and Business Administration. Sixty-five students were admitted in the first admission 2013. Until now, more than 1,100 students of five cohorts have been recruited. This impressive growth has shown the highly quality of the program which gains the trust of students, their parents and society.

The program demonstrates the advanced orientation of training formal at BUH. It focuses on equipping students with core values such as in-depth, modern expertise matching with international standards, ability to self-study and self-learning, ability to practice and apply acquired knowledge and skills, soft skills and leadership skills, foreign language proficiency and ability to meet international integration demands.

The most important objective of the program is to train high quality human resources to meet international integration requirements of the banking system in particular and the economy in general. The program is the university’s spearhead, and as such, has a spillover effect in improving the overall quality of the university.

What is the enrollment target for 2018? And what are the eligibility requirements for the high quality program applicants?

In 2018, we aim to recruit 500 students for all three majors: Finance – Banking, Accounting, and Business Administration. Students will be recruited based on based on the results of national high school examinations for subject combinations like A00, A01, D01, D90. Successful candidates will be able to choose one of the three majors we offer.

After enrollment, an English test will be hold to assure the language proficiency of the students as well as to classify them to English classes in accordance with their levels.

What are the program’s advantages that attract students? How good are the chances of their getting jobs after graduating from the HQBP?

We offer advanced training with access to international training programs. In addition, many specialized modules are delivered in English.

Besides, there is an international credit transfer program that offers students the chance to transfer their credits and receive a degree from a foreign partner university, including the Griffith University in Australia. Also, students have the opportunity to participate in student exchange programs and short-term study at foreign universities.

During the training program, students are offered the intensive English program following the IELTS standards which helps students prepare for international study and work environments. (300 lessons of an intensive English class for the first and second year; students are required to have IELTS 5.5 standard upon graduation).

In addition, there is an eight-credit soft skills training program helping students develop personal skills for their future career. Students can participate in seminars, practical programs, intern at banks, financial institutions, enterprises or auditing companies.

The maximum class size is 40 students. We use modern, highly interactive and learner-centered teaching methods that focus on developing students’ ability to research and learn a subject on their own.

Lecturers are chosen based on the requirements for high quality trainers set by the MOET and BUH. There are also visiting lecturers from other prestigious universities, foreign lecturers, officers and staff from banks, financial institutions, enterprises and production establishments who share their experiences and insights.

With special investment in facilities for teaching and learning, textbooks, and advanced learning materials, students have the right to choose to study at Thu Duc Campus or in District 1.

Students of HQBP are eligible for scholarships and get priority to participate in internship and recruitment support programs under contracts signed between BUH and its partners.

For job opportunities, graduates of the first course are the best evidence. With the quality of training and support programs, students meet the basic requirements of knowledge, professional skills, soft skills, research ability, foreign language proficiency and integration capacity. Naturally such candidates catch the eye of prospective employers.

What do the results of the first cohort (graduating in 2017) show?

At present, there are 42 graduates from the first course (65 percent pass rate), of which 45 percent are very good and 50 percent are good. All graduates successfully defended their graduation thesis, and many did so in English. The English proficiency level of graduates from the program was relatively good. All graduates had an IELTS score of 5.5 or higher, of which 75 percent got scores of 6.0 to 7.5.

All graduates are employed or are pursuing higher studies abroad. They have landed jobs with banks, auditing companies, foreign enterprises like HSBC, Citibank, Price Water House Cooper’s, and Ernst & Young.

What plans do you have to further promote HQBP in the coming years?

The university will continue to renovate its training programs and enhance international connectivity through signing agreements with prestigious universities in the United States, Australia, the UK and more, and improve the quality of teaching staff, service management and facilities investment. Its consistent aim will be to help students create a solid platform for successful careers in both domestic and international environments.