"FPT University provides an innovative and creative training environment of the era of knowledge to help learners achieve maturity in personalities and capabilities, to overcome challenges, to gain success, contributing to the prosperity of the country and speeding up the process of the knowledge era."
CHAPTER I: THE UNIVERSITY AND THE ERA OF KNOWLEDGE
1. The entrance of human beings to the era of knowledge
With the inventions of computers and the appearance of the Internet, There has never in the history of human beings a powerful knowledge as today. The knowledge is being digitalized, posted to the Internet and updated every minute with a breathtaking speed. Such huge sources of information and knowledge have become main motivations for global economic and social development.
2. Information technology and telecommunication - Backbone of the era of knowledge
In general, the era of knowledge is improved from the prompt development of information technology and telecommunication. The chips have achieved the sophistication of 65 nano, then 45 nano technologies, reaching their sizes to those of molecules, and growing stronger than ever. Information is being transferred by photons at the speed of hundreds of Gbps. Wireless transmitting channels are leaving the second for the third generation, moving toward the fourth, then heading for the fifth generation. Families start to possess information storage equipments of hundreds of Terabytes. With such great capabilities, information technology and telecommunication are profoundly altering the style and speed of life.
3. The trend of globalization and digital convergence
The Internet has been lifting up all barriers hindering the exchange of information and knowledge among countries. Capital flows from big international financial centers such as New York, London, and Tokyo are penetrating every single alley of this globe. The world is getting more transparent. The Internet is connecting everyone, every equipment and utility. Houses are becoming smarter with facilities which are "thinkable" and "easily controlled" from a long distance. Advertising is shifting from televisions and magazines towards electronics web pages. People have started to work and relax online. Never before have we observed such a fast process of convergence towards the Internet and computers, communications, electronics as well as the show businesses, education, medicine, production, trade and other services. This trend has opened up greater challenges and opportunities than ever to every country and organization. India has become a super nation of the world during recent decades, possessing the largest number of programmers on earth. China has also become a giant in information technology. Lenovo Corporation of China has purchased all the individual computer systems produced by IBM. Huawei has proved a threat to the celebrated Cisco Holdings. Vietnam has become a destination for global information technology and software processing corporations.
4. Knowledge democracy
This era of knowledge with the Internet as a core has given birth to a new style of democracy - the knowledge democracy. Knowledge is no longer the sole asset of any universities, libraries or prioritized peoples. People know exactly where on earth lies opportunities and challenges. Knowledge is accessible to everyone in the world. People are more liberalized thanks to transparent information. People have freedom to equip themselves with the knowledge they need and choose jobs in a foreign country. Therefore, competition in this era is tougher than ever with education as a key role in such a process.
5. The University of soft skills
The industrialized society has paved a way to a system of traditional universities which provide necessary knowledge for people to serve industries. Such knowledge, at that time, was gathered, systematized and developed mainly to produce machines. Information and knowledge were limited sources of asset which were popular to seniors groups of laborers in the society only. In this era, where information and knowledge have become accessible to people everywhere and the labor force is shifting towards knowledge and services sectors, the model of traditional universities has become out-dated. It was not by chance that Edison, inventor of things of the greatest influence in our life, did not achieve a Certificate of engineering. The most successful
people including Bill Gates - Chairperson of Microsoft Corporation, Larry Ellison - Chairperson of Oracle Holdings and Michael Dell - Chairperson of the Dell Corporation did not attend any university. Their abilities to self-study, to create the best of their efforts, their continual innovation capabilities are vital skills in this era of knowledge. The basic knowledge formed the foundation for traditional universities, making it possible for people to survive in the industrialized society, then soft skills such as self-study, innovation, creation, communication and languages are launching pads for citizens of the knowledge society. As a result, a new model of university has been founded - The University of soft skills.
6. FPT University - a dream of innovation
Historically Vietnam has lost its opportunities to participate into the Industrial Revolution, therefore, Vietnam needs to further strive to become an industrialized country. Entering the 21st century, Vietnam is still struggling against poverty and illiteracy. To win this battle, more than ever we need to turn our traditions of love, and our thirst for knowledge into strengths, enabling Vietnam itself to be side by side with other countries in the region and in the world.
We dream of the largest university in the world for software engineers, where innovation ideas are accepted for the future, best advance achievements in education and training are applied, creation flourishes and people temper their personalities. Boys and girls from urban and rural areas, after four years at university, will possess capabilities to master modern technologies; contributing to manufacturing technological products and services of global leading corporations. Therefore, Vietnamese people can be proud of their homemade technological products which are widely used all over the world. Students and lecturers will not only come from Vietnam, but also from other nations. Laboratories of the FPT University will coordinate with such universities as MIT, Stanford, Keio to conduct scientific researches. Inventions and discoveries by FPT University will be registered for trademarks all over the globe. To make the dream come true, together with will and courage, we need to form a strong foundation.
CHAPTER II: CORE PRINCIPLES OF FPT UNIVERSITY
FPT University is built upon the following 5 consistent principles:
1. Job-oriented Education
Learners will find jobs right upon graduation
FPT University will develop cooperation relations in training and recruitment with domestic and international ICT companies. Learners will be taken to such companies and organizations right on the first day at University to learn about their future jobs. Our counterparts will recruit them as trainees in their existing working groups. Such job-oriented and apprenticeship relations will last during their training period. Labor agreements can be signed prior to graduation. Seeking suitable jobs with reasonable compensations for learners is one of the top-listed tasks for our University.
The content of training is decided based on future jobs
Each job or position requires different vital skills and specialized knowledge. Such skills and knowledge will act as the foundation, and will be combined with the training frame to set the training programs for learners.
Each learner will have his/her own tutor
"Tutors" here is a new concept. They are supervisors to learners. They understand most clearly what qualifications and personalities required to each learner and help learners achieve personalities and qualifications. Meanwhile, they allow learners to be trained in their organizations. They take part in the assessment of learners' actual capabilities. These activities are added to a uniform process which is approved by counterpart organizations.
Practice is based on reality
The most important component in the training process is practice. Practical exercises will be taken from orders for goods processing which are provided by such companies as Microsoft, IBM, Unisys, and Hitachi. These will help learners approach updated technology, and smoothly start their future careers.
Syllabuses of leading technology institutions are added to the training program.
Syllabuses of Microsoft, Oracle, IBM and Cisco will be adopted in the training program of the University.
Lecturers are industrial experts
Beside academic lecturers, the University will invite senior lecturers from leading Japanese companies such as Hitachi, NEC, and Sony to give lectures at the University. Experts from such corporations as IBM, Microsoft, and Oracle will also be invited to give lectures to lecturers and learners of the University. Leading experts of other companies will be invited as temporary lecturers at the University.
Learners and lecturers take part in dealing with realistic matters
The University encourages lecturers and learners to participate in projects of companies or develop software products such as utilities adopted in mobile phones or management software for hospitals and schools.
A breeding ground and a company can be found inside the University
Entrepreneurship is a value appreciated by the University. The University supports new ideas to establish business plans from learners, creates favorable conditions for initial development, and provides learners with capital, technology, management and business experience to run new businesses in the future. The University will establish affiliated companies to create practical environment for lecturers and learners to actively participate in job-oriented training. These companies will be responsible for seeking vacancies at foreign companies for graduates.
2. Free individual and talent development
Freedom to choose jobs and decide the future
Everyone has their own talent and ambition. FPT University believes in differences among individual's talents and ambitions. The discovery and development of such ambitions is the task for both learners and the University. This is a key for learners' success. Therefore, they will make the right choice of their jobs and future. The University and other organizations will provide learners with transparent information concerning recruitment opportunities as the basis for learners to make the right choices.
Individualized training program
Through learners' choices as well as their qualifications, they can choose the most suitable training programs which might include a variety of extra-curricular activities.
The role of the University and its counterpart organizations in counselling and assessment
The University and its counterpart organizations will advise learners on the right choices of development. Meanwhile, learners will be assessed in order to help make them achieve maturity overnight.
Interactive and credit-based training
In case learners make wrong choices, they will be advised by the University to have other options. The training programs of the University will ensure the inheritance and interconnection throughout such alternatives. Besides, the University will sign interactive cooperation agreements with other international universities to help transfer learners among universities. To gain such objective, the University will offer credit-based training.
Training is available to any capable and desirous learners
FPT University considers expenses of education and training at a world-class university will be higher than those at local universities. Therefore, access to such education and training is not available to everyone. With the motto "Training is available to capable and desirous learners", FPT University has cooperated with banks and businesses. Banks help learners to finance their study during academic years at the University; and businesses will ensure jobs so that after 4-5 years' working learners can afford to pay all the loans.
All opportunities are transparent
After graduation, learners must seek career opportunities themselves in a competitive and sometimes intransparent environment. Only those with acquaintances and broad relationships can have clear career opportunities. FPT University expects to create clear and transparent career opportunities in which learners are provided with sufficient information on career opportunities and salary and such opportunities for all learners are equal. As for businesses, they are provided with sufficient information on learners' academic results. This helps create equal and transparent opportunities for learners and businesses.
3. University of Soft skills and Personal development
Problem-solving skill is the foundation
In every single individual's career, there arise daily problems, and success means successfully dealing with those problems. The development of learners' problem-solving skill is the core of the training process offered by the University.
From practice to reasoning
Traditional methodology of university education includes lecturers delivering theoretical knowledge, controlling the quality of learning through final examinations. Therefore, lecturers may easily forget the knowledge and find it hard know how to use such knowledge to solve practical issues. The educational methodology of FPT University changes the roles of lecturers and learners. Learning is the duty of learners, instructing is the duty of lecturers. Lecturers hand out specific exercises and recommend theoretical documents to help learners solve the problems. Learners must study theories by themselves, find out other suitable theories to solve specific exercises. Lecturers will evaluate and give comments to learners' solutions. Far from traditional methodology, the application of theories to solve specific exercises is compulsory at FPT University. Such educational methodology helps learners master theories and develop their problem-solving skills. These methodologies combine theories with online learning, practice and extra-curricular activities.
Core soft skills
FPT University believes the opportunities for success of learners duly depend on soft skills, among which the most important ones include:
FPT University believes the success of each learner does not only come from the development of academic capabilities, but also from the development of personalities. Therefore, we honor values of humanity including love for peace, love for nation, mercy, honesty, and thirst for knowledge. To achieve the set goals, the University develops a sound cultural environment, extra-curricular programs, social activities. This spirit is honored throughout all activities of the University. Personality development will be added to the syllabus of the University under the name of "Citizenship Education".
Code of conduct is developed
In addition to problem-solving skills, learners need to possess cultural and behavior skills. Therefore, the code of conduct will involve Vietnamese culture and other cultures.
Emotional capability is enhanced
Fact has shown those with high EQ (emotional quotient) will be more successful than those with high IQ (intelligent quotient). Therefore, FPT University has assigned itself the task of improving learners' emotional capability. Emotional quotient will be tempered through team activities, sports, and arts. Depending on individual's hobbies and desires, learners and lecturers will form clubs, such as, clubs of poetry, of cinematography, of football...The University will offer assistance and organize contests as previously said to honor the achievements of those activities which help reduce stress, maintain health to meet business demands and enhance close relationship between the University and learners.
No negativity
Towards a sound training environment, FPT University determinedly fights against drugs, sex violation, and violence and other social evils. The University will apply measures to avoid gamble, alcohol, self-indulgent life styles and other rude behaviours.
4. Internationalization
Opportunities to work globally
Studying at a world-class university means graduates will be recruited to work in different countries in the world. Based on the customers in Japan, U.S. and Europe, FPT University will develop network of international counterpart institutions to find vacancies for learners and improve learners' practical experience before they take up jobs at such companies as IBM, Hitachi, and Toshiba. Learners may be recruited by affiliated companies of FPT University or upon returning to their countries, they may return to work for such companies.
Foreign languages are used during lectures
Vietnamese and English are official languages used at FPT University. Furthermore, a large number of lectures are in Japanese to meet the huge demands by employees of the Japanese market. The teaching and learning in three languages namely Vietnamese, English and Japanese respectively will create favorable conditions for learners to access state-of-the-art technologies to promote their career opportunities.
International lecturers and learners
Teaching and studying in foreign languages makes it possible for FPT University to receive international learners who consider it cheaper and better to study here and easier to find a job in comparison with their countries. FPT University actively invites senior experts from leading technological companies and universities in Japan to give lectures for learners of the University.
Training programs toward international standards
FPT University does not aim at re-creating knowledge on education and training of human beings. The University aim at creatively applying such celebrated accomplishments to practical situations. With the approval of the Ministry of Education and Training, the University uses training frames, such as, ITSS (Information Technology Skill Standard), ETSS (Embedded Technology Skill Standard) of Japan, ACM (Association of Computing Machinery) and other famous universities worldwide like MIT, Keio as a foundation for building its own training programs. Syllabuses are inherited from those of leading institutions and companies in technology, such as, Microsoft, IBM, and Cisco. These syllabuses are supplemented with a large number of practical exercises and lesson plans to suit the educational methodology of the University. FPT University hope to develop its own syllabus.
International quality
The teaching quality of FPT University is based on the quality procedure. FPT University aims at systemizing all activities. The world-class quality of the University begins with meeting ISO, then head for higher standards in technology training like ABET.
Broad international cooperation
FPT University will develop cooperation relations with such celebrated world universities as Stanford, MIT, and Keio. These co-operations will involve in technology transfer, training frame and syllabus consultation, learners and lecturers transfer, scientific and technological research, inventions and discoveries. Excellent learners may be transferred to pursue their master or doctorate study at such universities. Lecturers of the University may take part in long-term or short-term academic or research work at such universities and can assume the positions of head of distant-research groups to give learners of the University more opportunities to gain access to advance and modern technology. The strategic co-operation is not only the aim, but also an important tool of the University. Those corporations will state their demands for the number and quality of the human resources. FPT University will draw up plans to meet such demands. Those corporations are also suppliers of lecturers, syllabuses and certificates.
5. Modern facilities
Beautiful campus
The campus of FPT University is constructed in an area of hundreds of hectares. Landscape designed is the combination between modern architecture and nature including trees, gardens, ponds, parks.
Modern infrastructure
Transportation, electricity, water drainages and underground systems are designed and constructed by international standards.
Advance technology system
FPT University will computerize to maximum capabilities. The University pays a special attention to online training, video conference systems, wide-bandwidth facilities. Landline and wireless are connected to large electronic libraries in the world. Learners are permitted to borrow laptops and connect to the Internet anywhere on campus. Classrooms, libraries and offices of the University are air-conditioned and well-equipped with modern facilities.
Diversified extra-curricular facilities
FPT University has a football stadium, a volleyball stadium, spaces for basketball, badminton, swimming pool, tennis, ping-pong, golf, gymnastics, body-building, and a theatre, a cinema to cater for learners' demands of sport and entertainment facilities.
Convenient resident environment
Halls of residence will be designed by international standards. A system of stores and restaurants will be arranged to make it convenient for learners.
CHAPTER III: CONCLUSIONS
The orientation is the foundation of FPT University. It is consistently implemented in all academic activities. Lecturers, staffs and learners must be profoundly aware of and earnestly conduct this orientation.
The success of FPT University will contribute to help Vietnam catch up with other nations in the region and in the world. Hopefully each lecturer, staff and learner of the University focuses all their heart and mind, uphold their creative capability to the maximum and stay continually innovated.
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