Summary of Pilot Course Phase 1 - The first step in realizing the subject "Leadership" for students

On the morning of January 10, the University of Science, VNU-HCM held the Closing Ceremony of the Phase 1 Pilot Course under the HCMUS Future Leaders Project. The program marked the University’s efforts to innovate its educational approach by gradually integrating leadership and personal development skills into students’ academic journeys, with active support from the alumni community.

An exhibition space showcasing poster projects by student groups

Against the backdrop of an increasingly competitive labor market, expectations for learners are no longer limited to disciplinary knowledge, but have expanded to include organizational capacity, strategic thinking, adaptability, and a proactive leadership mindset. In response, the HCMUS Future Leaders Project was developed through collaboration between the University, the Science Alumni Community Representative Board, and the C-100 Alumni Entrepreneurs Club, with the aim of fostering leadership capacity among students from their early years at university.

The project’s initial phase focused on aligning content orientation and implementation methods through training for faculty members, young staff, and mentors. On this basis, the first pilot course was launched in September 2025, attracting more than 60 students, with the support of 20 mentors comprising lecturers, alumni, and entrepreneurs with practical experience.

Speaking at the Closing Ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trần Lê Quan, President of the University, acknowledged the serious and responsible engagement of both mentors and mentees throughout the pilot phase. According to the President, the diverse feedback from learners and mentors serves as valuable data, enabling the University to further refine course content and teaching methods in a more practical, modern, and socially responsive direction. This also provides a foundation for the University to gradually adjust and develop a Leadership course within the official curriculum.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trần Lê Quan emphasized the importance of feedback from both mentors and mentees during the recent pilot phase: “These contributions will serve as a foundation for the University to further refine the program, ensuring its practicality, modernity, and alignment with societal needs.”

On behalf of the Science Alumni Community Representative Board, Ms. Hồ Thanh Hương, Head of the Board, shared that the HCMUS Future Leaders Project originated from a desire to accompany the University in better preparing students for life beyond the classroom, drawing on the real-world lessons and experiences of previous generations. According to her, leadership capacity begins first with self-leadership, reflected in personal discipline, emotional management, and steadfast commitment to individual values. When these qualities are cultivated early, students are better equipped with a solid foundation to make appropriate choices and to be ready to take on greater roles in the future.

Ms. Hồ Thanh Hương, Head of the Science Alumni Community Representative Board, shared a message with students: “Be serious with yourselves starting today. When you can take control of yourselves, you will be able to take control of your choices and the path ahead.”

Mr. Lê Huỳnh Lân, Deputy Head of the Science Alumni Community Representative Board and Head of the Project Coordination Committee, presented the Report on the Results of the Phase 1 Pilot Course.

Building on the positive outcomes of the first pilot course, the HCMUS Future Leaders Project is expected to continue with Phase 2 of the pilot course in April 2026. The University hopes that the program will be further refined over time, becoming a practical pillar that supports students in continuous self-development, confidently entering the workplace, and contributing sustainable value to society.

Other images of the Ceremony