SIAST IN VIETNAM

Travel journal from the 2011 graduation ceremony

INTERNATIONAL

goSIAST.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS ABOUT SIAST 2SIAST HALF A WORLD AWAY 5MODERN VIETNAM 7MEET RICK WAGMAN 11GOVERNOR GENERAL TO DELIVER KEYNOTE SPEECH AT SIAST GRADUATION CEREMONY 14MEET LUU TUYET NHI 17MEET LÊ HỮU TÂN 21SIAST GRADS SOUGHT AFTER IN VIETNAM 25MEET CUONG NGUYEN 29GOVERNOR GENERAL ATTENDS SIAST GRADUATION 32TRA VINH (TVCCP) 41FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS 47GUESTBOOK 49

ABOUT SIAST The Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST) is Saskatchewan’s primary public institution for post-secondary technical education and skills training, recognized for its expertise and innovation. SIAST delivers programs internationally and welcomes international students to study at SIAST.Internationally, students are able to study SIAST programming, supervised by the partner institutions. Students can receive instruction in a program, delivered in English, without having to leave their home country. Evaluations and testing are supervised through professionals locally engaged by SIAST.Students studying overseas receive the same credential as a student studying in Saskatchewan, Canada. Graduates of the programs are eligible for employment locally, often with expatriate companies; and/or further study at a Canadian or Western university. Students can receive up to two years credit towards a 4-year degree. Students may be eligible to transfer to SIAST in Saskatchewan to complete their diploma. If a student completes their program in Canada, they are eligible for a Post-Graduate work permit from Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

Current Programs and Courses Offered Internationally:

Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry (HUI) Business Administration diploma program goSIAST.com/hui

Mauritius Institute of Training and Development (MITD) Business Administration diploma program goSIAST.com/mitd

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SIAST HALF A WORLD AWAYThe year was 1999, and while most people were partying like Prince, I was learning the skills that would eventually lead to my employment with the communications team at the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST). College graduation was just around the corner and represented an exciting time in my life - the paradox of a beginning and an end. The security blanket that being a student provided would soon be gone, and I would be thrust out onto the world as a fully developed adult with marketable skills and a parchment to prove it. Exciting? Yes. Scary? Of course. Graduation is a ritual that provides the syntax for much of one’s life. The choice between full stop, comma and exclamation point is up to you.

It’s just such a ritual that has taken me to Vietnam, where more than 130 students are about to graduate with a SIAST Business Administration diploma. Worldwide, without exception of culture, creed or language, our collective story is the same: we all want to learn. SIAST’s international department, with experience in more than 30 countries over the last several years, helps people do just that. In Vietnam since 1994, SIAST has helped establish a community college model that focuses on providing skills training relevant to local industry. More recently, we entered into a partnership with the Ho Chi Minh University of Industry (HUI) to offer Vietnamese students the opportunity to earn a SIAST diploma abroad.

This journal will tell you the stories about some of those involved with these projects, introducing you to SIAST life half a world away, and showcasing the upcoming graduation ceremony of Business Administration diploma graduates at HUI.

November 10, 2011

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Did ?knowyou

Vietnam is the 13th most populatedcountry in the world.

90,000,0002011 Estimated Population:

1,000,000

588,276Saskatchewan

Vietnam is just over half the size of Saskatchewan, with 90 times as many people!

Source: World Health Organizationhttp://apps.who.int/ghodata/?vid=21300&theme=country

sq.km 329,569

Vietnamsq.km

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MODERN VIETNAMFor decades, film, literature and media have reinforced two images of Vietnam: the jungles of the south, where the high price of war was paid during conflict between 1955-1975, and colonial imagery from the days of French occupation. But modern Vietnam is experiencing a transitory period in its history, the excitement of economic development pulsating in the air.

Walking through the heart of Ho Chi Minh, you will encounter women wearing traditional style of dress, including the iconic nón lá (conical straw hat), brushing past youth wearing the latest fashions from the runways of Paris. In fact, every major upscale fashion label from Chanel to Louis Vuitton has a flagship store in the city. The architecture of new office towers aims to rival the metal and steel behemoths of New York, London or Tokyo in function and style. And while still a relatively conservative society, the nation is gradually becoming receptive to alternative methods of entertainment such as nightclubs and western pop music.

Vietnam has proven it is determined to improve distribution of its newfound wealth down to the poorest members of society. The country has committed to meeting its Economic Development Goals (EDG) as set out by the United Nations. These include eradicating extreme poverty and hunger, achieving universal primary education, promoting gender equality and empowering women, reducing child mortality, improving maternal health, combating disease such as HIV/AIDS and malaria, ensuring environmental sustainability and building a global partnership for development.

The nation has shown great advancement over the past few decades, morphing from a largely impoverished, agricultural-based economy to a wealthier, market-based and rapidly developing one. With increasing integration into the global community, Vietnam is sure to evolve further.

Exciting times, indeed.

November 11, 2011

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Did ?knowyou

In addition to Vietnam, the SIAST Business Administration diploma program is also offered in India and Mauritius.

India MauritiusVietnam

2012 ENROLMENT FORECAST: 240 STUDENTS

2010 - 2011 ENROLMENT (combined): >300 STUDENTS

India

Mauritius & Vietnam

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MEET RICK WAGMANWhat were you doing before you joined SIAST? I began as a high school teacher, eventually opting for a career in sales and marketing in the private sector, where I became a sales manager. After a successful career in private enterprise, the opportunity to return to teaching became available at the Saskatchewan Technical Institute (STI), now SIAST. It was too good to pass up, and I have been with SIAST ever since.

What is your favourite aspect of the job?Interaction with students and staff on a daily basis and being actively involved in determining the direction the Business Administration program is going to take. It has also been exciting to be involved in the delivery of the program internationally and to attend graduations in both Vietnam and Mauritius, and to work with the SIAST project coordinators overseas to ensure the success of the programs.

What is your average day like?My average work day revolves around the administrative duties required to ensure the smooth running of the program, including timetabling, dealing with transfer credits, counselling students in both our full-time day program in Moose Jaw and students taking classes through continuing education and distance learning, course revisions, working with advisory committees to ensure the relevance of the program, and many other issues too lengthy to list here.

November 14, 2011

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What is your role in Vietnam?To monitor and oversee the delivery of the program to ensure that the program delivered in Vietnam is the same as the program delivered in Canada. And to ensure that the integrity of the program is maintained.

What qualities do you see in Vietnamese graduates of the SIAST Business Administration program?The Vietnamese grads are highly motivated to begin their business careers, and many of them are really eager to explore the opportunity of moving to Canada to continue their education.

What opportunities do Vietnamese SIAST Business Admin students have upon graduation?There are very good opportunities for them in their own country, as evidenced by the jobs they are obtaining there. The average wage in Vietnam is $30US a month, and our grads are being hired at substantially higher salaries than that. If their marks are high enough, they have the opportunity to move to Canada to continue further studies.

What other international assignments have you had with SIAST?I am also responsible for the Business Administration program running in Mauritius. In addition, we will be stopping in Kuala Lumpur to conduct a facility and faculty assessment. The Business Administration program may be offered there.

Would you recommend the SIAST Business Administration program to other international students?Very highly! Having the Canadian educational certification greatly enhances their chances of immigrating to Canada.

Business Diploma program head Rick Wagman is entering his 27th year with SIAST, playing an instrumental role in the program’s curriculum development both in Canada and overseas.

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Did ?knowyou

The median age of Vietnam’s90,000,000 citizens is 28.

Source: World Health Organizationhttp://apps.who.int/ghodata/?vid=21300&theme=country

X

MILLION

26% of the population is under 15!That means 1 in 4 Vietnamese has yet to graduate high school.

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GOVERNOR GENERAL TO DELIVER KEYNOTE AT SIAST GRADUATIONThe graduation ceremony of 133 SIAST Business Administration diploma students at Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry (HUI) on November 18 will hold extra significance for those attending, as the Governor General of Canada, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, delivers the keynote address. The Governor General will focus on education and globalization in the 21st-century. In a statement, he expressed enthusiasm towards the visit:

“I am looking forward to travelling to Asia on my first state visit as Governor General of Canada. These state visits will allow us to witness first-hand Canada’s involvement in Southeast Asia. It will provide us with the opportunity to engage in dialogue with our counterparts and emphasize the common knowledge and interests we share in the fields of trade, investment, innovation and education.”

Offering a SIAST credential through HUI is but a facet of the institute’s long relations with Vietnam; SIAST has also played an instrumental role in developing a progressive community college blueprint for Tra Vinh province, with the aim of reducing poverty in the region by increasing the number of skilled workers. Because of its focus on demand-driven technical and vocational training, it is hailed as an educational model for skills training delivery in Vietnam. It’s a huge achievement in this developing economy that is sure to leave a lasting impact on future generations.

Educating workers internationally not only benefits the local economies through increased productivity, but also benefits the province of Saskatchewan by developing the skills of potential immigrants.

November 15, 2011

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MEET LUU TUYET NHILuu Tuyet Nhi is a first year student in the SIAST Business Administration diploma program at HUI in Vietnam. She hopes to one day parlay her education into a career in marketing.

Why did you choose the SIAST Business Administration diploma program? I took this program because I could gain a lot of knowledge about business administration and it would provide the chance to study in Canada in the future.

What is your average day like? I usually start school at 6:30 a.m., and my classes end at around 5 p.m. Recently I have been practising a dance for SIAST that I will perform for the Governor General’s visit, so my day is extended longer.

What part of your studies have you enjoyed the most? I like marketing. It is my favorite part of the program and the career. I would most like to have once I graduate.

How many different languages can you speak?I can speak Vietnamese, English and a little bit of Chinese because my mother is Chinese.

Would you recommend the SIAST Business Administration diploma program to other international students? Yes. If you study at SIAST, you will gain a lot of knowledge and it will be easy to get a job in the future.

November 16, 2011

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If you study at SIAST, you will gain a lot of knowledge and it will be easy to get a job in the future.“ “

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MEET LÊ HỮU TÂN Lê Hữu Tân is excitedly awaiting November 18, the day he will graduate from the SIAST Business Administration program in Vietnam. With a bright future ahead of him, he hopes to one day interact professionally with people in a human resources role.

Why did you choose the SIAST Business Administration program? I had finished high school and wanted to further my education. I chose the program after researching international educational options on the internet. It was a great choice.

What is your average day like? I start at 7 a.m., and classes end at 5 p.m. There are breaks in between, but for the most part I am focused on my studies. My favorite subjects were marketing and human resources management. I have conducted many brand name marketing assessments and learned about the rules that employees and managers must follow when being hired for work. It takes me about 20 minutes to travel to school by motorcycle. It is very hectic traffic, but I am used to it.

Are you excited for graduation day? Yes, very much. It will be a very special event, and I can’t wait to receive my diploma.

What do you plan on doing once you graduate?When I graduate I would like to become a human resources manager.

Would you recommend the SIAST Business Administration program to other international students? Yes, I highly recommend it. I have told several friends to look into the program because it provides a number of great opportunities once you graduate.

November 16, 2011

SIAST IN VIETNAM

The program provides a number of great opportunities once you graduate.

“ “

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SIAST GRADS SOUGHT AFTER IN VIETNAMImagine attending classes each day with roughly the entire population of Moose Jaw, Prince Albert and Yorkton. That is what life is like at HUI, where that volume of students tend to their post-secondary studies. Upon my first visit, I realized that despite the large student body, there is a real sense of community here. Students are focused and motivated to succeed, excited by the prospects of contributing to their nation’s emerging economy. Their drive was also noted by several recruiters, who made the visit to Vietnam to meet with SIAST Business Administration graduates. I spoke with Ashley Yeaman, University of Regina International Recruiter, about his trip to HUI:

Why are you in Vietnam?I travelled to Vietnam to meet with some prospective agents and follow up on some of our activities here, but more importantly, I travelled here to meet with HUI/SIAST students on campus and attend their graduation ceremony.

How many SIAST grads will you meet while you’re here?I’m not sure of the exact number, but I think it will be between 50 to 100 students who will be attending our presentation, so I’ll have a chance to sit and talk with those students. Throughout the day of the graduation ceremony, hopefully I will get a chance to chat with a few more on a personal level and make a few connections.

Why are SIAST Business Administration graduates so sought after?First off, Vietnam is an emerging economy and developing country that has a lot of students going overseas to study. We are very interested in giving those students a quality option in the University of Regina. Also, SIAST is a trusted and important partner for the U of R, and the satellite programs they are running are good models for other institutions in Canada. SIAST has been promoted and highly regarded by the diplomatic community here in Vietnam and elsewhere, so we are excited to get involved. For students, being involved in a quality program and getting a transfer credit, it’s an excellent study option for them and makes sense for us.

November 17, 2011

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What opportunities do SIAST Business Administration students have upon graduation?I think there are many opportunities for every kind of student: Those who want to stay and become a permanent resident have the option for that if they want to start a new life in Canada. It’s an option that we are very enthusiastic about as we need more people in Canada. These highly-educated and driven international students are the perfect people to help us increase our population and continue to grow. For those students who want to have an overseas work experience and then return to their home country, there’s a lot of opportunity for that as well. Developing countries need their educated people to return home and work in their companies and government and help development locally.

What other countries do you recruit in?We’re recruiting heavily in China. We have a lot of strong connections there. We’re here in Vietnam. We are exploring new, emerging markets in South America. We’re trying to be strategic and not spread ourselves too thin, but we are growing as a university, and international recruitment is a big part of that.At the same time, we are trying to recruit these students into Canada, we’re also striving to internationalize our own campus and domestic Saskatchewan students as well.Continued on next page >>

SIAST IN VIETNAM

Ashley Yeaman, University of Regina International Recruiter

I think it’s a two-way street when you talk about internationalization: bringing people into your university from abroad is important, but just as important is helping domestic students get international experience, whether it’s through studying abroad, which has increased through partnerships, internships or study tours with faculty. Our mission at UR International is to give students a wide range of options to diversify their experience.

Do you have any other stops on this trip?I just came back from China. This mission to Vietnam is a bit shorter; after it’s finished, I will be travelling back to Canada and looking forward to Christmas. After the new year, I will definitely be on the road again.

Would you recommend the SIAST Business Administration program to other international students? Of course! I think SIAST has shown why they are running successful programs in Saskatchewan. Their enrolment numbers have increased tremendously over the past few years, and they are also establishing linkages with international partners, developing programs in India, Mauritus and, of course, Vietnam. Their program integrity and quality speak for itself. SIAST is also very adaptable and plugs into the local economy, helping students get an education that meets the needs of today’s global economy. SIAST is doing an excellent job, and for us as a university -- which has a slightly different program delivery and focus -- developing a strong and productive relationship has many benefits.

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Did ?knowyou

Vietnam is the Asian country with the highest percentage of women in government.

19% 22%

Source: World Health Organizationhttp://apps.who.int/ghodata/?vid=21300&theme=country

Women are significant contributors to the growing economy - making up 65% of the agricultural and 43% of the industrial labour force.

WO

MEN

IN G

OVE

RNM

ENT

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MEET CUONG NGUYENHow long have you been teaching the SIAST Business Administration diploma program at HUI? I have been teaching this program for nearly two years.

Why did you enter the teaching profession? It was a tough choice between taking a traditional office job or teaching, but after serious thinking, and getting my own education in Australia, I decided I wanted to transfer my knowledge to the next generation.

What is your favorite aspect of the job?Having the chance to research and study more and discuss theories and new, innovative ideas with students.

How do you manage to get one-on-one time with students here in Vietnam?I encourage them to ask questions during class and communicate with me via e-mail outside of regular studies whenever they need help or have a question, and I will respond.

How is this program different from other business programs?From my point of view, the program provides a very good chance for students to study at the international standard of education and also gives them a lot of good, practical thinking experience.

November 17, 2011

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How does the educational system differ here in Vietnam?The Canadian system of education is very open-minded, very innovative. It encourages idea exchange and to express thoughts and feelings. Vietnamese education is very formal and based in lectures. There is rarely discussion of the teachings.

What qualities do you see in graduates of the SIAST Business Administration diploma program?Vietnamese students often lack confidence, and I notice that this program manages to bring that trait out. They are also great team-players.

Would you recommend the SIAST Business Administration diploma program to other international students?Definitely.

Cuong Nguyen is one of the instructors teaching the SIAST Business Administration diploma program at HUI in Vietnam. He witnesses first-hand the value the program gives to his students’ lives.

SIAST IN VIETNAM

GOVERNOR GENERAL ATTENDS SIAST GRADUATIONThe graduation ceremony when Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry students received their SIAST Business Administration diplomas was an event like no other. As part of his first official State visit, the Governor General of Canada addressed the graduating class with a keynote speech that managed to elicit hope and to inspire those in attendance. Drawing on the successful relationship between SIAST and HUI, the Right Honourable David Johnston commented:

“This program is a wonderful example of the good things that can happen when people come together across borders to learn together. Few people today would disagree that a highly educated nation is a civic and prosperous one, and in the interconnected world of the 21st century, where our social, economic and environmental ties are so important, there can be no true education in isolation.”

The real fun began during the talent portion of the ceremony though, something unheard of in North America. Students spend a good portion of the year perfecting routines to entertain their classmates, families and guests. This year’s show included traditional Vietnamese dance contrasted with performances that could have been part of American Idol or So You Think You Can Dance Canada. Confidence is something that will get you far in life, whether it be in business or breakdancing. These students have it in spades.

As the day’s festivities came to a close, I searched through the crowd for Lê Hữu Tân, the graduate we profiled in a previous post. Earlier in the week, he was calm, cool and collected, enjoying his last moments of student life by graciously touring me around HUI and introducing me to his fellow classmates. After the ceremony, however, it was clear that the significance of the day caught up to him. He was now being shuttled between a blur of photo ops with friends and family, in which I also made a request. I asked him how he felt now that he held a SIAST diploma in his hands. “This is the greatest day of my life,” he answered, unable to contain his excitement. “I am looking forward to the future.” At that, he was whisked away again for further celebration.

A bright future awaits.

November 18, 2011

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TRA VINH (TVCCP)Hellos are always better than goodbyes. But as I bid adieu to the wonderful staff and graduating students of the Business Administration diploma program at HUI, I was about to embark on a trip to a more remote region of the country to witness firsthand the results of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) Tra Vinh Community College Project (TVCCP). SIAST was the lead Canadian college on the project.

Tra Vinh is located approximately 200km southwest of Ho Chi Minh. The drive meanders through dense urban landscape into even denser jungle. A decade ago, the land surrounding the current campus was swamp. It now boasts a modern campus teaching programs that focus on local industry needs - a model for post-secondary vocational education. This is a unique concept in Vietnam and one that has catapulted SIAST’s reputation for delivering effective skills training in the country. Since 2001, SIAST and Tra Vinh University have shared cooperative activities including the exchange of information, books and reference materials, research, and training program development.

During a ceremony on November 20 (coinciding with the national Teachers’ Day celebration), SIAST presented several Teacher’s Development Aid awards, joined the Vietnam Association of Community Colleges (VACC) and signed a memorandum of understanding with Tra Vinh University that will further aim to strengthen the ties between the two post-secondary institutions.

November 20, 2011

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Did ?knowyou

November 20 is Teacher’s Day in Vietnam.

This holiday allows students to express their respect to their teacher and typically involves giving thanks with a lush bouquet of flowers.

It was first celebrated in Vietnam in 1958.

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FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGSSIAST presented an honorary diploma to Dr. Ta Xuan Te in recognition of his efforts to provide SIAST post-secondary education and skills training to learners in Vietnam. Starting from humble beginnings, Te led Industrial College Number 4 from and institution with just a few hundred students to a multi-facility, multi-discipline campus housing 50,000 students as the Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry (HUI). The university now has six campuses across Vietnam with almost 120,000 students. Te later adopted the international model for the SIAST Business Administration diploma program at the HUI campus in Vietnam. HUI has since been delivering the SIAST diploma program to Vietnamese students for five years.

Although Te retired from HUI in the summer of 2010, his contributions were influential on the longstanding and successful cooperation between HUI and SIAST. SIAST diplomas qualify Vietnamese students to further their education at Canadian institutions with which SIAST has transfer credit agreements. For instance, several Vietnamese graduates have gone on to enrol in the business administration program at the University of Regina. Upon graduation in Canada, international students may also qualify to seek permanent residence in Saskatchewan under the graduate category of the Saskatchewan Immigration Nomination Program (SINP).

“I am very proud,” said Te, who travelled from Vietnam to SIAST Palliser Campus in Moose Jaw to receive the honour. Before receiving his diploma, Te spent the day with Vietnamese colleagues, also from HUI, touring SIAST Palliser Campus. While they tried on hard hats and admired state-of-the art-equipment at the campus, they also kept an eye out the window. It was snowing the day of Te’s visit, and nobody in Te’s delegation had ever seen snow before. “I’ve been dreaming about this,” said Te, while getting his picture taken out in the snow. “It’s the only time we get to see snow. It’s very interesting for us.”

December 1, 2011

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GUESTBOOKI’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate each of the 133 SIAST Business Administration graduates at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry in Vietnam. I applaud your accomplishment and trust that this significant milestone will be just a starting place in your exciting and successful future. I also want to thank the faculty for their time, commitment and dedication to each of the students in this program. And finally, I’d like to thank the families and friends of these fine graduates for their support now and throughout their very promising futures. Again – my congratulations to all of you!Sincerely, Dr. Robert G. McCulloch President & CEO, SIAST (to June 30, 2012)

I seize the opportunity to congratulate all the SIAST graduates in Vietnam and all those involved in the SIAST program for their unremitting hard work. It is a moment of pride for each of us to see and ultimately congratulating our SIAST students when they cross the stage on the graduation day.Reshmee Kaleeka SIAST Program Coordinator, Mauritius

It is my pleasure to congratulate each of our newest Business Administration graduates on their accomplishment.Kathy Larsen SIAST Registrar

Well done!Patricia Gillies SIAST Executive Director, Public Affairs

YEAH! Congratulations on your graduation and warm wishes for continued success.Susan McIntyre SIAST Associate Vice President, Student Affairs

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On behalf of the entire SIAST Business division, I want to congratulate all of our graduates at HUI who received their Business Administration diploma. You join a distinguished SIAST alumni in Vietnam and Canada that have attained the knowledge and skills demanded by business and industry. I am confident that you will make a positive impact wherever your future path should take you. Congratulations!Dan MacKay SIAST Dean of Business

Anh Mai rat la vui xem hoc sinh SIAST Vietnam Le Trao Bang Tot Nghiep, va nam nay, Hip Hop la rat rat hai! I was very impressed with your questions to the GG and the graduation. All the best from SIAST! Hope to see you in Canada one day. Miles.Miles Fahlman SIAST International Education Program Coordinator

Congratulations to all! Wishing you much success as you start your career journey. As a SIAST alumna from the Business program, I can tell you that your training has prepared you well for the world of work.Colleen Gallant SIAST Manager of Communications

Congratulations to all of the SIAST Business Administration graduates in Vietnam! Your hard work and dedication has paid off and I wish you all the best in the future. It has been an absolute pleasure meeting with you and visiting your beautiful country over the past week.Deborah Clague SIAST Senior Graphic Designer

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© 2011 Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology