Nam Can Tho University: A Hub for cultivating and enhancing essential skills for students in the Mekong Delta Region

For students, knowledge is necessary but insufficient. Students need more than just knowledge; they also require life skills. Nam Can Tho University is now one of the pioneering institutions in training students in life skills and fostering a sense of pride in their ethnic identity and the Mekong Delta region.

1. Nam Can Tho University consistently considers student skills to be one of its core values

Through the teaching process, Nam Can Tho University continuously assist students in developing essential skills, enhancing their knowledge, and cultivating their thinking, ethics,  physical well-being, and thereby shaping their personal character. Soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving enable students to adapt to both academic and life environments. Furthermore, specialized skills provide students with better employment opportunities upon graduation, contributing to their personal, family, and societal development.

In today’s competitive job market, it is essential for students to excel in order to stand out and succeed. Therefore, skill development is crucial for student success. This requires collaboration between educational institutions, families, and society to equip students with the necessary skills. At Nam Can Tho University, we consistently innovate our teaching methods to focus on both professional knowledge and skill development. We strive to create an optimal learning environment by providing opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities and practical skill development.

2. Skills in Organizing Gala Dinners and Team Building Events

A Gala Dinner is a prestigious event that requires a high level of skill and expertise from the organizer. Organizing Gala Dinners can provide numerous practical benefits for students at Nam Can Tho University (DNC) and contribute to building a solid foundation for their future careers.

Gala Dinner typically brings together distinguished guests, requiring the organizer to communicate and interact in a polite and professional manner. Students participating in such events have the opportunity to refine their communication skills, use appropriate language, demonstrate confidence, and make a positive impression on those around them.

Each event has its own unique requirements and objectives, which means that organizers must be adaptable and innovative in their approach and problem-solving. Through organizing events, students will enhance their creative thinking, logical reasoning, situational analysis, and decision-making skills in order to effectively address any challenges that may arise. The Gala Dinner is typically a large-scale event with multiple program segments and strict requirements for time, location, and equipment. The organizer must possess the ability to effectively manage and coordinate the entire event, ensuring that all activities run smoothly and on schedule. During the planning process, unexpected situations may arise, requiring the organizer to respond flexibly and professionally. Students involved in organizing a Gala Dinner will gain valuable experience in maintaining composure, making informed decisions, and effectively solving problems to ensure the success of the event.

A Gala Dinner provides a valuable opportunity for students to network and establish connections with influential guests, potential employers, and industry experts. This event allows them to cultivate professional relationships, enhance their personal image, and lay the groundwork for their future careers.

3. Integrating Skill Training with Understanding Southern Vietnamese Culture

At Nam Can Tho University, both faculty and students actively practice traditional Khmer arts from the Southern region. Along with its specialized academic programs, the university also prioritizes organizing career skills workshops for students. These sessions not only enhance students’ knowledge, but also develop essential soft skills for their future careers. Furthermore, they provide opportunities for students to deeply explore and understand Southern Khmer culture, contributing to the enrichment of cultural values and the development of human resources in the region.

3.1. Enhancing Knowledge of Southern Khmer Culture

Career skills workshops often include elements of Southern Khmer culture, such as its rich history, unique customs, traditional beliefs, flavorful cuisine, and distinctive attire. These workshops provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Khmer culture through a variety of methods, including lectures, visual aids, videos, and group discussions.

3.2. Developing Intercultural Communication Skills

Students can practice and use Khmer language skills through various activities such as role-playing scenarios related to workplace communication, presentations on Khmer culture, and mock interviews with Khmer professionals. These activities will help students refine their communication skills and gain a deeper understanding of Khmer culture in a diverse and inclusive environment with students from different cultural backgrounds. Furthermore, students will also learn appropriate greetings, body language, and cultural norms when interacting with Khmer individuals. Through these workshops, students will not only improve their language skills but also develop a better understanding of Khmer culture and how to interact respectfully with Khmer individuals.

3.3. Developing Adaptability and Problem-Solving Skills

Participating in cultural experiences, such as visiting temples, craft villages, and festivals, can greatly benefit students by enhancing their ability to adapt to new environments and solve problems within a multicultural context. This exposure to different cultures allows students to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for diversity, while also honing their problem-solving skills in real-world situations.

3.4. Elevating Professional Skills

Career skills workshops that integrate cultural exploration help students develop essential soft skills such as communication, presentation, and teamwork, while also enhancing their expertise in areas related to Khmer culture, such as cultural tourism and event management. These skills and knowledge enable students to confidently apply for positions in fields such as tourism, culture, and international trade.

4. Enhancing Cultural Preservation Awareness

Through activities that delve into Khmer culture, students at DNC are able to increase their awareness of the significance of preserving and promoting cultural heritage. They have the opportunity to engage in outreach and community education initiatives focused on heritage protection, thereby contributing to the preservation of traditional Khmer cultural values.

Conclusion:

Career skills workshops at DNC, which incorporate the study of Southern Khmer culture, offer a multitude of practical advantages for students. By participating in these workshops, students not only acquire knowledge, skills, and cultural values, but also contribute to their personal growth and community involvement.

In addition to these benefits, DNC students have the opportunity to: 

• Enhance their creative and innovative thinking abilities.
• Develop a strong sense of responsibility and community awareness.
• Improve their professionalism and teamwork skills in a diverse environment.
• Cultivate a dynamic, open-minded, and culturally knowledgeable personal image.

The career skills program, in conjunction with the study of Southern Khmer culture, is a pioneering and effective initiative by DNC that contributes to the development of highly skilled human resources for the region and the country.