Dien Bien College Ready to Enter New Era

On September 4, the People's Committee of Dien Bien Province officially announced the merger of Dien Bien Vocational College with Dien Bien Technical Economic College to form Dien Bien College. This strategic move streamlines operations and opens a new phase for the college to focus resources, implement digital technology and artificial intelligence, and meet the demand for high-quality human resources in the province and the Northwest region.

A policy aligned with the Party directives and public interest

The merger addresses the strengths and weaknesses of the two former institutions: training was dispersed, programs overlapped, administrative structures were complex, and enrollment in some programs was limited. Dien Bien Technical Economic College offered 10 college-level programs, 14 intermediate-level programs, and 21 vocational programs with a capacity of 1,860 students, training 3,126 students from 2022 to 2024. Dien Bien Vocational College, meanwhile, had a strong practical training foundation, qualified staff, and well-equipped facilities, training 8,976 students over the same period, but faced enrollment challenges in certain programs.

Vu A Bang, Vice Chairman of Dien Bien Provincial People’s Committee, presents the appointment decisions for Principal and Vice Principals of Dien Bien College

At the merger announcement ceremony, Dr. Tran Ba Uan was appointed Principal, with Doan Thanh Quynh, Bui Thi Thu Hien, and Hoang Thanh Nghi serving as Vice Principals of Dien Bien College. Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee Vu A Bang emphasized, “Dien Bien College must not only provide vocational training for the local area but also become a high-quality training center for the entire Northwest region. This requires comprehensive innovation, particularly in management, curriculum, and the application of technology.”

Entering a new phase

The college’s leadership has taken decisive measures. The previous structure of 11 faculties, 9 administrative departments, and 3 affiliated units from the two schools has been reorganized into 8 faculties, 4 departments, and 3 affiliated units, reducing administrative units by 37.5%. Staff assignments and reviews are conducted transparently, based on character, management skills, and professional experience.

Leaders, staff, and lecturers of Dien Bien College pose for a group photo at the beginning of the 2025-2026 academic year

For students, the college ensures a seamless transition: more than 800 students continue their training without disruption, retaining existing policies and approved programs. Programs are being reviewed, consolidated, and optimized to eliminate duplication and support smooth progression between courses.

“The merger is not about downsizing, but about expansion and elevation. The college must protect students’ learning rights while focusing resources on quality investment,” Dr. Tran Ba Uan said.

Stabilizing the administrative system, standardizing management processes, and ensuring uninterrupted teaching and learning immediately after the merger has built confidence among staff, faculty, and students, positioning the college to move quickly from the integration phase to strategic development.

Enhancing quality and strengthening industry collaboration

Dien Bien College aims to become a high-quality institution, serving as a key hub for developing human resources for the province and the Northwest region. Its vision through 2030 is to provide multi-disciplinary training at college, intermediate, and vocational levels, introduce key programs that meet regional standards, and address labor market demands.

A highlight of the strategy is digital transformation and AI integration in education. From the 2025-2026 academic year, the college will implement an online learning management system (LMS) and apply AI in course design, assessment, and practical simulations. Smart practice labs will simulate production processes in industry, agriculture, and services, allowing students to combine theory with real-world experience.

“The merger allows us to focus resources on technology investment. Students will not only gain practical skills but also master digital technology, enhancing their adaptability to new industry requirements,” Dr. Tran Ba Uan emphasized.

Aligned with the province’s socio-economic development goals, the college prioritizes training in key fields suitable to local conditions, including information technology, electrical and electronics, mechanical engineering, crop science, high-tech agriculture, logistics, and tourism and services. Programs are designed in collaboration with businesses, allowing students to practice in workshops and factories from their second year, reducing retraining time for companies and increasing graduates’ employability.

The college has gathered a strong teaching staff, including five PhDs and nearly 100 master’s degree holders, capable of delivering high-quality programs and applied research. The institution aims to maintain a stable enrollment of over 3,000 students, with 1,200-1,400 new students each year, allowing for focused investment in quality rather than rapid expansion.

The vision of linking education with industry is reflected in a clear commitment: businesses participate in program design, provide direct instruction, host internships, and recruit graduates. This creates a “win-win” relationship, where the college supplies skilled human resources, businesses offer practical experience and employment, contributing to local poverty reduction.

Moreover, given its location near northern Laos, Dien Bien College seeks to expand international vocational training collaborations. Training foreign students not only strengthens educational capacity but also serves as a bridge for regional development cooperation, enhancing workforce skills in border areas.

The establishment of Dien Bien College represents not only administrative streamlining but also the beginning of a new era in vocational training and employment for the province. With a clear direction, close provincial guidance, and the dedication of faculty and staff, the college is gradually becoming one of the Northwest region’s high-quality vocational training institutions.

The smiles of students on the first day of school, memoranda of understanding with businesses, and the dedication of teachers and students in practical sessions all create an uplifting rhythm, signaling a promising new journey for Dien Bien College.

Ha Thanh-Ngoc Tung (Vietnam Business Forum)