SCIENTIFIC SEMINAR “SOCIAL WORK: CONNECTING – INNOVATING – DEVELOPING”

On March 21, 2026, the University of Labour and Social Affairs – Campus II, Ho Chi Minh City, organized a scientific seminar under the theme “Social Work: Connecting – Innovating – Developing.”

 

As part of the activities commemorating the 10th Anniversary of Vietnam Social Work Day (March 25, 2016 – March 25, 2026), on March 21, 2026, the University of Labour and Social Affairs – Campus II in Ho Chi Minh City organized a scientific seminar under the theme “Social Work: Connecting – Innovating – Developing.” The event served as an important academic forum to reflect on the development of the social work profession while discussing directions for innovation in social work education and professional practice amid rapid social change.

The seminar was attended by the University’s leadership, representatives of the Faculty of Social Work, representatives from relevant agencies, organizations, businesses, and partner fieldwork institutions, as well as lecturers, students, and alumni of the Social Work program. The diverse participation of stakeholders across the professional ecosystem created a multidimensional platform for academic exchange and discussion, embodying the spirit of “connection”—one of the key pillars of the seminar’s theme.

 

In the opening remarks, a representative of the University’s leadership emphasized the increasingly important role of social work within the social welfare system and in community development. As social issues become increasingly complex, social work professionals are expected to possess not only strong professional competencies but also the ability to innovate intervention approaches, strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration, and apply technology in professional practice. The seminar was therefore expected to serve as a bridge between theory and practice, between education and societal needs, and to contribute to shaping strategic directions for the development of the profession in the new era.

The first presentation, entitled “Ten Years of Social Work Development in Vietnam: Achievements, Challenges, and Development Directions for the New Era,” was delivered by Dr. Nguyen Minh Tuan, Dean of the Faculty of Social Work, marking the beginning of the seminar’s academic sessions.

 

 

The presentation provided a comprehensive overview of the development of the social work profession in Vietnam over the past decade, since the Prime Minister designated March 25 each year as Vietnam Social Work Day. Key achievements highlighted included the expansion of social work education programs across higher education institutions; the growing demand for social work professionals in sectors such as healthcare, education, justice, and social protection; the gradual development and refinement of the policy framework governing the profession; and the increasing adoption of community-based social service models.

Alongside these positive developments, the presentation also identified several challenges facing the social work profession, including uneven public awareness and understanding of the profession; limited employment opportunities and recruitment mechanisms; disparities in professional capacity among training institutions; and the need to establish stronger and more sustainable linkages between academic training and professional practice. Based on these observations, the presentation proposed several development priorities, including strengthening the standardization of social work curricula, expanding international cooperation, developing professional social work service systems, and promoting the application of technology in social assistance and support services.

These insights provided an important theoretical foundation for the seminar as a whole, while also raising a number of issues for further discussion aimed at strengthening the position and role of social work within the modern social welfare system.

The second presentation, entitled “Collaboration between Businesses and Social Work in Developing Community Support Programs,” was delivered by Dr. Tran Thi Anh Thu, Head of the Knowledge Development Department at the Khoi Su Tu Tam Foundation, offering a practical perspective on the role of the business sector in social work initiatives.

 

 

The presentation highlighted the growing trend of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in Vietnam and the potential for stronger collaboration between businesses and social work education institutions. In this context, social workers serve as a bridge between available social resources and community needs, while also helping ensure professionalism and sustainability throughout the implementation of community support programs.

The presentation also discussed effective models of collaboration between businesses and social work organizations in areas such as healthcare, educational support, livelihood development, and assistance for vulnerable groups. The practical experiences shared demonstrated that partnerships between businesses and the social work sector can provide not only financial resources but also contribute to improving the quality of social services through the adoption of modern management approaches.

The third presentation, entitled “Social Work Students: Learning Journeys, Career Aspirations, and Preparation for the Future,” was delivered by Nguyen Ha Nhu Quynh, a student from class D23CT1. The presentation offered a concrete and multidimensional perspective on the learning needs and educational experiences of students majoring in Social Work.

 

 

The presentation focused on the learning experiences of Social Work students, from acquiring professional knowledge to participating in fieldwork and professional practice activities within the community. The presenter emphasized the importance of a practice-oriented learning environment, as well as the support provided by lecturers and partner organizations in developing students’ professional competencies.

In particular, the presentation highlighted the aspirations of a new generation of Social Work students to make meaningful contributions to the community. It also expressed the expectation that Social Work education programs would continue to evolve by placing greater emphasis on practical skills, strengthening research capabilities, and promoting the application of technology in social support and assistance services.

The 40-minute discussion and exchange session was conducted in an engaging and constructive atmosphere, featuring diverse perspectives from experts, business representatives, lecturers, alumni, and participating students.

 

 

The discussions covered a wide range of important issues, with particular emphasis on business collaboration in the education and recruitment of social work professionals. Representatives from several businesses and social organizations highlighted the growing demand for Social Work graduates in community development programs, social project management, and services supporting vulnerable populations. This reflects the expanding range of career opportunities available to students majoring in Social Work.

In the field of medical social work, participants discussed the role of social workers in providing psychological support, connecting clients and patients with appropriate resources, and contributing to the improvement of healthcare services. Delegates emphasized the need to strengthen specialized training in medical social work while expanding partnerships with hospitals to provide students with greater opportunities for professional practice.

In the education sector, discussions highlighted the growing need for school social work services to support students facing psychological, behavioral, and social adjustment challenges. Integrating school social work into academic curricula was regarded as an essential direction for responding to emerging needs in practice.

Particularly noteworthy was the strong interest in the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in social work. Delegates noted that AI could support various aspects of professional practice, including client data management, needs assessment, social communication, and the development of intervention support tools. However, the application of technology must be accompanied by professional ethical principles to safeguard human-centered practice and the confidentiality of personal information.

Participants also placed considerable emphasis on innovating Social Work education through interdisciplinary integration, with greater attention to soft skills, digital competencies, and research capabilities. The development of an alumni network and a broader network of fieldwork and practice partners was also identified as an important factor in enhancing the quality of Social Work education.

At the conclusion of the seminar, the Organizing Committee acknowledged and appreciated the valuable and practical contributions made by the participants. The discussions not only helped clarify directions for the development of the Social Work profession but also opened up new opportunities for collaboration among the University, businesses, and social organizations.

The seminar “Social Work: Connecting – Innovating – Developing” successfully provided a substantive academic forum while reaffirming the role of the University of Labour and Social Affairs – Campus II, Ho Chi Minh City, in educating and developing high-quality Social Work professionals.

The event was not only a meaningful activity within the series of programs commemorating the 10th Anniversary of Vietnam Social Work Day, but also represented an important step toward new directions for further improving the quality of education, expanding partnerships, and promoting the sustainable development of the Social Work profession in the years ahead.

Through the seminar, the message of stronger connections among stakeholders, innovation in education and professional practice, and a shared commitment to advancing the Social Work profession was widely conveyed. These efforts provide an important foundation for Social Work to further strengthen its role within the social welfare system and contribute to the sustainable development of communities in the new era.