University Lecturers: Fostering Patriotism, Global Integration Awareness, and Civic Responsibility among Students
Milestones in the nation’s history reflecting the patriotism of the Vietnamese people
The history of Vietnam is a journey marked by a resilient struggle for independence, freedom, and peace. These glorious chapters of national history are not only a source of pride but also provide an important foundation for educating younger generations about patriotism, civic responsibility, and the aspiration to contribute to national development. As Vietnam accelerates industrialization, digital transformation, and international integration, university lecturers are entrusted with responsibilities that extend beyond the transmission of knowledge to nurturing students’ character, ideals, and sense of civic responsibility. For the University of Finance – Marketing, this mission is particularly significant as the University is committed to developing high-quality human resources for the nation’s economic development.
More than eighty years ago, the victory of the August Revolution in 1945 gave birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, ushering in a new era of national independence. Subsequently, the 1954 victory at Dien Bien Phu ended French colonial rule and became a symbol of the Vietnamese people’s indomitable will and aspiration for freedom. The Great Spring Victory of 1975 completed the liberation of the South and the reunification of the country, ushering the nation into an era of peaceful construction and development. Since 1975 and particularly following the Doi Moi (Renewal) process launched in 1986, Vietnam has steadfastly pursued a path of peaceful development, cooperation, and international integration. The country has continuously expanded its international relations, joined numerous international organizations and new-generation free trade agreements, and actively contributed to United Nations peacekeeping operations. The achievements Vietnam has attained today are rooted in the patriotic traditions, spirit of solidarity, and aspirations for national development upheld by generations of Vietnamese people. Therefore, educating younger generations about national history and instilling in them a sense of responsibility for nation-building remains important missions of higher education.
The mission of university lecturers extends beyond imparting professional knowledge
In this context, lecturers at the University of Finance – Marketing, particularly those in the fields of Finance and Banking, play a pivotal role in shaping graduates who possess not only professional competence but also political steadfastness, professional ethics, and a strong sense of social responsibility. This mission can be reflected in three key dimensions.
First, cultivating patriotism among students. In peacetime, patriotism is expressed not only through the determination to defend the Fatherland but also through dedication to learning, creative work, and the aspiration to contribute to national prosperity. For students majoring in Finance and Banking, patriotism can be demonstrated through their commitment to applying professional knowledge to building a transparent financial sector, a secure banking system, and a sustainable financial market. Every lecture on public finance, taxation, banking, capital markets, or risk management can help students recognize that professional success is closely intertwined with the responsibility to contribute to the country’s development.
Second, fostering awareness of international integration. Globalization and rapid advances in science and technology create numerous opportunities while also presenting significant challenges for the workforce. Lecturers therefore need to equip students with up-to-date knowledge, foreign-language proficiency, digital skills, and the adaptability required to work effectively in international environments. In the fields of Finance and Banking, familiarity with international financial standards, digital transformation, financial technology (FinTech), and free trade agreements is increasingly important. At the same time, international integration must go hand in hand with preserving national identity and safeguarding national interests. Lecturers should foster a proactive approach to international integration—one that embraces valuable global knowledge and experience while remaining firmly grounded in the interests of the nation.
Third, cultivating civic responsibility and professional ethics. The finance and banking sector requires a high degree of transparency, integrity, and compliance with the law. Therefore, beyond imparting specialized knowledge, lecturers must foster academic integrity and ethical conduct in students’ learning and research, respect for the rule of law, a sense of community responsibility, and strong professional ethics. These qualities provide an essential foundation for developing finance and banking graduates who possess solid professional competence, the integrity and resilience to navigate professional challenges and ethical dilemmas, and a willingness to contribute positively to society.
To fulfill this mission effectively, lecturers must continuously innovate their teaching methods, strengthen the connection between theory and practice, and integrate education on history, ethics, and social responsibility into specialized courses. At the same time, lecturers themselves should serve as role models by demonstrating a commitment to lifelong learning, professional integrity, dedication to students, and responsibility to the community. These values can have a lasting influence on students, helping shape a generation that possesses not only knowledge and professional competence but also strong ideals and a genuine desire to contribute to the country.
President Ho Chi Minh once advised: “Talent without virtue renders a person useless; virtue without talent makes any task difficult.” This teaching remains profoundly relevant to higher education today. Studying and following Ho Chi Minh’s ideology, morality, and style involves not only cultivating the character of individual lecturers but also embracing the responsibility to inspire students with patriotism, a global outlook, and a strong sense of civic duty. Through this commitment, lecturers at the University of Finance – Marketing, particularly those in the fields of Finance and Banking, can contribute to developing high-quality human resources, meeting the nation’s need for rapid and sustainable development, and upholding the glorious traditions painstakingly built by previous generations.
Hoang Thi Hanh, Tran Nhan Nghia
Party Cell of the School of Financial and Banking Technology.