Seminar Explores Finnish Education Philosophy in Vietnam
Exploring Educational Leadership and Innovation in Vietnam
As Vietnam continues to push forward with its education reform agenda, the role of educational leadership has emerged as a critical component in discussions around system-level improvements and school governance. This topic was thoroughly explored during the seminar "Finnish Education Bridge: From Collaboration to Leadership," which recently took place in Ho Chi Minh City. The event brought together a diverse group of participants, including education experts, school leaders, and managers from both Finland and Vietnam, to share insights on leadership, governance, and practical approaches to education.
Finland, known globally for its top-tier education system and high social well-being indicators, offers valuable lessons in student-centered and humanistic approaches to schooling. The seminar, organized by the Tan Thoi Dai Education System and the Vietnam-Finland International School (VFIS), provided a platform for Finnish principals, international scholars, Vietnamese education managers, and parents from the southern region to engage in meaningful dialogue.
During a dedicated session on school leadership, Finnish speakers highlighted that effective school governance goes beyond administrative management. It is deeply connected to leadership styles that promote autonomy, accountability, and trust. In Finland, there is a strong emphasis on professional trust in teachers, with students placed at the center of learning activities.
Ossi Hermanni Kokkonen, principal of Karkkila High School, emphasized that teachers in Finland are given significant autonomy in designing curricula, which fosters professional responsibility and instructional effectiveness. His insights were part of a broader conversation about how leadership can shape educational outcomes and create supportive environments for teachers.
At VFIS, Miekk-Oja Suvi Kristiina, the principal, shared her vision for the basic educational program, which aims to achieve five key elements. These include prioritizing student initiative to prepare them for a sustainable life. Teachers are encouraged to integrate various methods and build a learning community that supports holistic education.
Dao Thi Thu Thao, Deputy General Director of the Tan Thoi Dai Education System, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the importance of holistic education and sustainability in Finnish-inspired models. She explained that the system applies Finnish philosophy and methods across all aspects, from management and operations to teaching and culture building. This approach has led to notable success in student progress and positive feedback from parents.
In addition to leadership and governance, the seminar also addressed the growing role of technology in education. Prof. Truong Nguyen Thanh from the University of Utah presented on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in teaching and learning. He noted that AI can serve as a support tool, helping reduce teachers' administrative burdens and allowing them to focus more on mentoring and student engagement.
Prof. Thanh emphasized that while AI can assist with tasks such as lesson planning and assignment design, it cannot replace the central role of teachers. Instead, he described teachers as facilitators who guide learning processes and support students' cognitive and personal development. This perspective aligns with Finland's focus on personalization and learner autonomy.
The seminar also included discussions between parents, educators, and Finnish school leaders on the practical application of Finnish education principles in Vietnam. Key themes included trust-based governance, human-centered education, school well-being, leadership development, and the creation of sustainable learning environments.
On January 16, 2026, the Tan Thoi Dai Education System and a delegation of Finnish high school principals signed an agreement to establish the Educators' Network at the Embassy of Finland in Hanoi. This initiative aims to strengthen professional exchanges and cooperation between Vietnamese and Finnish educators, fostering ongoing dialogue on education development in both countries.
The seminar concluded with a review of collaboration outcomes and future directions, underscoring the potential for continued growth and innovation in education through international partnerships.
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