Participating in an intensive training program in India was, for Dr. Pham Ngoc Huong Quynh, lecturer at the Faculty of Political Economy, VNU University of Economics and Business, not only an opportunity to enhance her professional knowledge but also a meaningful journey of cultural immersion and international exchange. Let’s hear her reflections on this remarkable experience!

Joining an intensive training course in India in March 2025, organized by the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) and sponsored by the Embassy of India in Vietnam, marked a significant milestone in both my academic career and professional development. Beyond gaining advanced knowledge in my field, it was a transformative experience of cultural discovery, global networking, and self-reflection in a completely new academic environment.

From the very beginning, the program made a strong impression with its integrated approach, combining theoretical frameworks and practical applications in areas such as land management and excise taxation. The lectures were not only classroom sessions, but also dynamic, in-depth discussions with experts, where I could learn and exchange insights from the Vietnamese context. Particularly valuable were the field visits, which provided first-hand exposure to how theories are translated into practice in India’s public management system.

Significance of the Program and its relevance to Vietnam

This training program did more than just enhance my expertise - it broadened my perspective on advanced public management models, especially in land administration, taxation, and public finance. The knowledge and practical experience gained can be applied to reforming and modernizing Vietnam’s public administration system, contributing to sustainable development in these areas.

Through site visits and international exchanges, I was introduced to effective solutions currently implemented in other countries. These lessons will serve as important foundations for enriching my teaching content and contributing to policy reform efforts in Vietnam, particularly in building a more transparent and efficient public management system.

Impressive Field Visits

One of the highlights of the program was the series of field visits to various public administration agencies in India. A visit to the Digital Land Records Centre in Dehradun left a lasting impression on me with its modern and efficient land management model. The working environment was equipped with cutting-edge technology, enabling a fully digitized system of document storage and retrieval, supported by well-structured workflows - offering a clear example of transparent and reliable governance. I was particularly impressed by how information technology was integrated into cadastral management processes, reducing errors and accelerating administrative procedures. The staff at the center were not only highly competent but also very enthusiastic in sharing their experiences and addressing all our queries about procedures, technologies, and implementation challenges.

Another noteworthy visit was to the Department of Land Resources under India’s Ministry of Rural Development. This offered valuable insights into the government's role in formulating and coordinating national land management policies. I was especially impressed by their commitment to land record reform and their support to individual states through dedicated financial and technical assistance packages. The presentations delivered by senior officials not only provided critical information but also inspired with their vision of a dynamic, citizen-oriented governance model.

A particularly memorable experience was visiting the National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes and Narcotics in Faridabad. We were introduced to simulation labs for goods inspection, practical training zones, and real-world processes in excise tax management. The case studies shared by instructors - ranging from tax fraud investigations to enforcement strategies and tax system reforms - highlighted the complexity and urgency of modernizing public financial management systems.

Cultural Experience and International Exchange

Beyond the academic and professional aspects, the program also offered profound opportunities to experience Indian culture and connect with its people. One unforgettable moment was participating in the Holi Festival - a vivid and joyous event where people of all backgrounds, regardless of nationality, religion, or profession, danced, threw colors, and celebrated together. That atmosphere erased all barriers, making me feel like a true part of an international community united by shared learning and growth.

International exchange sessions were another invaluable aspect of the journey. I had the opportunity to meet colleagues from across the globe - from Africa to Southeast Asia - and hear their stories about land management, taxation, and sustainable development in their home countries. These conversations expanded my worldview, making me realize that while each country faces unique challenges, there are also creative solutions that can be adapted to Vietnam’s context.

Our excursion to Mussoorie - known as the “roof of Northern India” - offered a deeper appreciation of the local ecosystem and culture. The stunning natural scenery and fresh air provided the perfect setting to reflect on both professional and cultural lessons learned. This visit also encouraged me to consider how principles of resource management and sustainable development can be applied in my own work back in Vietnam.

Additionally, the visit to the Taj Mahal - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - allowed me to better understand the intersection of history, architecture, and human values in heritage preservation policies. This experience reinforced the importance of maintaining cultural and social dimensions in development processes.

As this journey concluded, I realized that I brought home not only new knowledge, but also invaluable experiences and a broadened perspective. The program’s diversity in content, thoughtful organization, and inclusive atmosphere created a comprehensive and inspiring training environment. My time in India not only helped me grow professionally, but also reaffirmed my belief that innovation and sustainable development are within reach - so long as we remain committed to learning, collaboration, and action for the common good.

VNU University of Economics and Business has always prioritized creating optimal conditions for faculty to engage in international academic environments, thereby enhancing their expertise and gaining real-world experience. Through global training programs such as this, the university aims to strengthen the academic capacities of its lecturers and cultivate strategic vision by fostering a deeper understanding of international practices, ultimately shaping a more multidimensional approach to teaching and research.