In the context of globalization and the digital economy continuously reshaping the labor market, preparing students with international integration competencies is no longer optional but has become an essential requirement of modern higher education. Beyond academic knowledge, today’s young generation also needs an open mindset, multicultural adaptability, global communication skills, and a lifelong learning spirit to thrive in international environments. With the aim of creating an inspiring academic event that connects knowledge, real-world experience, and students’ personal development journeys, on April 22, 2026, INSPiRE Library of Ton Duc Thang University organized the speaker exchange program themed “Go Global – Live, Work & Shine Globally” at Hall 10F, attracting more than 200 student participants.
The program content was inspired by the book “Go Global: A Guide to Living, Working & Shining Globally” by Nguyen Phi Van. The book offers a systematic perspective on young people’s journeys toward international integration, from building inner capabilities and developing a global citizen mindset to adapting and working effectively in multicultural environments. Opening the program, students watched a book introduction video produced by INSPiRE Library and the Book Club, helping participants better understand the book’s content as well as the background of Nguyen Phi Van — one of the “Sharks” featured in Shark Tank Vietnam in 2024 and an advisor for Project 844 on developing Vietnam’s startup ecosystem.
The program featured distinguished speakers including Dr. Nguyen Tuan Quynh – Chairman of the Board of Saigon Books, a businessman with extensive experience in corporate management and young entrepreneur ecosystem development; Mr. Ngo Quoc Hung – Recruitment Director at HDBank; and Mr. Cat Nghiem Hieu Tuan, M.A. – Technology Specialist at FPT Software and an alumnus of Ton Duc Thang University. Drawing from practical experiences in business, finance, technology, and international working environments, the speakers provided students with multidimensional, realistic, and inspiring perspectives on the “Go Global” journey.
During the panel discussion, the speakers exchanged ideas on many practical topics relevant to students, including global citizenship mindset, adaptability in multicultural environments, international working skills, innovation spirit, and lifelong learning orientation. Real stories from corporate environments helped students better understand that “Go Global” is not simply about studying or working abroad, but fundamentally about expanding one’s mindset, understanding oneself and the world, and being ready to grow within broader environments.
The speakers also shared practical insights into the competencies employers increasingly expect from young professionals today, such as communication skills, learning agility, adaptability, multicultural collaboration, and the ability to work alongside emerging technologies. In particular, the concept of “Speak Human” — communication grounded in humanity, emotional intelligence, and genuine human connection — became one of the topics that attracted significant interest from students in the era of rapidly advancing AI and technology.
The atmosphere became even more engaging during the direct interaction session between students and speakers. Many practical questions were raised regarding how to build a “Go Global” pathway from the early years of university, essential interview skills, career opportunities in the AI era, networking abilities, and strategies for Vietnamese students to build competitive advantages in the global environment. The honest, relatable, and practical sharing from the speakers not only provided students with deeper insights into the international labor market but also inspired them to step beyond their comfort zones, actively learn, and continuously develop themselves.
Through the speaker exchange program “Go Global – Live, Work & Shine Globally,” INSPiRE Library continued accompanying students in developing comprehensive competencies aligned with the University’s liberal education philosophy. Beyond providing learning resources, INSPiRE Library continues promoting academic activities, thematic exchange programs, and reading promotion initiatives to equip students with essential 21st-century citizen skills such as global thinking, communication abilities, multicultural adaptability, innovative spirit, self-learning capacity, and lifelong learning orientation. This also reflects the Library’s ongoing efforts to contribute to building a modern educational environment where students are not only exposed to knowledge but are also inspired to confidently integrate and thrive in international contexts.
