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With a newly initiated partnership between British University Vietnam (BUV) and the Vietnam National Innovation Centre (NIC), the University will now be deepening its involvement in the growth track of the gaming sector in Vietnam, including further developing a world-class teaching curriculum, advocating for groundbreaking innovations in gaming, and forming a hub of entrepreneurial incubation for young game developers in the nation. 

On October 31st, 2023, BUV’s Deputy Vice Chancellor and Vice President – Professor Rick Bennett, along with students and faculty members from the Computer Games Design and Programming programme attended the Vietnam Game Maker Conference, an integral part of the Vietnam International Innovation Expo 2023 event series; hosted by the Ministry of Planning and Investment and the Ministry of Information and Communications, in collaboration with the Authority of Broadcasting and Electronic Information, National Innovation Centre, and Game For Good Foundation. The conference is one of the most significant events in the gaming sector in Vietnam, bringing together professionals, enthusiasts, and industry stakeholders; attracting the attendance of over 1,000 participants. 

At the event, representatives from BUV and NIC exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of strategic partnership to elevate the gaming industry in Vietnam to new heights. Specifically, the MoU primarily homes in on facilitating the exchange of knowledge and learning, developing collaboration in various areas of innovation and research, as well as deepening BUV’s participation in the gaming and innovative ecosystem of NIC. 

Prof. Rick Bennett, Deputy Vice Chancellor and Vice President at BUV and representative from NIC exchanging a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of strategic partnership 

BUV also announced the formation of BUV GamePad – the Innovation, Investment, and Entrepreneurship Centre for Computer Games Programming, Art, and Design – at this conference. The centre is anticipated to become a hub of creativity, a talent magnet, and a launchpad for future gaming industry leaders by fostering a dynamic ecosystem that nurtures aspiring game developers, artists, and designers. 

The gaming sector, being one of the most dynamic and financially rewarding segments of the digital economy, holds a strategic position in Vietnam’s vision for the future. However, the development of the sector is hindered by the shortage of skilled workforce. According to the Vietnam Game Developers Association, only about 30 percent of the workforce meets the expectations of game development and publishing companies; indicating a need for a strong talent pipeline that can meet the evolving demands of the industry.   

Prof. Rick Bennett delivering his speech at the Vietnam Game Maker Conference

Therefore, BUV’s participation in the Vietnam GameMaker Conference and its strategic partnership with NIC underscores the University’s commitment to innovation, education, and its role in driving the growth of the gaming industry in Vietnam. BUV firmly believes that Vietnam has the potential to become a regional hub for game education and innovation, and the university is dedicated to nurturing and showcasing the untapped talent in the country.  

Since 2018, the Computer Games Design and Programming programme, awarded by Staffordshire University (UK), has been offered at BUV with an equivalent curriculum and teaching quality to the awarding body. The programme emerged as a premier destination for young enthusiasts, educating them into highly employable graduates for leading employers. Later in November this year, the University will launch its second game-related degree programme, focusing specifically on game art. 

Prof. Rick Bennett, along with students and faculty members from the Computer Games Design and Programming programme at the Vietnam Game Maker Conference

The engaging of partnership and involving with the contemporary industry sectors is part of the process of bringing BUV’s educational mission to life, which is to develop highly employable graduates, who are first and foremost good human beings with an ethic of kindness and caring. Graduates will also be cross-disciplinary in skills and language; innovative, imaginative, respectfully confident; and committed to continuous learning and development. BUV expects all its staff, students, and stakeholders to be courteous and care about the wellbeing of other people; to respect their environment; and be socially and culturally inclusive.