At the session with the School of Continuing and Lifelong Education (SCALE), Associate Professor Chai Kah Hin shared the role of lifelong learning in the context of rapid changes in technology, artificial intelligence, and the labour market. SCALE emphasised that higher education should not end with formal degree programmes, but should continue to accompany learners throughout their career development. The discussion at SCALE covered micro-credentials, stackable learning pathways, modular learning, online and blended learning, as well as upskilling and reskilling programmes for learners at different stages of their careers. This model demonstrates how NUS builds a lifelong learning ecosystem to support learners in adapting to changing technologies, professions, and social needs.
The programme concluded with a session on NUS Enterprise and NUS Overseas Colleges, presented by Associate Professor Ali Asgar. The session focused on how NUS connects education, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship through international experiential learning, internships with innovation-driven enterprises, start-up incubation, technology transfer, and the commercialisation of research outcomes. The NUS Enterprise model highlights the role of the university not only as a provider of talent, but also as a builder of an innovation ecosystem where research ideas can be developed, tested, and connected with the market.
The experiences shared by SCALE, NUS Enterprise, and NUS Overseas Colleges offered the VNUHCM delegation valuable insights into lifelong learning development, experiential learning, and stronger connections between universities, enterprises, the labour market, and the innovation ecosystem.