To create opportunities for doctoral alumni, current candidates, and academic councils to exchange, share experiences, and learn from one another during the process of conducting doctoral dissertations, Ho Chi Minh City Open University organized a seminar on sharing experiences in dissertation implementation. The event also aimed to provide research orientations, methodologies, and essential skills to help candidates complete their dissertations in a scientific, effective, and timely manner. On the morning of July 26, 2025, at Hall 601, Vo Van Tan Campus, Ho Chi Minh City Open University held the seminar for doctoral candidates from the 2024 cohort and earlier. The program was attended by Prof. Dr. Nguyen Minh Ha – President of Ho Chi Minh City Open University, leaders of various units, faculty members, and more than 60 doctoral candidates.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Minh Ha – President of Ho Chi Minh City Open University – emphasized: “Carrying out a doctoral dissertation is a long journey that requires perseverance, seriousness, and independent research capacity. The University is always committed to accompanying and creating the most favorable conditions for doctoral candidates to complete their dissertations effectively, meeting academic standards and contributing practical value. I hope that after today’s seminar, each doctoral candidate will gain more motivation and a clearer direction to continue confidently on their research journey.”
Highlighting the role of technology in research, especially AI-based tools, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Ha – Dean of the Faculty of Finance and Banking – stated: “Today, the use of artificial intelligence tools in research has become increasingly common and inevitable. However, there have been many cases where dissertations were revoked due to AI overuse, violating research ethics and university regulations. AI should serve as a supportive tool that shortens research time and enhances efficiency, but it cannot completely replace the thinking and personal efforts of doctoral candidates. Therefore, I strongly recommend candidates to be cautious, and to use AI proactively, selectively, and transparently.”
In addition to the experience-sharing session from alumni, doctoral candidates actively raised questions and engaged directly with academic council members, thereby addressing specific challenges faced during their research process. Many practical issues were discussed, such as research progress management, the use of AI tools, plagiarism detection, and dissertation defense preparation. The lively discussions provided valuable information and guidance to the candidates.
The seminar left a positive impression, further motivating and empowering doctoral candidates in their journey to complete their dissertations. Through this activity, Ho Chi Minh City Open University reaffirmed its pioneering role in postgraduate education, its sustainable development orientation, and its commitment to accompanying learners, thereby contributing to enhancing the quality of doctoral training in the context of innovation and international integration in higher education.
