About the story of being conferred the title of Honorary Professor, Prof. Damien Roche shared his experiences with Thua Thien Hue Online about his time working at Hue College of Economics, Hue University.

Prof. Damien Roche shared his teaching and working process in Hue with Thua Thien Hue Online correspondent

What do you think when Hue University conferred the title of Honorary Professor to you on the occasion of Vietnamese teacher’s day?

Dublin University of Technology, Ireland has cooperated with Hue College of Economics, Hue University for the past 5 years in training, doing research and academic exchange activities and, in general, the cooperation was very successful and I feel very proud of it. I myself am working in Vietnam.

At this time, when I was awarded the title of Honorary Professor, I felt very honored, considering it the recognition of the efforts in collaborating over the years, and I myself need to contribute more to the development of this cooperation between the two universities in the coming time. Actually, this is a meaningful gift and also a motivation for me in the attempt on developing education for students.

Prof. Damien Roche has a great dedication to promoting the cooperation between Dublin University of Technology, Ireland and Hue College of Economics, Hue University. Since 2014, Prof. Damien Roche has cooperated with Hue College of Economics to launch a Joint Degree Program between Hue College of Economics, Hue University and Dublin University of Technology (Tallaght program).

From 2014 - 2019, Prof. Damien Roche was directly in charge of developing and managing the Joint Degree Program between Hue College of Economics and the Institute of Technology Tallaght. He was also the person who directly developed and managed the project "Supporting training activities for the Joint degree Program between Hue College of Economics, Hue University and the Institute of Technology Tallaght" sponsored by the Irish Aid – Irish Embassy in Vietnam; actively supported delegations from Hue College of Economics, University of Hue to visit and work in Ireland as part of this program's activities.

From 2017 to 2019, Prof. Damien Roche, in collaboration with the Faculty of Business Administration, Hue College of Economics, has developed a project and submitted an application for funding from Irish Aid to support start-up activities at Hue College of Economics. At the same time, the Professor also attended and presided over international scientific seminars at Hue College of Economics, Hue University.

Why do you choose Hue University to cooperate and help students?

In fact, the Irish Government was impressed by the efforts of Hue University and Hue College of Economics. Dublin University of Technology, Ireland and Hue College of Economics, Hue University shared the same vision and mission to develop the future education.

The common ground was that both universities wanted to create the best conditions for the development of students. I found the similarities between the two schools in terms of goals, visions and mission in the future. I realized that the students in Hue were very hard-working and they have the will and determination to improve themselves, which was very important.

Throughout 5 years of cooperating with Hue University in terms of education, how do you feel about Vietnamese students?

I could realize the Vietnamese tradition of respecting teachers, and the bonding between teachers and students of Hue in particular and Vietnam in general. The students here are very docile, polite and they respect their professors and teachers. And, I am fortunate to feel their considerable respect, the special relationship between teachers and students.

What would you like to do more for Vietnamese students, especially Hue students?

After the first successful working phase, I am negotiating with Hue College of Economics to sign a new 4 or 5-year collaboration agreement with the hope of achieving more success.

Prof. Damien Roche (second left) talking with students from Hue College of Economics, Hue University

Currently, within the framework of the cooperation and teaching activities through the affiliate program, I would like to have more students from Hue College of Economics, Hue University coming to Ireland to continue studying for master and doctoral degrees.

At Hue College of Economics, Hue University, we also have training courses. In those courses, I want students to approach business based on technology, such as digital marketing. This is a global trend, which is especially thriving in Europe and spreading worldwide. Online business is increasingly becoming important so Hue students need to expand their knowledge, paying attention to the world's changes to keep up with these trends.

During the time working in Hue, what advantages and difficulties did you have?

I felt excited and satisfied when I came to Hue to work and teach. The staff, lecturers, students all supported me very well. Not mentioning the work, from traveling to the cuisine here, everything suited me well.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Huynh Van Chuong, Vice President of Hue University presenting the title of Honorary Professor to Prof. Damien Roche

Could you tell us your intention in the near future?

My development plan is to promote the exchange of lecturers between the two universities and sending more students abroad. The program framework will be developed based on online teaching so that Irish and Vietnamese lecturers can easily connect with one another.

In addition, I hope more Vietnamese lecturers would get their doctoral degrees in Ireland. Currently the level of science and technology in Ireland is very high, which can help teachers come back to Vietnam soon to make notable contribution.

Thank you for your sharing, Professor!

By Huu Phuc