British University Vietnam, NIC join hands to boost Vietnam gaming industry

British University Vietnam and the National Innovation Center exchange an MoU for a strategic partnership on Oct 31. Photo courtesy of BUV

Professor Rick Bennett, BUV ’s deputy vice chancellor and vice president, along with students and faculty members from the computer games design and programming program, attended the Vietnam Game Maker Conference, an integral part of the Vietnam International Innovation Expo 2023 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, the National Innovation Center, and the Game For Good Foundation.

One of the most significant events in the gaming sector, it brought together professionals, enthusiasts, industry stakeholders, and BUV students; attracting the attendance of over 1,000 participants.

At the event BUV and the NIC exchanged a memorandum of understanding for a strategic partnership to take the gaming industry in Vietnam to new heights.

The MoU primarily focuses on facilitating the exchange of knowledge and learning, developing a collaboration in various areas of innovation and research and deepening BUV’s participation in the NIC gaming and innovation ecosystem.

BUV also announced the formation of BUV GamePad. It’s the Innovation, Investment, and Entrepreneurship Center for Computer Games Programming, Art and Design.

The center is expected 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.

BUV deputy vice chancellor and vice president, Professor Rick Bennett, speaks at the event. Photo courtesy of BUV

The gaming sector, one of the most dynamic and financially rewarding in the digital economy, has a strategic position in Vietnam's vision for the future. But its development is hindered by a shortage of skilled workers.

According to the Vietnam Game Developers Association, only about 30% 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.

Therefore, BUV's participation in the Vietnam GameMaker Conference and strategic partnership with the NIC underscore its commitment to innovation and 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 is dedicated to nurturing and showcasing the untapped talent in the country.

Since 2018 the computer games design and programming course, awarded by Staffordshire University (U.K.), has been offered at BUV with a curriculum and teaching quality to match.

The program has emerged as a premier destination for young enthusiasts, educating them into highly employable graduates for leading employers.

Later in November, the university will launch its second game-related degree program, one focusing specifically on games art.

Professor Rick Bennett, along with faculty members and students from the School of Computing and Innovative Technologies and BUV's partner at the Vietnam GameMaker Conference 2023. Photo courtesy of BUV

Entering into partnerships and involvement with contemporary industry are 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 that are kind 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 well-being of other people, respect their environment and be socially and culturally inclusive.

Founded in 2009, British University Vietnam offers various undergraduate programs across four schools: the School of Business, the School of Tourism and Hospitality, the School of Computing and Innovative Technologies, and the School of Creative Industries.

Students will study under a globally accredited curriculum delivered by a roster of 100% internationally qualified faculty, and receive direct degrees from high-quality British universities.

It was one of the first universities in Vietnam to attain a QS 5-star overall rating and is the first university in Southeast Asia to be granted university-wide accreditation from the Quality Assurance Agency of the U.K.