On 9 October 2026, Thai Nguyen University of Education hosted the 5th International Conference on Teacher Education Reform (ICTER 2026), under the theme “Teacher Education in the Era of Globalization, Internationalization and Digital Transformation.” The conference was held in a hybrid format, combining in-person and online participation, as part of the series of events celebrating the University’s 60th Traditional Day (31 October 1966 – 31 October 2026).
The conference brought together scientists, experts, education administrators, and presenters from Vietnam and abroad, as well as the University’s leaders, the Organizing Committee, and a large number of lecturers, doctoral candidates, postgraduate students, and undergraduates. Participants included professors and experts from the University of the Sunshine Coast (Australia), Khon Kaen University (Thailand), National Taiwan Normal University, Feng Chia University (Taiwan, China), and Vietnamese educational and research institutions.
ICTER 2026 served as a forum for discussing new research, policies, and international experience in teacher education, with a focus on educational technology, artificial intelligence, sustainable development, internationalization, and educational issues in ethnic minority areas. The conference also encouraged lecturers and learners to engage in academic networks, share their work, and publish research findings.
The Organizing Committee and conference delegates pose for a commemorative photo
In his opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mai Xuan Truong, Secretary of the Party Committee and Rector of Thai Nguyen University of Education, warmly welcomed and thanked the delegates, experts, and scientists for attending the conference. He emphasized the significance of ICTER 2026 in promoting academic exchange, strengthening cooperation, and responding to new requirements in teacher education.
In the year marking the 60th anniversary of its Traditional Day, the conference also provided an opportunity for the University to reaffirm its mission of educating and training high-quality human resources for the education sector; linking scientific research with educational practice, particularly in the northern midlands and mountainous areas; and expanding cooperation and international integration.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mai Xuan Truong, Secretary of the Party Committee and Rector of the University, delivers the opening remarks and presents flowers to the speakers
Next, Dr. On Thi My Linh, Head of the Office of Science, Technology and International Cooperation, delivered the introductory report, outlining the academic orientation and key themes of ICTER 2026 as a basis for discussions at the plenary session and specialist subcommittees.
Dr. On Thi My Linh, Head of the Office of Science, Technology and International Cooperation, delivers the introductory report at the conference.
The plenary session featured four keynote presentations addressing changes in education and the need to reform teacher education in the current context.
Prof. Tony Richardson of the University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia, presented “The Changing Educational Landscape.”
Prof. Tony Richardson delivers his presentation at the plenary session.
Prof. Chun-Yen Chang of National Taiwan Normal University joined online and presented “STEM Education in the AI Era.”
Prof. Chun-Yen Chang delivers his online presentation on STEM education in the era of artificial intelligence.
Prof. Pham Hong Quang, Chair of the State Council of Professors in Educational Sciences, presented “Green Education for Sustainable Development: The Responsibility of Universities.”
Prof. Pham Hong Quang presents on green education and the responsibility of universities for sustainable development.
Assoc. Prof. Chokchai Yuenyong of Khon Kaen University, Thailand, presented “Preparing Teachers for AI-Human Collaboration in STEM Education: Pedagogy, Professional Learning and Local Contexts.”
Assoc. Prof. Chokchai Yuenyong presents on preparing teachers for AI–human collaboration in STEM education.
The keynote presentations raised important issues for teacher education: adapting to changes in the educational landscape, applying artificial intelligence in teaching and learning, advancing STEM education, and fulfilling higher education institutions’ responsibilities for sustainable development.
In the afternoon, the programme continued with presentations and discussions across five academic subcommittees:
Subcommittee 1: STEM Education and Mathematics Education.
Subcommittee 2: Language Education and Humanities Education in the Context of AI.
Subcommittee 3: Digital Education and Digital Competence Development.
Subcommittee 4: Early Childhood and Primary Education in the Context of Cultural Diversity and Digital Transformation.
Subcommittee 5: Global Citizenship Education and Teacher Competence Development for Sustainable Development.
In the subcommittees, presenters and delegates shared research findings, exchanged experience, and discussed issues arising in educational practice and teacher education. These specialist sessions provided opportunities for researchers, lecturers, and learners to connect and explore approaches suited to educational contexts and local development needs.
Subcommittee 1: STEM Education and Mathematics Education.
Subcommittee 2: Language Education and Humanities Education in the Context of AI.
Subcommittee 3: Digital Education and Digital Competence Development.
Subcommittee 4: Early Childhood and Primary Education in the Context of Cultural Diversity and Digital Transformation.
Subcommittee 5: Global Citizenship Education and Teacher Competence Development for Sustainable Development.
Assoc. Prof. Pham Van Thuan, Vice President of the National Academy of Education Management, asks a question of a presenter.
Prof. Nguyen Danh Nam, Head of the Training Board at Thai Nguyen University, shares his views at the conference.
Insights from Tami Harriot, an expert from the University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia
Prof. Pham Hong Quang shares his views at the conference.
Delegates and scientists discuss and exchange views at the conference.
According to the programme, following the specialist presentation sessions, the Organizing Committee presented certificates to the speakers and delivered the conference’s closing remarks.
The Organizing Committee presents certificates to speakers participating in ICTER 2026.
Assoc. Prof. Tu Quang Tan, Standing Member of the Party Committee and Vice Rector, delivers the conference summary.
By addressing emerging educational needs, ICTER 2026 helped promote academic exchange and expand opportunities for research cooperation in teacher education. The conference also enabled lecturers and learners to engage with research findings, international experience, and research directions relevant to educational practice in Vietnam, including the northern midlands and mountainous areas.
Held in the year marking the 60th anniversary of its Traditional Day, ICTER 2026 reflects Thai Nguyen University of Education’s commitment to connecting scientific research with educational reform, digital transformation, and international cooperation, with a view to developing a teaching workforce that is adaptable, creative, and responsive to the needs of education in a new era.