Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - Lack of capital and appropriate training werehindering the developing of start-up innovations among students at vocationaltraining facilities, heard a workshop held in Hanoi on October 17.

Addressing the workshop on building and developing innovative start-up modelsin vocational education institutions, Pham Xuan Khanh, rector of the Hanoi HighTechnology College, said although contests to seek initiatives ontechno-entrepreneurship were held annually, they still failed to meetexpectations.

He blamed a lack of capital and business experience as well as advice fromexperts for the issue.

In his opinion, start-up activities at vocational training facilities should beimproved by enhancing autonomy and setting up a strong link with businesses.

Nguyen Gia Ngoc from Construction Technical College No 1 agreed.

“Vocational training facilities should change their teaching methods and focuson appropriate subjects and skill-sets,” he said.

“Training for start-ups must embrace creativity and embed a desire to implementideas and take risks.”

Nguyen Quoc Huy, rector of Bac Ninh College of Electronics and Construction,said despite the fact a start-up club had been set up, the college still faceddifficulties due to a lack of guidance.

He proposed setting up a curriculum for start-up development.

While agreeing with the need to strengthen innovation among students, he said,students should be conducting their own research rather than learning by rote.

Raising capital and managing money played an important role in this area, so aspecial financial mechanism relating to start-ups should be offered tocolleges, Huy said.

Do Nang Khanh, Deputy Director-General of the Directorate of VocationalEducation and Training, said the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and SocialAffairs had put forward a plan for start-up support for students until 2025.

Under the plan, information relating to start-up projects and connections withenterprises and investors would be strengthened.

The plan would focus on creating favourable condition for start-ups as well astraining in this field at vocational training facilities

The workshop was part of 2019 Techfest in Hanoi and aimed to boost the vibrantentrepreneurial ecosystem in Vietnam.

The festival attracted the participation of thousands of students, investors,corporations and start-up support organisations.

Training sessions on presentations and how to attract investment for start-upbusinesses were organised during the festival.

An exhibition also took place to showcase new products created by successfulstart-ups.

According to Tran Van Tung, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, theevent served as a forum for experts in technology and start-up innovations toshare experiences and initiatives.

“The festival creates a platform connecting the start-up ecosystem in theregion and reaches out to the start-up community across the country,” he said.

National start-up festival Techfest Vietnam is scheduled to be held in Ha Longcity, Quang Ninh province from November 22-24./.