Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hai Inspires STEAM Education: “Creativity Is the Ultimate Goal of Modern Education”
“In the digital era, as human knowledge expands and evolves every day, STEAM education is no longer an unfamiliar concept but has become an essential bridge guiding the younger generation toward innovation and creativity.” This was the key message shared by Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hai, Director of the STEAM Institute at Ho Chi Minh City University of Management and Technology (UMT), with nearly 1,000 students of Le Quy Don High School for the Gifted (Ho Chi Minh City).
What Is STEAM and Why Is It Important in the Age of AI?
STEAM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) is no longer an unfamiliar concept; it has become a vital bridge that enables younger generations to embrace innovation and creativity.
STEAM is not merely a collection of separate subjects, but rather an integration and convergence of disciplines, where knowledge is interconnected to create a more comprehensive approach through:
Eliminating fragmentation: Instead of studying subjects in isolation, STEAM encourages interdisciplinary connections. For example, the combination of Biology and Mathematics has given rise to Bioinformatics, while Information Technology is increasingly applied in environmental protection.
The role of Arts (A): The “A” in STEAM represents not only the arts, but also social sciences, humanities, philosophy, and history, helping to balance and enrich technical and technological elements.
The Difference Between Traditional Education and STEAM
At the beginning of the workshop, Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hai clarified the concept of STEAM education through his 14 years of experience working in the United States. According to him, the greatest difference between traditional education and STEAM lies in the shift from “Hands-on” learning to “Minds-on” learning, which emphasizes creative thinking.
This approach highlights real-world problem-solving abilities, where students are encouraged not only to complete exercises on paper but also to observe life, ask questions, and apply their knowledge to address issues around them.
“If learning only means repeating what already exists, then we merely become mobile books copying others. Creativity is the mission and the ultimate goal of education,” Dr. Hai shared.
The AI Era and the Explosion of Human Knowledge
According to Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hai, the pace of human knowledge development is accelerating at an unprecedented rate:
In the past, it took nearly 1,900 years for human knowledge to double.
By the end of the 20th century, this period had shortened to just 25 years.
Today, with the support of AI (Artificial Intelligence), human knowledge can double within just a few weeks or even a matter of days.
Dr. Hai also introduced various future technologies, including ultra-precise robots, brain-implant chips that allow computers to be controlled by thought, and spray vaccines. These advancements require younger generations to develop interdisciplinary thinking and strong adaptability in order to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
How Students Can Choose a Major in the STEAM Field
Addressing students’ concerns about choosing a major, Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hai highlighted four important factors to consider:
Passion and interest: Decisions should be based on real experiences, understanding, and practical interaction.
Market demand: Students should explore actual employment opportunities and industry needs.
Educational institution: Choosing the right learning environment is essential for personal growth and development.
Value of the profession: Students should consider both the income potential and the social contributions of the career.
Dr. Hai also shared the attractive salary levels of STEAM teachers in the United States — starting at approximately USD 68,000 per year and reaching over USD 81,000 per year after 10 years — to emphasize the significance of inspiring future generations in this field.
Essential Skills That AI Cannot Replace
In the face of the rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies such as ChatGPT, Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hai emphasized that while AI can process calculations faster than humans, it cannot replace uniquely human strengths, including:
The ability to ask questions and think critically: Humans surpass AI because AI can only provide answers, whereas humans are capable of asking meaningful questions and exploring the deeper nature of problems.
Ethics and reasoning: Humans possess the ability to analyze situations based on ethical values and moral judgment — an area where machines still fall short.
Imagination and creativity: Imagination remains a defining characteristic of human intelligence, and students are encouraged to nurture it through reading, observation, and engagement with the world around them.
Don’t Be Afraid of Failure — And Never Stop Reading
Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hai offered an inspiring reinterpretation of the word FAIL as “First Attempt In Learning,” encouraging students to view failure as a natural and essential part of growth and learning.
He also advised students to never give up reading books. While AI may be capable of generating text, the imagination and independent creativity cultivated through reading remain uniquely human qualities that machines can never truly possess.
A Message to the Younger Generation in the Age of Technology
At the conclusion of the workshop, the most important message that Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hai shared was: “Luck only comes to those who are prepared. Start preparing today by continuously learning, nurturing your curiosity, and constantly exploring new things. Never be satisfied with where you are.”
He encouraged students of Le Quy Don High School for the Gifted to always maintain their curiosity, actively participate in science and technology competitions, and commit to lifelong learning so that they can master technology rather than become dependent on it.
In the context of the rapid advancement of AI, STEAM education not only equips students with strong academic knowledge but also fosters creative thinking and adaptability. UMT believes that this will serve as a vital foundation for the younger generation to master technology and create meaningful value in the future.
