‘Expectations vs. Practicalities’: Key Issues of EMI Policy and Pedagogical Implementation in Higher Education in Vietnam, with Reference from Brunei Darussalam

Abstract

Focusing on the continuous efforts of implementing English as Medium of Instruction (EMI) in education policy amid internationalisation of higher education institutions (HEIs) in Vietnam, Noorashid provides a commentary that reviews major key issues involving significant stakeholders in HEIs across Vietnam, namely: senior managers, educators, and students. Although Vietnam has clear aspirations to improve the national economy and its education quality, there are still a number of mismatches between theoretical expectations of EMI and the actual enactment in pedagogy that need to be addressed immediately. Noorashid further compares the EMI policy, practices, and pedagogical issues raised in Vietnam with HEIs in Brunei Darussalam—where EMI is also experiencing substantial shifts in its education system. While the comparative analysis between EMI in Vietnam and Brunei has shown some similar and contrasting features, Noorashid further raises the possibility of more collaborative efforts in addressing EMI issues in both countries.