A delegation from the State Bank of Vietnam visited the Bundesbank’s University of Applied Sciences in Hachenburg on 14 April 2023. The meeting was organised by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the Bundesbank’s Centre for International Central Bank Dialogue (CiC). The visit centred on the educational and methodological design of the “Central banking” dual study programme and how digitalisation and sustainability are being integrated into the course.

After the guests had arrived at Hachenburg Castle and been shown around by Rector Erich Keller, the members of the delegation were welcomed by Burkhard Balz, the Executive Board member responsible for the university. Mr Keller then talked them through the study programme and the mix of theoretical and practical modules. The members of the delegation were very interested in the dual programme, as it allows students to apply their newly acquired theoretical knowledge in practical situations. Equally, the experience students gain during the vocational “on the job” phases provides a valuable basis for discussion in their lectures. We have been using the dual study design since the university was founded, and it has proven a success. Students also have the opportunity to get to know the different areas of the Bundesbank, alongside their academic studies, Mr Keller said. This makes it easier for them to apply for the Bundesbank positions they find interesting once they finish the programme.

© Nguyen Thanh Hai

Next, the professors responsible for the topic of digitalisation – Giselher Pankratz, Matthias Goeken and Norbert Frick – explained the educational and methodological integration of this issue into teaching. They clarified that all students have the option of choosing a module specifically designed around digital transformation during their studies.

Sustainability aspects likewise play a major role in the programme, as Hachenburg professor Oliver Kruse explained. He outlined the two perspectives considered: first, how the Bundesbank as an organisation can make itself more sustainable and, second, how the Bundesbank can contribute to a more sustainable financial system through its tasks, such as monetary policy or banking supervision. As sustainability in the financial sector is understood to encompass environmental and social aspects as well as good governance, the topic of sustainability is addressed in many different teaching sessions and in the practical modules. 

© Nguyen Thanh Hai

It quickly became clear during the meeting that the dialogue should be continued. Thus, a specific agreement was made for the Bundesbank to support the State Bank of Vietnam in expanding its dual study programme in the future. I was very pleased to see the Vietnamese delegation’s interest in our dual study programme. It goes without saying that our university, too, will gladly provide both advice and assistance in the service of cooperation between central banks, Mr Balz commented.