As part of the "Cross-Culture in International Business" course under the i-Hons Advanced Program (in partnership with the University of Queensland, Australia) in the field of International Business and Business Data Analytics, students participated in a three-session co-teaching series with Mr. Christopher Morley – Trade and Investment Counsellor, Australian Embassy in Vietnam.

The sessions were co-facilitated by Dr. Hoang Anh Duy – Head of Department  of Business Practice, Vietnam-Japan Institute for Human Resources Development (VJCC), and the course lecturer. Ms. Hien Le – Business Development Director, Australian Embassy – also participated.

The co-teaching series covered three core topics: Intercultural Communication, Intercultural Negotiation, and Leadership in Multicultural Contexts. In each session, Mr. Christopher Morley shared valuable knowledge and insights based on his extensive professional experience.

In the first session, students explored key cultural traits of Australia, the U.S., China, and Vietnam and analyzed the influence of cultural differences on global communication and business practices. Drawing from real multinational scenarios, Mr. Morley emphasized the importance of respect, humility, and empathy in intercultural communication.

In the second session, the topic expanded to strategies for intercultural negotiation in diverse international settings. Mr. Morley introduced common negotiation styles by country and guided students through real-life cases in retail and service industries. Principles like reciprocity, scarcity, power, and bonding were demonstrated through simulations, offering students a dynamic and practical learning experience.

The third and final session focused on leadership in multicultural contexts. It analyzed popular leadership models (transformational, delegative, servant leadership, etc.) and how they operate across different cultural frameworks. Drawing on the GLOBE study and East-West cultural comparisons, students gained deeper insight into how cultural values shape leadership styles and how leadership is evolving in Vietnam in the era of globalization and Gen Z.

The closing session was attended by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Thu Huong – Vice President of FTU; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cao Dinh Kien – Directorof International Affairs; Dr. Nguyen Thi Viet Hoa – Vice Deanof the Schoolof Economics and InternationalBusiness, managing unit of the i-Hons program; Dr. Cao Thi Hong Vinh and members of the i-Hons Implementation Board.

Speaking at the event, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Thu Huong expressed appreciation for Mr. Chris Morley’s contributions and the Australian Embassy’s support for the i-Hons program, and presented a commemorative gift from FTU.

This co-teaching initiative not only stimulated critical thinking, observation, and situational problem-solving but also enabled i-Hons students to develop cultural adaptability and confidence in global environments. Theoretical content was brought to life through real-world case studies and expert insights, enriching students' global perspectives. This reflects FTU’s strategic direction of integrating international practical elements into training programs to enhance student competitiveness in a globalized world.