In the context of Circular 16/2026/TT-BGDĐT regulating career guidance and streaming in education that has just been issued, the UK-Vietnam Certified Accounting Association (ACCA Vietnam) initiated an initiative to connect stakeholders and gradually realize the orientations of the Circular through the series of seminars "Future Pathways: Career Program for Youth" in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
On April 18, 2026, the workshop was held in Hanoi, organized by ACCA in coordination with the National Economics University, gathering representatives from management agencies and educational institutions to discuss practical approaches in implementing career guidance content according to new regulations.
Speaking at the opening of the event, Mr. Ren Varma - ACCA Regional Director for Southeast Asia - affirmed: "ACCA's mission is to expand professional learning opportunities and career opportunities for everyone, regardless of the starting point. ACCA believes that career orientation is not only for students or workers, but needs to start early, right in high school and needs to be led by a team of teachers.
From the perspective of training institutions, Dr. Vu Van Ngoc - Director of the Institute for TT, CLC and POHE Training (National Economics University) said that currently universities are taking on the majority of the role of equipping students with skills and career orientation. However, if these contents are implemented early from high school, the preparation process for learners will be more effective and systematic.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Nguyen Thu Ha - representative of the Department of General Education (Ministry of Education and Training) said that Circular 16/2026/TT-BGDĐT is a very clear step forward to improve the quality of career orientation education in schools.
“Previously, we often only thought about career orientation after students finished high school. And career orientation is also mentioned in a general way, without specifying how to implement, how to coordinate between general education institutions and businesses and higher education institutions to improve the quality of career orientation activities,” Ms. Nguyen Thu Ha said.
According to Ms. Nguyen Thu Ha, the subjects of application in Circular 16 include from primary school, secondary school to high school. At the same time, the Circular also emphasizes the coordination between general education institutions and higher education institutions, vocational education, organizations and businesses in implementing this activity. The principle is that career guidance work needs to focus on systemicity, continuity, enhance practical experience; integrate into the general education program; ensure students' right to choose; and coordination between schools, families, and businesses.
Regarding the vocational guidance mechanism, it orients students to different learning paths. The vocational guidance measures include: A model of both learning culture and experiencing a profession; Organizing vocational education days at schools; Guiding the development of a continuous and flexible learning roadmap between training levels.
Ms. Khuat Thi Lien Huong, Director of Training at ACCA Southeast Asia Continental, ACCA representative, shared at the workshop: "We are very pleased that this initiative has received attention and companionship from stakeholders in the education ecosystem. According to the orientation of Circular 16/2026/TT-BGDĐT, strengthening coordination between schools, higher education institutions, businesses and organizations is a key factor in effectively implementing career guidance and streaming activities.
Ms. Huong said that in the future, ACCA expects to continue to play a positive role in connecting university, high school and business partners, opening up opportunities for high school students to access information and professional knowledge early, especially in the fields of finance and business.
