FPT UNIVERSITY’s Sustainable Development Policy

Chapter II-  Article 13

Policy on identifying and engaging with local stakeholders

Rev.: 01 | Effective date 2019 | Approved by: University Council/President

10-QT/ĐH/HDCV/FE

Article 1. Purpose

This policy establishes a written framework, principles and procedures for FPT University to systematically identify local stakeholders outside the institution and to proactively engage with them, in order to strengthen community ties, enhance teaching and research, and contribute to regional development.

Article 2. Scope and applicability

This policy applies to all units, faculties, departments and individuals (staff, faculty, students) of FPT University across all campuses when carrying out activities that interact or cooperate with local stakeholders.

Article 3. Definitions

• “Local stakeholders” are individuals or organisations in the region (outside the University) with an interest in the University’s activities, including: local government (ward/commune, district, province/city), residents and communities around the University’s campuses, civil society organisations and community groups (including groups supporting vulnerable people, refugees/migrants where present), schools, businesses, professional associations, non-profit organisations and alumni.
• “Engagement” refers to dialogue, consultation, joint project implementation, resource sharing and partnership for mutual benefit.

Article 4. Engagement principles

• Transparency, consistency and balanced mutual benefit.
• Respect, cultural sensitivity and non-discrimination.
• Alignment with the University’s mission, vision and strategic goals.
• Accountability and responsiveness to stakeholder feedback.
• Compliance with the law of Vietnam and the University’s applicable regulations.

Article 5. Stakeholder identification procedure

• Units conduct a stakeholder analysis: compile a list by sector and assess each stakeholder’s influence on and interest in the University’s activities.
• Perform stakeholder mapping periodically through workshops, using an “influence–interest” matrix.
• Prioritise stakeholders; focus engagement resources on high-influence, high-interest groups.
• Create and maintain a Local Stakeholder Register (focal points, sectors, contact channels) as the basis for tracking and reporting.
• Update the stakeholder map and register at least annually to reflect changes.

Article 6. Engagement mechanisms

• Build relationships with local government through cooperation agreements and community development projects.
• Partner with community, civil society and non-profit organisations via joint events, volunteering and resource sharing.
• Involve stakeholders in decision-making through advisory boards, public forums and consultation sessions (detailed in the separate policy on stakeholder participation in decision-making
• Encourage faculty and students to engage with stakeholders via service-learning, internships and collaborative research.

Article 7. Communication, publication and dialogue channels

The University maintains two-way communication with stakeholders: regular updates, feedback mechanisms and open dialogue channels. Each engagement activity is assigned a responsible focal point.

• This policy is published on the University’s official website so that stakeholders can access it.
• The stakeholder register and the annual engagement report are disclosed at an appropriate level in line with disclosure and data-protection rules.

Article 8. Implementation and responsibilities

• Establish a Stakeholder Engagement Committee comprising representatives of relevant units, with possible external members.
• Assign a coordinating office (e.g. Corporate Relations / Partnerships & Development) for overall coordination and monitoring.
• Faculties and departments are responsible for implementing and periodically reporting on engagement activities within their remit.

Article 9. Training and capacity building

The University provides training for staff, faculty and students on stakeholder engagement skills: communication

Article 10. Monitoring, evaluation and improvement

• Apply evaluation indicators: number of partners, number of engagement activities, stakeholder satisfaction and community impact.
• Conduct periodic surveys/feedback sessions; use the data to refine engagement strategies.
• Review and update the policy on a 2–3 year cycle or when significant changes occur.

Article 11. Effect

This policy takes effect from its date of signing. Amendments are decided by the approving authority upon proposal from the coordinating office.