In an increasingly competitive and rapidly changing economic landscape, high-quality human resources are a decisive factor for the success and sustainable development of any organization. For the Co-operative Bank of Vietnam (Co-opBank), its staff is regarded as a valuable asset, one that must be continuously trained in both professional expertise and soft skills. Each employee is seen as a skilled crew member, working in unison to steer the Co-opBank ship toward broader horizons. Over the past 30 years, the bank’s efforts in training and human resource development have yielded notable results, contributing meaningfully to the overall achievements of the entire system.
In the early years following the establishment of the Central People’s Credit Fund (PCF)—now Co-opBank—during the period 1995–2012, training activities were still infrequent due to various resource constraints. Most training programs were conducted by departments and divisions at the Head Office, primarily based on job requirements.
In May 2012, the CCF officially established the Training and Professional development Center, marking a significant milestone in its human resource training efforts. The Center became the focal point for coordinating with educational institutions and training providers to develop and design training programs for the entire system.
During the 2013–2019 period, following its transformation into Co-opBank, the bank consistently partnered with reputable organizations to implement a wide range of training programs. These included professional training sessions for staffs at five newly established branches, as well as training on the implementation of the CoreBanking system and the CF-eBank electronic transfer platform. At the same time, Co-opBank collaborated with international partners to enhance institutional capacity through training components focused on credit appraisal, green credit, financial analysis, and environmental and social risk management. These activities, conducted under international ODA projects such as AFD and ADB, benefited thousands of Co-opBank staff members.
From 2020 to 2022, amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Co-opBank focused its training efforts on key priorities, including the development of personnel identified in the leadership succession planning at various units. The bank also shifted to online formats for a wide range of professional training courses, covering topics such as procurement, anti-money laundering, customer care and cybersecurity in the digital environment.
In 2024, as part of Co-opBank’s Restructuring Plan, the Training & Professional development Center was merged with the Human Resources Department to form the Human Resources & Training Department, demonstrating Co-opBank’s strong commitment to developing its workforce by aligning training closely with human resource management. Training activities were conducted in line with the core operational goal of “compliance control and risk prevention.” The Bank continued to strengthen its internal training programs, focusing on updates to legal regulations relevant to banking operations, as well as directives from the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) and Co-opBank itself, with nearly 14,000 employee attendances recorded. Training efforts also aligned with Co-opBank’s post-restructuring model, reviewing completed and pending training content, and equipping newly appointed, reassigned, or rotated staff with the knowledge and skills needed for their new roles.
In addition to in-house training programs, Co-opBank has consistently sent its staff to participate in short-term training courses organized by the SBV and the Vietnam Banks Association (VNBA), as well as domestic and international seminars held by partner organizations, providing valuable opportunities for networking and experience sharing.
Building on the achievements to date, Co-opBank’s training strategy in the coming period will prioritize several key areas. These include strengthening digital and IT skills across the organization, particularly in digital banking technologies. Staff will be equipped with essential knowledge and competencies in digital banking platforms, online payment systems, and cybersecurity. In parallel, training programs will focus on developing skills in data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI), enabling personnel to utilize advanced tools for predicting customer behavior, optimizing workflows, and creating innovative financial products.
Developing the E-learning System: Co-opBank will develop the online learning platform (E-learning) that allows staff to participate in training anytime, anywhere, helping to save training costs and time. Training progress will be continuously monitored and linked to personnel management as well as performance evaluations and reward systems.
Strengthening training and employee development based on job requirements: Specialized training by department: Professional courses for staff in the credit, accounting, and risk management departments… will be further developed to enhance capacity and meet job requirements. Practical training and real-life scenario simulations: Increasing training programs through real-life simulated situations to help staff handle arising situations in their daily work.
Focusing on leadership and management development: Leadership development program; Training potential employees to prepare them for senior management positions. These courses will focus on team management skills, decision-making, strategic thinking, and change management. The programs will not only cover technical expertise but also emphasize people management skills, inspiring and motivating subordinates to work effectively.
Soft skills training: Courses on communication, time management, and creative thinking development…
In the digital era, many HR positions are gradually being replaced by the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), big data… For the banking industry, which fundamentally operates on “trust,” the core of business is still handled by people; therefore, it is necessary to have a well-trained workforce with integrity, managerial capability, and the ability to perform banking operations effectively. In the face of difficulties and challenges that the banking sector may encounter in the time ahead, Co-opBank will continue to pay attention to and prioritize investment in human resources through continuous, methodical, and appropriate training.
Some representative images:
Mr. Nguyen Quoc Cuong – Chairman of VAPCF, Chairman of the BoD of Co-opBank; Mrs. Pham Thi Hong Minh – General Director of Co-opBank and Dr. Bui Huu Toan – Chairman of the Board of Banking Academy Council signed the Cooperation Agreement for the 2023–2028 period in July 2023.
Co-opBank’s leadership, STEP Project representatives and participants at the Closing Ceremony of the Training Course on “Capacity building for female staff of Co-opBank” in September 2024
Mr. Nguyen Van Giang – Standing Deputy General Director of Co-opBank speaks at the opening ceremony of the hybrid training course for 136 internal trainees including leaders and staff from the Head Office and 32 Co-opBank branches, held in August and September 2024.
Co-opBank places strong emphasis on professional training and upskilling for its staff across the system
Co-opBank remains committed to investing in human resources through continuous, structured, and tailored training programs
