The COVID-19 pandemic provided a unique opportunity for educators and policymakers to reconsider education systems and rethink what is essential, necessary, and desirable for future generations. A sequential generic qualitative approach was used in this study. Based on the systematic literature review, a content analysis was conducted to identify dimensions that contribute toward higher education institutions sustainability. Subsequently, the Expert Opinion method that involved five professors holding key positions in respective universities from Malaysia, the Netherlands, India, and Bangladesh was applied to propose a post-COVID-19 sustainable framework. Four themes: 1) educational reform; 2) digital transformation; 3) resilience and change management; and 4) sustainability coupled with agility and flexibility formed the framework for HEIs’ sustainability during the post-COVID-19 pandemic. We propose that the themes be examined from an integrated perspective to ensure HEIs can be sustainable in the long run. Finally, other scholars are recommended to conduct a tracer study as well as develop qualitative instruments based on the themes and dimensions identified from the systematic literature review and the Expert Opinion Method to better understand the phenomenon of HEI sustainability.

Vietnam’s economic evolution presents a compelling case of transformative growth driven by its distinctive historical, cultural, and policy landscapes. Since the watershed Đổi Mới reforms of 1986, the country has navigated the complexities of market liberalization, socialist principles, and international integration, achieving remarkable development while preserving its economic sovereignty. Through a mixed-methods approach, this study delves into the impacts of Đổi Mới, assessing the successes and ongoing challenges in Vietnam’s economic restructuring. Results indicate a remarkable shift in GDP contribution from agriculture to industry and services, with a burgeoning private sector and enhanced international trade and investment. However, challenges in achieving equitable growth, inclusive development, and environmental sustainability remain salient amid global economic shifts. Vietnam’s experience underscores the critical need for targeted reforms in workforce development, economic diversity, infrastructural enhancement, environmental stewardship, and regulatory and financial governance. Vietnam’s proactive stance on economic autonomy and global participation highlights the importance of a nuanced approach in navigating the changing international landscape. In summary, Vietnam’s journey through economic structural reform provides a unique perspective on navigating development within a socialist-oriented market framework, serving as a distinctive exemplar for similar emerging economies contending with the vibrant currents of globalization.