STRENGTHENING TIES AND EXPANDING STRATEGIC COLLABORATION WITH VINUNIVERSITY
STRENGTHENING TIES AND EXPANDING STRATEGIC COLLABORATION WITH VINUNIVERSITY
On April 21, 2025, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM) and Vin University (VinUni) officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the 2025-2030 stage. The agreement lays the groundwork for establishing joint research groups focused on science and technology, aiming at fostering innovation and addressingkey national challenges.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vũ Hải Quân, Director of VNU-HCM and Dr. Lê Mai Lan – Chairwoman of VinUni Council – signed the Memorandum of Understanding.
Vin University (VinUni) is the first non-profit private university in Vietnam and has established strategic partnerships with two two globally renowned institutions: Cornell University and the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn). VinUni is distinguished by its internationally accredited academic environment and a faculty team in which all members hold doctoral degrees. Students of the university have access to internship opportunities at renowned institutions such as Harvard University, Google, and McKinsey.
Following the Memorandum of Understanding with VNU-HCM, VinUni’s delegation visited International University (IU) – one of VNU-HCM’s eight member universities. The visit was part of a broader working programme at VNU-HCM’s campus, allowing the delegation to observe first-hand the academic environment, infrastructure, and collaboration potential with member units.
During the visit, the delegation toured laboratories of the School of Biotechnology and the School of Electrical Engineering at IU. Dr. Lê Mai Lan, representing VinUni, expressed high praise for the university’s quality of education and research.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Văn Thuận – Dean of the School of Biotechnology (BT) and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Phương Thảo – Director of the Research Center for Infectious Diseases (RCID) – guided Dr. Lê Mai Lan through the laboratories of the School of Electrical Engineering.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Bình Dương – lecturer of the School of Electrical Engineering – guided Dr. Lê Mai Lan through the laboratories of the School of Electrical Engineering – Representative of VinUni, Dr. Lê Mai Lan, commended the enthusiasm of the faculty as well as the dynamism and talent of the students, which were showcased through IU’s innovative research and laboratory projects of students and faculty.
The MoU signing between VNU-HCM and VinUni represents a significant milestone in scientific research and international development. Both parties have agreed to establish interdisciplinary research groups of excellence, gathering faculty and researchers of member units from both sides. These groups will concentrate on scientific and technological spearhead such as AI, Generative AI, Big Data, Green Economy, Digital Economy, Digital Transformation, Public Health, and Climate Change.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vũ Hải Quân, Director of VNU-HCM, emphasised: “Both VNU-HCM and VunUni possess their distinct strengths, which complement each other. Collaboration is appropriate in order to prioritise mutual development and free from conflicting interests.” He further expressed hope that in the near future, both institutions would launch pilot programmes to evaluate effectiveness and scale up collaboration based on practical outcomes.
The visit not only opens up opportunities for in-depth research cooperation but also serves as a promotion of international collaboration ideas, thereby enhancing the quality of education and scientific research at both institutions.