On the afternoon of May 11, 2026, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Engineering (HCM-UTE), formerly known as Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education, welcomed a delegation from the Ministry of Education and Skills Development of Bhutan for a visit and working session. The program aimed to strengthen international connections and promote cooperation in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), STEM education, and academic exchange between educational institutions in Bhutan and HCM-UTE.

Attending the meeting on behalf of the Ministry of Education and Skills Development of Bhutan were Ms. Pemma Lhaden – representative of the Department of Human Resource Planning and Skills Development, and Ms. Dechen Tshomo – representative of the Department of Education Programs. Representing HCM-UTE were Mr. Pham Bach Duong, M.A. – Director of the Office of International Affairs; Mr. Nguyen Thoi – Deputy Director of the Office of International Affairs; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Van Hong – Director of the Institute of Technical Education; Mr. Huynh Ton Nghia, M.A. – Deputy Head of the Academic Affairs Office; and Dr. Duong Tuan Tung – Dean of the Advanced Education Faculty.

Representatives from HCM-UTE and Ministry of Education and Skills Development of Bhutan at the working session

During the meeting, representatives of HCM-UTE introduced the university’s development journey, internationalization strategy, and academic strengths. They also shared information about the university’s international exchange programs, 18 English-taught academic programs, as well as outstanding projects and activities in TVET and STEM education. The discussions focused on enhancing training quality in line with international standards, promoting practice-oriented education models, strengthening university–industry collaboration, innovating teaching methods, and developing students’ professional competencies in the context of globalization and digital transformation.

Mr. Pham Bach Duong -  Director of the Office of International Affairs sharing at the working session 

Within the framework of the meeting, both sides discussed directions for implementing cooperation in TVET and STEM education between universities and colleges in Bhutan and HCM-UTE. Key discussion topics included collaborative training programs, curriculum development, exchange of experts, lecturers, and students, as well as sharing experiences in technical and technological education.

Representatives from both sides highly appreciated the cooperation potential between HCM-UTE and educational institutions in Bhutan, especially as TVET and STEM education are playing an increasingly important role in developing a high-quality workforce. The meeting took place in an open and positive atmosphere, reflecting the shared desire to establish a sustainable and long-term partnership.

At the end of the program, HCM-UTE and the Ministry of Education and Skills Development of Bhutan agreed to organize an online meeting via Zoom in the near future to continue detailed discussions and further specify potential areas of cooperation.