In celebration of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the United States, the U.S. Diplomatic Mission in Vietnam, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Training of Vietnam and the Institute of International Education (IIE), launched the International Academic Partnership Program (IAPP). As part of this initiative, on April 3, 2025, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education (HCMUTE) was honored to be among 30 selected Vietnamese universities to host and engage in discussions with a delegation of U.S. educational leaders, representing 20 distinguished public and private universities across 17 states.

The IAPP is a comprehensive initiative led by the Institute of International Education with the aim of assisting colleges and universities in building strategic and sustainable academic partnerships with institutions in target countries. The program equips institutions with essential tools to strengthen and expand international cooperation effectively and strategically.

The HCMUTE delegation was led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chau Dinh Thanh, Vice President, and included representatives from various academic units such as the Faculty of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Vehicle and Energy Engineering, Faculty of Chemical and Food Engineering, Faculty of Information Technology, Faculty of Economics, Faculty of Applied Sciences, the School of International Education, and the Office of International Affairs. Representatives from the U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, the Institute of International Education, and delegates from the 20 participating U.S. universities were also in attendance.

In his welcome remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chau Dinh Thanh highlighted the significance of the IAPP program in promoting educational collaboration between Vietnam and the United States. He reaffirmed HCMUTE’s commitment to expanding international partnerships, particularly in the fields of education and scientific research, and expressed his hope that the program would pave the way for strategic alliances with U.S. universities—enabling faculty and student exchanges as well as joint research initiatives.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Hieu Giang - Vice President of HCMUTE delivered his speech 

During the working session, faculty representatives from HCMUTE presented an overview of their academic programs and expressed interest in collaborating with U.S. institutions across disciplines such as engineering, technology, applied sciences, and economics. The visiting U.S. universities showed a strong interest in potential areas for cooperation, raising questions about curriculum structures, opportunities for student exchanges, research collaboration, entrepreneurship, and dual-degree programs.

In particular, the U.S. delegates expressed keen interest in HCMUTE’s strengths in high-tech fields including advanced engineering technologies, robotics, artificial intelligence, automation, electric vehicles, and renewable energy. Several institutions expressed their intention to pursue long-term partnerships through joint research projects, the establishment of research funds, dual-degree and joint training programs, faculty and student exchanges, capstone project collaboration, engagement through Vietnam’s Project 89, ABET accreditation initiatives, and the development of online learning modules to enhance academic mobility and exchange.

Representatives from HCMUTE faculties  shared their ideas 

This working session opened up numerous opportunities for deeper cooperation between HCMUTE and leading U.S. universities, laying the groundwork for long-term educational and research development. Looking ahead, HCMUTE aims to implement faculty and student exchange programs, joint research projects, training workshops for faculty on cutting-edge topics such as robotics, IC design, quantum computing, fintech, and blockchain, and support academic competitions, short-term online certification courses, equipment sponsorships, scholarships, and international seminars. Furthermore, the university intends to expand joint training programs with U.S. partners.

Representatives from universities in the United States shared their ideas

This event marks an important milestone in HCMUTE’s internationalization journey and contributes to further strengthening educational ties between Vietnam and the United States in this new phase of development.

HCMUTE leaders, faculty with representatives from U.S. universities

Participating U.S. universities include:

Ohio University, University of Alabama, Oklahoma State University, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Duke University, University of Cincinnati, North Carolina A&T State University, Colorado State University, Stanford University, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Washington University in St. Louis (WashU), University of Vermont, The University of Tulsa, University of Connecticut, University of Kentucky, Oregon State University, University of Wyoming, Rutgers University, and Towson University.