In the context of the rapid global development of artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous systems, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), engineering universities are increasingly expanding international partnerships to strengthen research capabilities, foster innovation, and develop high-quality human resources. As part of the 3rd International Competition on Research and Design of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles – UAV Contest 2026, on May 28, 2026, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Engineering (HCM-UTE, formerly Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education) collaborated with Ton Duc Thang University (TDTU), Vietnam Aviation Academy (VAA), and VSB – Technical University of Ostrava (Czech Republic) to organize a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony on strategic cooperation in research, innovation, and advanced technologies.

Representatives of participating universities attend the signing ceremony

Representing HCM-UTE were:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Hieu Giang – President of HCM-UTE;
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chau Dinh Thanh – Vice President;
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Van Phong – Acting Director of the Office of Science and Technology;
Mr. Pham Bach Duong – Directir of the International Relations Office;
Leaders of various academic faculties.

Representing partner institutions were:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Trong Dao – President of Ton Duc Thang University;
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Hoai An – Director of Vietnam Aviation Academy;
Prof. Igor Ivan – Rector of VSB – Technical University of Ostrava (Czech Republic); Representatives from the University of Žilina (Slovakia), Pham Van Dong University, and Thu Dau Mot University.

Speaking at the ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Hieu Giang emphasized the importance of strengthening international cooperation in the era of digital transformation and advanced technology development. He noted that HCM-UTE consistently identifies internationalization, applied research, and innovation as key strategic priorities of the university.

He also expressed his expectation that the partnership among the universities would create numerous opportunities for faculty members, researchers, doctoral candidates, and students through joint research projects, academic exchange programs, international conferences, and future technology transfer activities.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Hieu Giang, President of HCM-UTE, delivering remarks at the ceremony

Following discussions and negotiations, the parties officially signed the Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen strategic cooperation in research, education, innovation, and advanced technologies.

Under the agreement, the institutions will collaborate on a wide range of initiatives, including research in:

Artificial Intelligence (AI);
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs);
Intelligent and autonomous systems;
Advanced data analytics;
Industry 4.0 technologies;
Digital simulation engineering;
Applied research projects.

In addition, the universities agreed to promote exchange programs for doctoral candidates, faculty members, and researchers; jointly organize annual international conferences and scientific seminars; participate in international funding programs, particularly European research grants; and strengthen scientific publications and technology transfer activities that serve practical needs.

Representatives of HCM-UTE, TDTU, VAA, and VSB – Technical University of Ostrava signing  the MOU 

As part of the program, the institutions also signed an agreement to jointly organize the International Competition on Research and Design of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles 2027.

According to the agreement, Ton Duc Thang University will host the competition in September 2027 in Ho Chi Minh City, in conjunction with an international conference on artificial intelligence and advanced technologies.

The competition is expected to attract:

More than 10 universities from Vietnam, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Malaysia, and other countries;
Over 20 competing teams.

Beyond organizing the competition, the participating universities also plan to establish joint research groups focusing on UAV applications in promising areas such as:

Energy optimization for UAVs;
Intelligent navigation systems;
Hydrogen technology in aviation;
Specialized integrated circuit (IC) design for UAV applications in agriculture;
Environmental monitoring technologies.

This cooperation agreement not only expands HCM-UTE’s international partnership network but also provides a strong foundation for advancing research, education, and innovation in emerging technology fields. Furthermore, it marks an important milestone in strengthening academic connections between Vietnamese and European universities, contributing to sustainable development and deeper international integration in higher education.