On the afternoon of October 20, 2025, at the State Hall – Central Building, the Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education (HCMUTE) hosted a working session with the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Vietnam.
The purpose of the visit was to foster cooperation between the EU and Vietnam-particularly within the framework of the Erasmus+ Programme as well as to explore the positive impacts of Erasmus+ projects implemented by HCMUTE since 2016, which have significantly contributed to education, innovation, and sustainable development.
HCMUTE has been an active participant in numerous Erasmus+ projects funded by the European Union. Notably, during the 2024–2027 period, the university serves as the main coordinator of the GreenEdAsia Project, which aims to strengthen the capacity of higher education institutions in training skilled human resources in the fields of bio-circular economy and renewable energy in Vietnam and Thailand.
As one of the five key national universities specializing in engineering and technology, HCMUTE currently leads the establishment of a Center of Excellence and Talent Development for renewable energy and hydrogen energy—areas that the EU prioritizes in its research and development agenda toward green and sustainable growth.
The EU Delegation to Vietnam was represented by H.E. Julien Guerrier – Ambassador of the European Union to Vietnam, Mr. Gonzalo Serrano – Deputy Head of Cooperation Section, and Ms. Elena Drago – Officer of DG INTPA Digital Transformation, European Commission.
Representing HCMUTE were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chau Dinh Thanh – Vice President, along with leaders from the Office of International Affairs, Office of Science and Technology, Faculty of International Education, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Vehicle and Energy Engineering, and the Digital Learning Center.
Representatives of HCMUTE and the EU Delegation to Vietnam
During the meeting, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chau Dinh Thanh, Vice President of HCMUTE, emphasized:
“HCMUTE is one of Vietnam’s five leading universities in technology and engineering. We are oriented toward developing a Center of Excellence and Talent Development in renewable and hydrogen energy. We hope to expand cooperation not only in research and technology transfer but also in academic exchange and high-quality human resource training.”
Ambassador Julien Guerrier expressed his deep impression of HCMUTE’s research capabilities, innovation, and commitment to sustainable development, reaffirming the EU’s intention to continue supporting educational and research cooperation programs in Vietnam.
H.E. Julien Guerrier – Ambassador of the European Union to Vietnam delivering remarks at the meeting
During the meeting, HCMUTE presented the results and positive impacts of eight Erasmus+ projects implemented between 2016 and 2025, with a total budget exceeding 410,000 euros. These projects included academic and research exchanges for faculty and students, the installation of modern laboratories, and the development of educational software.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hoang An Quoc presenting the outcomes and positive impacts of Erasmus+ projects
Thanks to these initiatives, HCMUTE has expanded its collaboration network to 18 European universities and 11 Asian universities, contributing to the modernization, internationalization, and sustainable development of the university. Erasmus+ has proven to be more than a funding program—it serves as a bridge connecting people, knowledge, and shared values between the EU and Vietnam, enabling HCMUTE to enhance training quality, research capacity, and social contribution in the process of global integration.
HCMUTE representative presenting a souvenir to the European Union delegation
HCMUTE hopes to continue receiving EU support in joint programs on research, education, and innovation, while expanding its participation in new Erasmus+ projects. The university also aims to strengthen academic exchange, faculty–student training, and laboratory development, laying the groundwork to become a pioneering regional center for education and research—actively contributing to green and sustainable technological innovation in the digital era.
During the visit, the delegation was introduced to several innovative research achievements, including:
A drone prototype developed by the Smart Robotic Center (presented by Dr. Dang Xuan Ba)
A high-speed 5-axis CNC milling machine by DMG (Germany) introduced by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Truong Nguyen Luan Vu
The delegation visiting Bosch Transmission Lab
The delegation visiting the Digital Learning Room developed under the EMVITET Project (Erasmus+, 2019–2023)
Following the working session, the EU Ambassador and delegation engaged in an open dialogue with HCMUTE students, sharing information about scholarships, study exchange opportunities, and research programs in Europe. They also addressed students’ questions on Erasmus+ application procedures, language proficiency requirements, internship and research opportunities at European universities, and career prospects in green energy and digital transformation.
The EU Ambassador answering questions from HCMUTE students
HCMUTE students asking questions to the EU Ambassador
The EU delegation taking photos with HCMUTE students
The visit of the EU Ambassador and Delegation not only demonstrated the European Union’s strong commitment to educational and research collaboration with Vietnam in general and HCMUTE in particular, but also opened new prospects for strategic cooperation between the two sides in higher education, scientific research, and sustainable energy development.
This event marks an important milestone in strengthening the partnership between HCMUTE and the EU, paving the way toward a future-oriented, innovation-driven education system.