As part of the international cooperation program between Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Engineering (HCM-UTE, formerly Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education) and Mahasarakham University (MSU), Thailand, the Faculty of Foreign Languages at HCM-UTE, in collaboration with several academic faculties, organized an academic exchange program for 30 students from Mahasarakham University from July 6–9, 2026. The program aimed to strengthen academic exchange, promote student research projects aligned with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and provide students from both universities with opportunities to learn from one another, build international connections, and enhance their research capabilities in a global academic environment.
Over the four-day program, the 30 Thai students were assigned to research projects and academic activities across four HCM-UTE faculties: the Faculty of Chemistry and Life Sciences, the Faculty of Transportation and Energy, the Faculty of Economics, and the Faculty of Foreign Languages. Under the close supervision of HCM-UTE faculty members, students participated in discipline-based research groups, conducted field studies, engaged in academic discussions, and completed their final research reports. Their research topics covered a wide range of disciplines, including food technology, international business, logistics, accounting, language education, tourism, finance, and sustainable development solutions.
Representatives of HCM-UTE and Mahasarakham University faculty members and students at the Closing Ceremony
One of the program's highlights was its interdisciplinary research model. Rather than working solely within their own academic fields, MSU students had the opportunity to explore multiple disciplines at HCM-UTE through research groups supervised by lecturers from different faculties. This approach enabled students to broaden their perspectives, integrate knowledge across disciplines, and develop comprehensive problem-solving skills.
In addition to conducting research with faculty members, students toured HCM-UTE's modern facilities, observed classroom instruction, interacted with HCM-UTE students, and learned about the university's application-oriented educational approach. The university's modern learning environment, combined with the enthusiastic support of faculty members, helped international students quickly adapt, confidently exchange ideas in English, and strengthen their ability to work in multicultural settings.
For HCM-UTE, the program also provided an opportunity for faculty members to share research expertise, introduce emerging research directions, and expand academic collaboration with partner universities throughout Southeast Asia.
On the morning of July 9, 2026, the program concluded with the Final Research Presentation Session and Closing Ceremony, held in Meeting Room 2, 6th Floor, HCM-UTE Administration Building. During the event, each student group presented the outcomes of its research, shared key findings, reflected on lessons learned, and proposed solutions related to the topics they had explored during their academic experience at HCM-UTE. A panel of lecturers from various faculties provided professional feedback, critical evaluation, and academic recommendations, helping students further develop their research methodologies and presentation skills.
HCM-UTE representatives presenting Certificates of Completion to Mahasarakham University students
The final presentations demonstrated the students' ability to apply disciplinary knowledge to real-world challenges while reflecting a deeper understanding of sustainable development issues in Vietnam. Beyond presenting research findings, students also shared their experiences of Vietnamese culture, the learning environment at HCM-UTE, and their collaboration with faculty members. These reflections highlighted their growth in communication skills, critical thinking, and international collaboration.
During the closing ceremony, HCM-UTE awarded Certificates of Completion and commemorative gifts to all participating students, faculty members, and supporting staff from Mahasarakham University in recognition of their active participation and valuable contributions throughout the academic exchange program.
The academic exchange program between HCM-UTE and Mahasarakham University not only provided meaningful academic and cultural experiences for students but also strengthened institutional cooperation in education, scientific research, and the development of high-quality human resources. By integrating academic research with themes closely connected to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the program reaffirmed HCM-UTE's commitment to educating globally competent graduates equipped with professional expertise, innovative thinking, and a strong sense of social responsibility.
The program also reflects HCM-UTE's ongoing commitment to advancing the internationalization of higher education, expanding collaborative networks with universities across the region, and creating more international learning and research opportunities for students in the years ahead.
MSU students delivering their final research presentations at HCM-UTE
About the University's Name Change
On December 26, 2025, the Prime Minister of Vietnam issued Decision No. 2809/QĐ-TTg, officially renaming Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education to Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Engineering (HCM-UTE). The new name reflects the University's transformation into a comprehensive multidisciplinary institution, highlighting its strengths in technology and engineering and its current scale and strategic direction.
Prior to 2007, the University was recognized as one of Vietnam's leading institutions for technical teacher education. Since 2007, following changes to the national higher education program classification system, the University has expanded and strengthened its technology, engineering, and related disciplines. The name change is consistent with Vietnam's Higher Education Network Development Plan for 2021–2030, with a Vision toward 2050, meeting the growing demand for high-quality human resources in the era of digital transformation while reaffirming HCM-UTE's role as one of the country's leading universities in technology and engineering.