In the context of globalization and educational integration, partnerships among domestic institutions have become increasingly essential to foster academic exchange, share training experiences, enhance research quality, and expand development opportunities for both lecturers and students. Embracing this spirit, on August 4th, the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities at Quy Nhon University held a collaborative meeting with the Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities (USSH), Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

Bridging Tradition and Modernity

At the outset of the program, representatives from both sides provided an overview of their institutions’ histories and highlighted key milestones in their development. As one of Vietnam’s leading institutions with a long-standing tradition in social sciences and humanities education and research, USSH has not only been a gathering place for renowned scholars, but has also served as the birthplace of numerous interdisciplinary and inter-university collaborations, both domestically and internationally.

The two faculties held a working session in Meeting Room 3 at Quy Nhon University.

Among them, the Faculty of Oriental Studies stands out as a leading unit, gathering a team of experienced lecturers with strong expertise in the research and teaching of regions such as Japan, China, Korea, India, and Central Asia. Annual activities such as the “Thai Festival”, “Japan Day”, “Persian Day”, and the “Oriental Film Week” have contributed to fostering a dynamic academic environment closely integrated with real-world and cultural experiences.

The Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities at Quy Nhon University also recognizes similarities in academic activities and student engagement programs. Therefore, future collaboration between the two faculties is expected not only to unlock new opportunities, but also to further enhance the quality of educational programs on both sides.

Toward a Comprehensive Academic Network – Learning from Each Other’s Strengths

During the meeting, both parties agreed that building a network for academic and professional exchange among faculties, departments, lecturers, and students is essential. In the current context, online modes of connection are considered the most feasible and flexible. This approach will open up more opportunities for collaboration and exchange—not only for lecturers, but also in promoting student academic activities.

Dr. Nguyen Doan Thuan, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities at Quy Nhon University, delivered remarks at the session.

Dr. Nguyễn Doãn Thuận, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities at Quy Nhon University, emphasized the aspiration for both sides to become long-term academic partners, sharing experiences in the development and enhancement of training programs—especially in disciplines where USSH excels. He also proposed establishing a concrete roadmap for introductory internships, providing students from both universities with opportunities for real-world learning and academic exchange. Additionally, Dr. Võ Minh Hải, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities at Quy Nhon University, highlighted the potential of “academic tourism,” which blends cultural immersion with specialized workshops. This innovative approach is seen as a valuable model for broadening knowledge and fostering holistic thinking among students, and could serve as a blueprint for future collaborative development between the two faculties.

The Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities at Quy Nhon University, with its strengths in fundamental research and locally oriented studies, also expressed keen interest in USSH’s “Alliance of Five Faculties” model. This internal collaborative framework is considered a noteworthy reference for spurring interdisciplinary and inter-university research initiatives.

Both parties also discussed organizing dedicated academic workshops as an important initial step toward sustaining collaborative growth. Among these, the seminar entitled “Vietnamese Studies – 30 Years of Value Creation and Future Orientation”, jointly hosted by Duy Tan University, Hong Bang International University, and Dalat University, was cited as an exemplary model that both sides could draw upon when developing similar programs.

Promising Prospects for Academic and Research Collaboration

On behalf of USSH, Dr. Nguyễn Thị Ngọc Hoa, Head of the Department of Chinese Studies, shared that each year the university allocates quotas for students to participate in internships, summer camps, and academic exchanges in China, but these opportunities often remain underutilized. Therefore, the department is fully ready to share learning materials and expand access for students from Quy Nhon University to join these programs. This serves as an open gateway, providing students from both universities with opportunities to engage together in an international academic environment.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Hoa, Head of the Department of Chinese Studies (USSH), expressed the hope that students from both institutions could jointly take part in international exchange activities.

Dr. Phạm Hoàng Hưng, Dean of the Faculty of Oriental Studies, also expressed his hope that the two institutions will strengthen the sharing of training programs and collaborate in developing human resources in alignment with technological integration trends. He further emphasized the importance of community service activities and expressed a desire to learn from and jointly implement practical and effective programs with Quy Nhon University.

Dr. Pham Hoang Hung, Dean of the Faculty of Oriental Studies (USSH), spoke about the desire to advance community engagement initiatives.

The Need to Formalize Cooperation through an MoU

Dr. Lê Thị Thu Giang, Director of King Sejong Center 1 (USSH), further shared: “Student-led scientific research programs, where students participate voluntarily and select topics based on their passions, often yield highly effective results. Therefore, organizing inter-university student seminars would provide an engaging academic playground, nurturing a passion for research and developing specialized skills among the younger generation.”

Dr. Le Thi Thu Giang, Director of King Sejong Center 1 (USSH), also addressed the meeting.

To realize the discussed initiatives, both parties agreed to proceed with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the near future. This document will serve as a vital foundation for facilitating structured, ongoing, and in-depth collaboration in student exchange, academic seminars, workshops, and joint research activities between the two institutions.

Leaders and staff from the two faculties took a commemorative group photo at Quy Nhon University.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the two faculties identified numerous practical opportunities for collaboration and established a shared vision for long-term partnership. This is not only a meaningful connection between two major educational institutions representing different regions of the country, but also a testament to an open, creative academic spirit and a commitment to sustainable development in contemporary higher education.

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