ICT - On January 9, Quy Nhon University (QNU) in collaboration with KU Leuven University organized the second meeting of the IUC-QNU Program Coordination Committee. The meeting aimed to evaluate the implementation progress of the entire program as well as each specific project in the first year of Phase 1, thereby drawing valuable lessons and discussing plans for implementing projects for years to come.

Assoc.Prof.Dr. Do Ngoc My - Rector of QNU, speaks at the meeting

The Belgian delegation came to the meeting with 9 members from some major universities in the Flanders region such as University of Leuven, Ghent University, University of Antwerp and Hasselt University.

At the plenary session, Assoc.Prof.Dr. Do Ngoc My, Rector of QN, expressed his joy at welcoming all the Belgian and Vietnamese members of the IUC program. The IUC program, one of QNU’s important international cooperation projects, was officially launched in September, 2022 with the twin goal of sustainably improving the livelihoods and living conditions of the residents in the South Central Coast - Central Highlands region in Vietnam as well as enhancing the quality of QNU's training, research and community service in the fields of agriculture, food, environment and renewable energy. “Although there are still a lot of obstacles and challenges, with the relevant parties’ strong commitment, the IUC - QNU program will be implemented effectively and achieve its long-term goals”, he said.

Prof.Dr. Kristiaan Temst, Belgian Program Manager, speaks at the meeting

Speaking at the meeting, Prof. Dr. Kristiaan Temst - Belgian Head of the program thanked QNU and VLIR-UOS for their cooperation during the implementation of Phase 1 of the IUC - QNU program. He also emphasized the important role of the project team members and graduate students within the framework of the IUC-QNU program in developing research and serving the community.

Assoc.Prof.Dr. Vu Thi Ngan - QNU’s IUC program leader offers a brief overview of important points and experiences in the first year of project implementation
 

Leaders of 07 sub-projects present their reports at the second meeting

With the participation of the members of the IUC program, representatives of 07 sub-projects presented the achieved results. Evaluating the activities in the first year, the reports clearly stated that, with close coordination between QNU and Belgian universities/colleges, the IUC - QNU program had implemented many activities effectively, adding that the projects on capacity building in university administration had effectively implemented many activities related to providing electronic services for students, e-learning, libraries and building waste management systems and sustainable, safe laboratories. These reports also affirmed that many activities to improve research and training capacity had also been implemented successfully. Also, at this meeting, the participants discussed detailed plans for the projects to be carried out in 2024.

A souvenir photo of QNU leaders and members of IUC QNU Program

At the management meeting, with the participation of all Belgian and Vietnamese project leaders and the IUC Program Support Unit (PSU), had a detailed discussion on organizational and management issues to reach a consensus on well coordinating all activities of the IUC - QNU program.

In addition, many other activities of the IUC-QNU program and 07 sub-projects have also been implemented such as seminars, workshops, field trips at QNU and research sites for 7 days (January 8 - 14, 2024).
 

Minh Hien - O.RA&IR

Truong Van Dinh