(Enclosed with Decision No. 2660 /QĐ-ĐHNT dated 16/08/2023 by the President of Foreign Trade University)

1. Training objectives

1.1. General objectives

The program aims to train students to become graduates with professional competence, political qualities, professional ethics, community awareness, a solid foundation in foreign languages, good mental and physical strength to meet the demands of both the Vietnamese and international labor markets, and to be capable of taking on various positions in international business activities in general, and in logistics and supply chain management in particular.

1.2. Specific program objectives

PO1: Provide students with fundamental knowledge in economics, business, and management in international business activities;

PO2: Provide students with in-depth knowledge of LSCM to approach and solve issues related to LSCM specifically and international business in general;

PO3: Provide students with the necessary knowledge to develop decision-making and problem-solving skills effectively at the strategic, tactical, and operational levels to manage the flow of materials, finance, and information in the supply chain;

PO4: Students will accumulate skills in logical analytical thinking, communication, teamwork, multicultural understanding, and business ethics to effectively adapt to global business environment;

PO5: Students are trained to become responsible, active citizens who can easily adapt to the working environment.

2. Program learning outcomes

• Knowledge

PLO1: Apply basic knowledge of political science, social science, methodology, scientific worldview, information technology and other general education knowledge in working and researching;

PLO2: Apply knowledge in international business to solve business issues;

PLO3: Analyze economic and business issues in international business, as well as logistics and supply chain management practices;

PLO4: Examine specific activities in LSCM, such as inventory management; distribution system, warehouse management, transportation management, procurement management;

PLO5: Question knowledge to get FIATA diploma;

PLO6: Evaluate projects in the field of LSCM;

•  Skills

PLO7: Adapt to the international working environment in business and management;

PLO8: Demonstrate skillfully projects in the field of LSCM;

PLO9: Combine effectively ideas, theories and practical solutions in international business activities in general and LSCM in particular;

PLO10: Combine effectively lifelong learning and research skill, independent work and teamwork skills, communication skills, situation solving, etc to identify, analyze, synthesize, argue, and resolve issues in international business and LSCM;

PLO11: Formulate LSCM ideas in English skillfully (equivalent to level 5/6 of the Vietnamese Foreign Language Competency Framework issued with Circular No. 01/2014/TT-BGDDT dated January 24, 2014 of the Ministry of Education and Training Train);

PLO12: Formulate informatics skills (according to Circular 03/2014/TT-BTTTT dated March 11, 2014 of the Ministry of Information and Communications).

• VAutonomy and responsibility

PLO13: Demonstrate the ability to overcome difficulties and challenges, be responsible for individuals and collective, and serve the community.

3. Curriculum Framework

On November 25–26, 2024, Foreign Trade University, in collaboration with the Asian Academic Accounting Association (FourA), successfully organized the 21st Annual International FourA Conference with the theme "Accounting and Economic Development in Emerging Markets in Asia."

The conference attracted over 100 delegates from nearly 50 educational institutions, organizations, and businesses both domestically and internationally. Notably, the conference featured nearly 40 speakers, including leading professors and researchers from over 30 prestigious universities in the United States, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and other countries. Representatives from organizations and enterprises involved in Accounting and Auditing, such as ICAEW, SAPP, BISC, and universities like the National Economics University, Academy of Finance, Vietnam National University’s University of Economics, Quy Nhon University, and others, also participated.

Representing FTU at the opening ceremony were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Anh Tuan – President; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Thi Thu Thuy – Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Thu Huong – Vice President; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Hoang Nam – Head of the Department of Scientific Management; and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cao Dinh Kien – Director of International Affairs, alongside department heads, staff, and lecturers.

The FourA International Conference is a leading global academic event in Accounting and Auditing, particularly in Asia. This year, the conference addressed new opportunities and challenges for Asian economies, including technological transformation, increasing transparency demands, and the adoption of international accounting standards. With 77 rigorously peer-reviewed papers presented, the conference served as a high-quality academic platform offering recommendations for policymakers, educators, and businesses to reimagine the role of Accounting and Auditing in the modern era.

In his opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Anh Tuan expressed pride in FTU being chosen to host the 21st conference. He emphasized the vital role of Accounting and Auditing in a rapidly changing global and Asian economy, affirming that hosting this event aligns with FTU’s development strategy to become a leading university in Asia by 2030, with a vision toward 2040.

Keynote speeches included Professor Shahrokh M. Saudagaran – General Secretary of FourA and Professor at Washington Tacoma University, USA, who presented on "The Accounting Graduate Supply Crisis in the US: Causes and Possible Remedies," and Mr. Pham Hai Au – Director of Risk Assurance Services at PwC Vietnam, who discussed "Unlocking the Potential of Carbon Markets: The Impact of Carbon Credit Systems on Sustainable Development and Climate Change Mitigation." Both presentations highlighted critical challenges and provided actionable solutions in their respective areas, sparking engaging discussions among participants.

The conference continued with 13 parallel sessions featuring 54 presentations on topics such as international accounting standards, sustainability reporting, and corporate governance. Emerging issues like the role of artificial intelligence in Accounting, carbon credit markets, and blockchain adoption in accounting systems were also actively discussed.

In her closing remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thi Kim Anh – Dean of the Faculty of Accounting and Auditing at FTU, expressed hope for deeper research collaboration with FourA in the future. Professor Shahrokh M. Saudagaran commended the quality of the conference and extended his gratitude to FTU for its professional and successful organization.

The 21st International FourA Conference concluded with significant outcomes, reaffirming FTU’s position in fostering research and global academic connections.

On November 14, 2024, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Thu Huong – Vice President of Foreign Trade University, chaired a meeting with Ms. Freya Kaine, the newly appointed Education and Research Counsellor of the Australian Embassy in Vietnam.

Accompanying Ms. Freya Kaine were Ms. Tran Le Ha – Deputy Director of Education and Research, and Ms. Tran Thi Thanh Van – Education and Research Project Officer at the Australian Embassy.

Representing FTU were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Thu Huong – Vice President; Ms. Dao Thi Thu Ha – Deputy Head of the Department of International Affairs; and other staff of the university.

In her opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Thu Huong warmly welcomed Ms. Freya Kaine and the Australian Embassy delegation, expressing FTU’s appreciation for their visit. During the meeting, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Thu Huong shared an overview of FTU’s development, its extensive network of international partnerships, and its collaboration with Australian institutions. Both sides also discussed the current context of higher education in Vietnam, as well as potential trends and opportunities for international cooperation, particularly between FTU and Australian partners.

Through the discussions, FTU representatives expressed their desire for continued support and collaboration from the Australian Embassy, especially with Ms. Freya Kaine, in advancing the university’s internationalization efforts in the coming years.

On November 13, 2024, H.E. Marcos Antonio Bednarski – Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Argentine Republic to Vietnam, visited Foreign Trade University and gave a talk titled “Argentina's New Economic and Foreign Policies.”

The event aimed to provide students in the International Political Economy Program with insights into economic growth and development within the international relations context, as well as Argentina’s current economic and foreign policies.

Representing the Argentine Embassy in Vietnam were H.E. Marcos Antonio Bednarski and Mr. Tomas Alejandro Oyuela Marcovich – Secretary in charge of Politics and Cooperation at the Embassy.

Representing FTU were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cao Dinh Kien – Director of International Affairs; Mr. Nguyen Van Trieu – Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Political Science and Humanities, along with faculty members and students.

In his opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cao Dinh Kien emphasized the importance of the talk for students’ learning and research, noting that it would provide valuable knowledge on Argentina’s foreign and economic policies while strengthening understanding of Vietnam-Argentina relations.

During the session, Ambassador Marcos Antonio Bednarski presented a systematic overview of Argentina’s economic highlights, focusing on the country’s current economic and foreign policies and their impact on Argentina’s politics, society, and economy. He also discussed Vietnam-Argentina cooperation in recent years and opportunities for further exchanges and collaboration in various fields.

Following the Ambassador’s presentation, FTU students actively engaged in a lively Q&A session, asking questions about Argentina’s economic policies and strategic directions in the context of globalization. The open and friendly discussion offered students practical insights into Argentina’s economic and foreign policies and a chance to interact directly with the Ambassador and Embassy representatives, enriching their understanding and preparing them for future careers.

On November 15, 2024, the Faculty of Japanese Language at Foreign Trade University, with the sponsorship of the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam and the Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam, successfully organized the “FTU Japanese Culture Day 2024.”

The biennial Japanese Culture Gala, organized by the Faculty of Japanese Language with the support of FTU’s Japanese Language Club, has become a valuable platform for students to exchange and learn about Japanese culture, targeting not only FTU’s Japanese language students but also students across Hanoi with an interest in Japan.

Attending the event, representing the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam, were Ms. Kamitani Naoko – First Secretary and Director of the Cultural Information Center, Head of the Cultural Department; Mr. Nakashima Yusuke – Second Secretary; and Mr. Yoshioka Norihiko – Director of the Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam. The event also welcomed leaders of partner organizations and enterprises.

Representing FTU were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Anh Tuan – President; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Thi Thu Thuy – Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Thu Huong – Vice President; Mr. Nguyen Huu Dung – Secretary of the FTU Youth Union; Dr. Tran Thi Thu Thuy – Dean of the Faculty of Japanese Language; Ms. Bui Thi Loan – Vice Dean of the Faculty of Japanese Language; along with numerous faculty and students.

In his opening speech, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Anh Tuan emphasized the importance of cultural exchange and connection as a foundation for collaboration and success. He affirmed FTU’s commitment to promoting cross-cultural understanding as a core value.

Ms. Kamitani Naoko, in her welcome address, acknowledged FTU's efforts to strengthen mutual understanding and friendship between Vietnam and Japan. Mr. Yoshioka Norihiko expressed delight that Japanese culture and language continue to be embraced and appreciated by Vietnamese youth.

Under the theme “The Gateway to the Future,” students’ lively and creative performances reflected their love for Japanese culture and their determination to explore and overcome challenges. Earlier in the day, cultural activities like Yosakoi dance, tea ceremonies, Ikebana flower arranging, Origami, Aikido, Kendama, and Japanese cuisine attracted enthusiastic participation from both FTU students and visitors.

As the first university to teach Japanese in Vietnam since 1971, FTU’s Faculty of Japanese Language was honored in 2021 by the Japan Foundation for its outstanding contributions to Japanese language education, fostering mutual understanding, and enhancing Vietnam-Japan relations.

On November 13, 2024, the Vietnam-Japan Human Resource Development Institute (VJCC) at Foreign Trade University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Hokuriku Bank, a key member of the Hokuhoku Financial Group (Japan), Vietnam Branch.

This event marked a significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration and exchange of development ideas between VJCC and Hokuriku Bank's leadership over the past year.

The event was attended by representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), including Mr. Nishikawa Naotaka – Senior Project Formation Advisor, JICA Vietnam Office; representatives from the Ministry of Planning and Investment, Foreign Investment Agency (FIA), including Mr. Yuji Imamura – Investment Promotion Advisor, JICA Expert; and a delegation from Hokuriku Bank, including Mr. Hiroshi Nakazawa – Chairman of the Bank, Mr. Taichi Yamada – Chief Representative of the Bank’s Ho Chi Minh City Office, Mr. Kyousuke Hayashi – Deputy Director of the Bank's Kanazawa Branch, and Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Binh An – Secretary of the Representative Office in Ho Chi Minh City.

Representing VJCC were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Hien – Director of VJCC; Mr. Yoneda Kazuhiro – Chief Advisor of the VJCC Project; and Ms. Tran Thi Kieu Minh – Deputy Director of VJCC.

The ceremony also welcomed representatives from enterprises and partners of Hokuriku Bank who are alumni of VJCC's KEIEIJUKU Program, such as Mr. Luong Quoc Anh – Executive Director of GK Logistics Vietnam.

Established in 1877, Hokuriku Bank is the largest regional bank in the Northwest of Japan, with 151 branches across Toyama, Ishikawa, and Fukui prefectures. The bank also boasts a robust network of Japanese and international corporate clients, including over 200 companies in Vietnam. Committed to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) since 2019, Hokuhoku Financial Group aims to expand sustainable initiatives through collaborations like this partnership with VJCC.

The MOU emphasizes creating an environment for trade and business cooperation between entrepreneurs and local leaders, fostering multi-sector collaboration, particularly in digital technology and innovation. Through this MOU, Hokuriku Bank commits to acting as a bridge for Japanese businesses to connect with potential partners within VJCC's business community in Vietnam.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Hien expressed her appreciation for the amicable cooperation with Hokuriku Bank's leadership and expressed hope that the MOU would enhance the legal framework for partnerships between Vietnamese businesses in the KEIEIJUKU community and companies in Japan's Northwest provinces, bringing tangible benefits to both nations.

At the signing ceremony, Mr. Hiroshi Nakazawa – Chairman of Hokuriku Bank – affirmed, “This MOU not only opens up new opportunities for our clients but also strengthens economic cooperation between Vietnam and Japan on a solid foundation.”

The event concluded successfully, adding a new milestone to VJCC’s efforts to expand international partnerships with Japanese organizations and businesses.

On November 8, 2024, a delegation from Chiba Institute of Technology (CIT), led by Mr. Someya Akito – Chairman of the University Council, visited FTU as part of the cooperation agreement between the two universities.

FTU representatives included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Anh Tuan – President; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Hien – Director of the Vietnam-Japan Human Resource Development Institute (VJCC); and Ms. Tran Thi Kieu Minh – Deputy Director of VJCC, along with other staff.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Anh Tuan extended a warm welcome to the CIT delegation, reaffirming the fruitful cooperation between the two universities over the past two years.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Hien summarized key achievements: CIT professors taught two cohorts of VJCC’s Digital Business undergraduate program, covering three modules that received high praise for their academic quality and teaching methods. CIT also hosted three batches of VJCC lecturers for training and technology transfer.

FTU leaders expressed gratitude to CIT for their hospitality and support, emphasizing that these efforts are pivotal for the continued development of the Dbiz project.

Mr. Someya Akito reiterated CIT’s commitment to the Dbiz project and expressed optimism about extending the agreement for deeper academic exchanges, providing students with practical skills.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Anh Tuan highlighted FTU’s goal to innovate and expand into new fields, such as technology and big data, alongside its traditional disciplines. Strengthening ties with CIT is crucial to FTU’s strategy of blending established strengths with emerging fields.

On November 12, 2024, the Department of Communications and Community Relations, in collaboration with the Department of International Affairs, hosted a delegation from Panasonic Corporation (Japan) for a career guidance event with the university's students.

Representing Panasonic were Mr. Otani Yohei – General Manager of Accounting; Mr. Kanzui Hirotoshi – Administrative Director of Panasonic Industrial Devices Vietnam Co., Ltd.; Ms. Tran Phuong Loan – Assistant General Manager of Human Resources and Administration at Panasonic Industrial Devices Vietnam; and other staff members of Panasonic Corporation.

Representing FTU were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cao Dinh Kien – Director of International Affairs; Ms. Nguyen Huyen Minh – Head of the Department of Communications and Community Relations; along with other staff and a large number of students.

The program began with warm welcoming remarks from Ms. Nguyen Huyen Minh, emphasizing the importance of career guidance programs in equipping students with practical skills and knowledge about the labor market and employer expectations.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cao Dinh Kien introduced FTU, highlighting its nearly 65-year legacy, mission, vision, and core values, as well as its domestic and international cooperation programs. Following this, representatives from Panasonic introduced the company and its business divisions. Established in 1918, Panasonic has grown into a global enterprise with a presence in automation, supply chain management software, industry, and energy sectors, beyond its well-known consumer electronics.

In Vietnam since the 1950s and formally established in 1971, Panasonic has contributed to the nation through research, manufacturing, distribution, and CSR activities. The company now operates seven subsidiaries with around 7,000 employees.

An engaging Q&A session followed, with FTU students eagerly asking questions about Panasonic’s internship and recruitment opportunities. Panasonic representatives emphasized that they seek not just the best candidates but the right ones, leaving a strong impression of FTU students’ confidence, presentation skills, and language proficiency.

The delegation also toured FTU’s facilities and campus during their visit.

On November 7, 2024, Foreign Trade University held a solemn ceremony to appreciate domestic and international partners and individuals with outstanding contributions to the development of the university’s international education partnerships.

Attending the ceremony, on behalf of Foreign Trade University, were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Anh Tuan – President; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ho Thuy Ngoc – Dean of the Faculty of International Education; Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Dat – Vice Dean of the Faculty of International Education; along with staff and lecturers of the university.

At the ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Anh Tuan, on behalf of the university leadership, presented Letters of Appreciation to the University of Bedfordshire, the University of Northampton, the University of the West of England, and the University of Sunderland from the United Kingdom; the University of New Brunswick from Canada; Aomori Chuo Gakuin University from Japan; SolBridge International School of Business from South Korea; Ming Chuan University from Taiwan; Vatel Vietnam; Intercontinental Westlake Hanoi Hotel; Intercontinental Hanoi Landmark 72 Hotel; and Maison Vie Restaurant. This was to honor their dedicated and close cooperation in creating an open education ecosystem – embodying the unique spirit of FTU and adding value to the joint training programs that serve as a crucial foundation for learners. Additionally, the President presented the university’s highest honor, the Symbol of Development, to several individuals from these organizations to acknowledge their tireless efforts in strengthening partnerships with FTU, bringing practical benefits to learners.

The partnerships between FTU and its international partners in joint education programs are not only built on cooperation in education but also a deep connection in vision and development goals. These collaborations enrich the curriculum and research activities, while also creating an international academic environment that broadens the knowledge and skills of students and lecturers. Building on this solid foundation, FTU and its partners are committed to achieving even greater success in the future.

On November 1, 2024, Foreign Trade University organized the 7th Forum on Internationalization in Higher Education (FIHE 7) with the theme: "International Branch Campuses: New Approach for Multinational Higher Education Institutions in Emerging Countries."

This year's forum was attended by over 300 delegates from 40 international universities and organizations, 50 domestic universities and organizations, and 25 embassies in Vietnam. The two keynote speakers at FIHE 7 were Mr. Rob Stevens – Global Partnerships Director, Massey University (New Zealand), and Professor Julia Gaimster – Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic, Research, and Student Programs, RMIT University Vietnam.

Attending the forum on behalf of Foreign Trade University were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Anh Tuan – Secretary of the Party Committee and President; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Thi Thu Thuy – Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Thu Huong – Vice President; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Thi Hien – Vice President; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cao Dinh Kien – Director of the International Affairs; heads and deputies of departments, staff, lecturers, and students of the university.

In the rapidly changing global context, developing countries, including Vietnam, are playing an increasingly important role in the international higher education ecosystem. With strong economic growth, the demand for high-quality education that meets global standards is increasing in developing countries. The establishment of international branch campuses by prestigious universities worldwide has become an effective solution to provide students in developing countries with direct access to advanced expertise and resources. This approach marks a significant step compared to traditional globalization models, facilitating cultural exchange as well as cooperation in research and education. Vietnamese higher education institutions are striving to expand their infrastructure but face resource constraints, while international higher education institutions want to establish branch campuses but face numerous challenges. With the aim of creating a forum to share knowledge and experiences about innovative models in international higher education cooperation, Foreign Trade University organized the 7th Forum on Internationalization in Higher Education (FIHE 7).

In his opening speech, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Anh Tuan – Secretary of the Party Committee and President of Foreign Trade University affirmed the university's strong belief in the value of internationalization in education and the connections of educational institutions worldwide. Foreign Trade University recognizes that international branch campuses play a crucial role in providing high-quality higher education, but establishing such campuses is not easy. In his remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Anh Tuan emphasized FTU's commitment to creating a collaborative environment where organizations can exchange solutions to promote inclusivity in education. "FIHE is one of the ways we fulfill this mission," the President emphasized the role of the Forum in building a community of organizations and educators committed to global education. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Anh Tuan thanked experts from around the world for attending the Forum and sharing their experiences and insights on establishing and operating successful international branch campuses.

This year's forum featured keynote presentations from Mr. Rob Stevens – Global Partnerships Director, Massey University (New Zealand), who delivered the presentation "One Opportunity, Three Ways to Go - Learnings from Massey's TNE Expansion into Singapore," and Professor Julia Gaimster – Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic, Research, and Student Programs, RMIT University Vietnam, who shared the presentation "RMIT University - Our Experience in Delivering High-Quality International Education in Vietnam."

The first keynote presentation, "One Opportunity, Three Ways to Go - Learnings from Massey's TNE Expansion into Singapore," was delivered by Mr. Rob Stevens – Global Partnerships Director at Massey University, focusing on Massey's transnational education (TNE) model in Singapore. Mr. Stevens shared Massey's journey from a small agricultural college established in 1927 to a leading university with over 27,000 students, including more than 5,000 international students from over 100 countries. Ranked in the top 3% of universities worldwide, Massey has successfully implemented TNE programs, particularly in Singapore, making it a pioneer in TNE in New Zealand. Based on Massey's experience, Mr. Stevens introduced three viable models for expanding TNE in Singapore: extending existing partnerships, creating joint ventures, and establishing independent branch campuses. He explained that Singapore's favorable legal environment, robust regulatory framework, and English proficiency have made it an ideal market for TNE initiatives. Currently, Massey's TNE model in Singapore serves as the foundation for plans to expand into Vietnam, where the university hopes to offer programs in Computer Science, Business, Agriculture, Creative Arts, and Social Sciences. Mr. Stevens emphasized the importance of choosing culturally aligned partners and maintaining high-trust relationships. He shared that successful partnerships require open communication, patience, and mutual understanding. "Partnership is key," he asserted, highlighting the necessity of aligning organizational values and goals to ensure effective international collaboration.

The second keynote presentation, delivered by Professor Julia Gaimster – Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic, Research, and Student Programs at RMIT University Vietnam, focused on "RMIT University - Our Experience in Delivering High-Quality International Education in Vietnam." Established in 1887, RMIT is globally renowned for its strengths in technology, design, and vocational education. With campuses in Australia, Vietnam, and Spain, RMIT Vietnam was established in 2000 and has grown to become a leading international education institution in the region, with over 12,000 students as of 2023. In her presentation, Professor Gaimster emphasized a commitment to quality assurance through compliance with the standards of the Australian Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) across all its campuses. This commitment is achieved through key measures: applying a consistent policy framework, managing risks aligned with both global and local contexts, and auditing and adjusting services to suit each country. By maintaining an integrated governance system, RMIT ensures academic and operational quality across all its international locations.

Following the keynote presentations, the forum's plenary discussion was moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cao Dinh Kien – Director of the International Affairs, Foreign Trade University. Guests discussed opportunities, challenges, and promising future directions for establishing international branch campuses in developing countries. The plenary discussion featured Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan – Deputy Director General of the Foreign Investment Agency, Ministry of Planning and Investment; Ms. Jennifer Bahen – Education and Research Counsellor, Australian Embassy; Mr. Felix Wagenfeld – Director of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) in Vietnam; and Dr. Trinh Viet Dzung – Southeast Asia Campus Director, Kühne Logistics University.

Ms. Jennifer Bahen, Education and Research Counsellor at the Australian Embassy, shared the embassy's role in supporting Australian universities to collaborate with Vietnamese educational institutions. She emphasized that the embassy not only facilitates the expansion of Australian universities in Vietnam but also helps them deeply understand the cultural, political, and social context of the country. "We don't want Australian universities to come to Vietnam without understanding this country," Ms. Bahen said, emphasizing that understanding cultural and social factors is crucial for ensuring successful and sustainable partnerships. She also stressed that international branch campuses represent their country's image, so the Australian Embassy ensures that Australian universities operate meticulously and bring the best values of Australian education to Vietnamese students. When asked about building strong partnerships that harmonize cultural, educational, and operational differences between universities of the two nations, Ms. Bahen cited examples like the University of Queensland, which recently launched a new collaboration program with Foreign Trade University. According to her, Australian universities need to bring their distinct identities and characteristics to establish themselves in Vietnam. Ms. Bahen also highlighted that collaborations with Vietnam should benefit both parties and expressed the desire to see more Australian students studying in Vietnam, fostering two-way exchange instead of just having Vietnamese students studying in Australia. She believed this interaction would enrich the learning experience and enhance mutual understanding between the two cultures and education systems.

Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, Deputy Director General of the Foreign Investment Agency, Ministry of Planning and Investment, and an alumnus of Foreign Trade University, expressed his pride in returning to his "former home." He shared that Vietnam is aiming to become a high-income developed country by 2045, in line with Resolution 45-NQ/TW dated November 24, 2023, of the 13th Central Committee of the Communist Party, which focuses on building and promoting the role of intellectuals to meet the requirements of fast and sustainable national development in the new phase. He stated that the Ministry of Planning and Investment is also working to promote foreign direct investment (FDI) in Vietnam to support socio-economic development. In the context of education internationalization, Mr. Tuan emphasized that the Ministry of Planning and Investment has been coordinating with the Ministry of Education and Training to facilitate international branch campuses in Vietnam. Although there are still many challenges related to legal and procedural issues, he affirmed that the Ministry of Planning and Investment would strive to develop more supportive policies to attract investment in the education sector and promote the internationalization of higher education in Vietnam.

From the perspective of logistics, Dr. Trinh Viet Dzung – Southeast Asia Campus Director of Kühne Logistics University (KLU), shared KLU's expansion strategy in the region. He stated that KLU aims to expand with three international branch campuses in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, with Vietnam being identified as the most potential market in Asia due to the rapid growth demand in the logistics industry. However, Dr. Dzung emphasized that, as a small university, KLU does not intend to establish an independent campus in Vietnam but will focus on partnerships with domestic universities. According to him, KLU not only wants to "export" workforce from Germany to Vietnam but also wants to deeply understand the social context, market, and specific needs of the logistics industry in Vietnam. KLU's strategy is to closely collaborate with Vietnamese universities to develop training programs that best meet market demands. Through this collaboration, Dr. Dzung hopes KLU can contribute to improving the quality of human resources for the logistics industry in Vietnam and create long-term value for the local market.

Mr. Felix Wagenfeld – Director of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) in Vietnam, shared DAAD's experience in promoting international education cooperation. He stated that DAAD is the largest organization in the world supporting and promoting international education exchange, not only providing opportunities for Vietnamese students to study in Germany but also supporting German universities in developing cooperation programs with Vietnam. According to him, long-term and close cooperation strategies with Vietnamese universities help create a solid foundation for internationalization programs in education, offering Vietnamese students excellent learning opportunities. Mr. Wagenfeld also emphasized that although Germany places less emphasis on establishing independent international branch campuses, the country is particularly interested in transnational education models. Instead of building independent facilities abroad, German universities often choose to collaborate with local educational institutions to implement international study programs directly in partner countries. According to him, this strategy not only saves resources but also helps cooperation programs better adapt to the local cultural and social context, bringing mutual benefits.

In her closing remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Thu Huong – Vice President of Foreign Trade University affirmed, "Throughout today's discussions, the speakers and delegates have unanimously agreed that promoting international cooperation, seizing opportunities, addressing challenges, and ensuring quality standards are the core elements for developing international branch campuses (IBCs) in emerging countries, especially Vietnam." Based on this, the forum has reached consensus on key principles, including: the role of IBCs in expanding access to quality education; addressing challenges; quality assurance and innovation in higher education. Although establishing IBCs may face difficulties due to regulatory and cultural differences, these challenges can be addressed through early engagement with stakeholders and building strong partnerships with local institutions.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Thu Huong emphasized the importance of enhancing education quality and encouraging innovation while continuously improving teaching methods and practices to meet the increasing demands of students and the global education landscape. She also affirmed that maintaining collaborative partnerships creates a closely linked educational ecosystem between universities, governments, and businesses, promoting higher education development and meeting globalization demands while supporting local development.

"These principles reflect our shared vision for the future of higher education in Vietnam and other countries around the world, and we are committed to translating these principles into concrete actions." On this occasion, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Thu Huong expressed her heartfelt thanks and extended a formal invitation for delegates to continue participating in future FIHE events, expressing optimism about the relationships and cooperation opportunities that will expand following this event. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Thu Huong emphasized that FIHE is not only a place for educators and international experts to meet but also a platform for fostering innovation and sharing knowledge among nations. She also expressed hope that FIHE would continue to be a source of inspiration and motivation for future global education initiatives.