On April 9, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology – Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (HCMUT – VNU-HCM) in collaboration with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), officially launched the HCMUT-UTS Transnational Education (TNE) Program.
The event was honored by the presence of Ms. Sarah Hooper – the Consul General of the Australian Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City; Associate Professor Dr. Pham Tran Vu – Vice President of HCMUT – VNU-HCM; Mr. Iain Watt – Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International) of UTS; Mr. Leo Mian Liu – Pro Vice-Chancellor (Global Partnerships) of UTS; and Associate Professor Dr. Diep Nguyen – Director of Transnational Education at UTS, alongside representatives from local government departments, agencies, and high schools across Ho Chi Minh City.
In his opening remarks, Associate Professor Dr. Pham Tran Vu – Vice President of HCMUT – VNU-HCM emphasized the significance of the HCMUT-UTS TNE Program Launching Event, describing it as a major milestone in the long-standing educational partnership between HCMUT and UTS. This program will play a vital role in cultivating a highly skilled workforce and accelerating development in both Vietnam and Australia.
Mr. Iain Watt highlighted that this event celebrates more than 15 years of sustainable and successful collaboration between the two institutions. It represents a strategic vision for the future – one that creates new opportunities, strengthens global connectivity, and empowers the next generation of leaders and innovators.
During the launch, Australian Consul General in HCMC Madam Sarah Hooper congratulated both universities on their continued cooperation. She noted that this partnership acts not only as an academic alliance, but also a powerful testament to the deepening comprehensive strategic partnership between Australia and Vietnam. The transnational education program enables Vietnamese students to access a world-class Australian education without the need to study abroad.
The launch also featured a panel discussion on Transnational Education (TNE), during which university leaders and experts shared insights into the future directions and prospects for a deeper collaboration between HCMUT and UTS.
The ceremony concluded with the official signing of the cooperation agreement by Associate Professor Dr. Pham Tran Vu – Vice President of HCMUT – VNU-HCM and Mr. Iain Watt – Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International) of UTS, marking the formal commencement of the HCMUT-UTS TNE Program.
This new initiative builds upon a longstanding collaboration between HCMUT and UTS that began in 2007. Over the years, the partnership has expanded to include the Mechatronic Engineering Bachelor’s Program (2014), a Dual PhD Program (2016), and the establishment of the JTIRC Joint Research Center (2018). The launch of this program marks a significant step forward in the partnership, paving the way for broader collaboration between the two institutions and further advancing Vietnam’s position in the global education landscape.
