Platform for cooperation in education

As Vietnam aims to become an innovation and knowledge-driven economy, how should local universities rethink internationalization to become centers of knowledge, technology, and globally-competitive talent?

I believe universities need to shift from the traditional approach to internationalization, which has largely focused on student mobility and the number of international partnerships, toward a more value-driven model of global engagement.

To achieve this, I would highlight what I call the Three Cs: Creation, Competitiveness, and Connectivity.

Creation: Universities should place greater emphasis on transnational research and ensure that academic research does not remain on library shelves but is translated into practical applications that benefit industry and society. This approach also reflects the GUCI model, which stands for Government, University, Community, and Industry, and underscores the importance of close collaboration between all stakeholders.

Competitiveness: Higher education today is no longer only about developing technical knowledge. It is equally important to cultivate cross-cultural adaptability, entrepreneurial thinking, and the ability to solve complex, multidisciplinary problems. This is why we emphasize internationalization at home, bringing the world to Vietnam while also bringing Vietnam to the world.

Connectivity, particularly through Transnational Education (TNE): TNE encompasses various models, including joint-degree programs, dual-degree programs, branch campuses, and other collaborative arrangements. These partnerships enable institutions to share expertise, improve educational quality, and expand learning opportunities without requiring students to be physically mobile.

Ultimately, internationalization should no longer be measured simply by the number of students crossing borders. Rather, it should be measured by how effectively universities bridge academia and industry, connect local communities with global networks, and generate the knowledge and human capital needed for the future.

Based on your experience across Southeast Asia, what distinguishes a successful internationalization strategy from one focused only on student exchanges and short-term partnerships?

While I previously focused on the Three Cs, I would answer this question using what I call the Three Us: Union, Utility, and Universe.

The first is Union. Universities should move beyond one-to-one bilateral partnerships and expand collaboration through regional consortiums and university networks. Organizations such as the ASEAN University Network and initiatives under the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization, including the Asian International Mobility for Students Program, provide valuable platforms for multilateral cooperation.

Many universities have signed hundreds of MoUs, but the more important question is: What impact have these created? Rather than measuring success by the number of MoUs, institutions should maximize their impact by participating in regional networks that facilitate collaboration between multiple partners.

The second is Utility. Universities should invest in shared infrastructure and joint research platforms that create tangible value for all partners.

For example, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and the Hanoi University of Science and Technology are both recognized for their strengths in science and technology. Institutions with complementary expertise could establish joint research centers and share facilities. Such collaboration enables joint supervision of postgraduate students, strengthens research partnerships, increases high-quality joint publications, and ultimately enhances the international reputation of all participating institutions.

The third is Universe, which emphasizes building a broader ecosystem of collaboration beyond universities themselves. This is what I refer to as the GUCI model, bringing together Government, Universities, Communities, and Industry.

Universities should not focus solely on research within their own institutions. The knowledge they generate should be transferred to industry and society, creating real benefits for local communities. In this sense, internationalization extends beyond university-to-university cooperation. It should also involve government agencies, industry partners, and the wider community to ensure that education and research contribute to sustainable social and economic development.

Taken together, these three principles demonstrate that a single collaborative initiative can generate multiple long-term benefits. I believe this is one of the most effective approaches to building a sustainable and impactful internationalization strategy.

Education diplomacy is still a relatively new concept in Vietnam. From Malaysia’s experience, what institutional mechanisms have been most effective in advancing higher education diplomacy?

Malaysia has benefited greatly from strong partnerships with international organizations. Like Vietnam, we work closely with the British Council. We also receive significant support from the EU Delegation through the Erasmus+ program, which has played an important role in promoting higher education cooperation and international collaboration.

In Malaysia, higher education diplomacy is built on close coordination between the Ministry of Higher Education, universities, and international partners. This ecosystem includes organizations such as the British Council and the EU Delegation as well as Japanese educational institutions and other global education networks.

Education diplomacy should never rely on a single institution. It requires alignment between government, universities, and international partners. Only through this collaborative approach can international education initiatives be implemented effectively, expanded sustainably, and create long-term impact.

Building on successful partnerships such as those between Vietnam and Laos, how can Vietnam encourage more cross-border university collaboration?

There are already several successful examples that Vietnam can build upon. One is the Asia Technological University Network. My university, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, is one of its founding members, and a Vietnamese university is also part of this network. This demonstrates the value of regional collaboration.

Another important platform is the ASEAN University Network. I believe Vietnam should make greater use of these regional networks because they create a multiplier effect. Instead of limiting cooperation to bilateral partnerships between two universities or two countries, these networks enable broader collaboration across the entire Asian region. I believe this should be one of the key directions for the future.

What opportunities does Vietnam have to strengthen its position in regional and global higher education, and what should it avoid in pursuing this goal?

Vietnam has significant opportunities to strengthen its international standing. As President of the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education, I believe Vietnamese universities have a great deal to offer, particularly through their rich cultural identity, growing academic capacity, and increasing international engagement.

One example is the Erasmus+ program. As the Erasmus+ National Focal Point, I have observed that Asia receives one of the largest allocations of Erasmus+ funding, particularly through Capacity Building in Higher Education projects. Vietnamese universities have secured a remarkable number of these projects, exceeding those awarded to some neighboring countries, including Malaysia. This reflects the strong confidence that international partners have in Vietnam’s higher education sector and provides an excellent foundation for further internationalization.

Based on data from the European Commission, Vietnam has also become one of the most attractive destinations in Asia for European students participating in international mobility programs. This creates an important opportunity for the country to strengthen its role as a regional hub for academic exchange and student mobility.

More importantly, I believe Vietnam has the potential to become a trusted regional connector, serving as a bridge for education, research, and collaboration across Asia and beyond. By combining high-quality education, research excellence, and stronger regional partnerships, together with the strong commitment of the Ministry of Education and Training, Vietnamese universities can move beyond simply participating in ASEAN higher education initiatives to becoming key drivers of innovation, talent development, and sustainable growth across the region.

At the same time, Vietnam should avoid one of the biggest pitfalls we have experienced in Malaysia: allowing universities to compete in isolation. Institutions should not view one another as rivals. Rather, they should collaborate, recognize each other’s strengths, and build synergies that strengthen the entire higher education ecosystem.

Internationalization is not only about transnational education or overseas partnerships. It also requires strong collaboration between universities within the same country, alongside partnerships with government, industry, and international organizations. If universities focus solely on competing with one another, they risk undermining the broader goal of building an internationally-competitive higher education system.

Ultimately, collaboration, not competition, will be the key to advancing Vietnam’s internationalization agenda.