KU Leuven deepens long-term cooperation with Vietnam during Royal State Visit
From 29 March to 4 April, Their Majesties the King and Queen of Belgium conducted a state visit to Vietnam, with KU Leuven joining the official delegation. The KU Leuven delegation was led by Rector Luc Sels and Vice Rector for Biomedical Sciences and Global Development Chris Van Geet.
Engagement with Quy Nhon University (QNU)
One of the highlights of the visit was KU Leuven’s engagement with Quy Nhon University (QNU). At the heart of this partnership is a decade-long Institutional University Cooperation (IUC) project, funded by VLIRUOS and implemented in collaboration with several Flemish universities and university colleges. Designed to strengthen QNU’s capacity in education and research, the project aims to improve the livelihoods and living conditions of local communities.
Since its launch, the IUC programme has been a catalyst for broader academic cooperation between KU Leuven and QNU. Building on this, the two universities signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) last year, establishing a structural framework that will pave the way for broader and more sustainable collaboration in the years to come.
“The collaboration between KU Leuven and QNU has deepened and broadened considerably over the years. The IUC project has played a crucial role in transforming our academic exchange into a structured, interdisciplinary and sustainable partnership with lasting benefits for both institutions.” – Professor Kristiaan Temst, Flemish Coordinator of the IUC with QNU and Chair of the Regional Committee for Southeast Asia
A key benefit of this collaboration is the capacity building through doctoral training. Ten PhD students from QNU, of which five are studying at KU Leuven, are currently conducting research under the IUC framework, addressing regional challenges, such as soil degradation and sustainable agriculture. As such, the collaboration provides access to unique data, fosters knowledge sharing, and supports scientific publications.
Celebrating 30 years of cooperation with Vietnam at Vietnam National University (VNU)
After their visit to QNU, the KU Leuven delegation set off for Vietnam National University (VNU) in Hanoi. Here they celebrated 30 years of impactful research and education partnerships between Vietnam and Belgium.
Vietnam is an important partner country for KU Leuven, with a growing number of collaborations spanning several universities and research institutions. This momentum is also visible at KU Leuven, where Vietnamese students represent the fastest growing non-EU student group, with 264 students enrolled in 2023-2024 and enrollment continuing to grow this academic year.
Vietnam is a major growth hub in Southeast Asia, and this is reflected in an increasing international focus in higher education and scientific research. We have an extensive collaboration with Quy Nhon University through an Institutional University Cooperation (IUC) funded by VLIRUOS. There is also growing collaboration in education and research with institutions such as Vietnam National University, Vietnam Academy of Science & Technology and Hanoi University of Science & Technology. – Luc Sels, Rector of KU Leuven
A dedicated academic seminar showcased joint projects and, together with Vietnamese and Belgian policy makers, explored new avenues for expanding academic cooperation with Vietnamese institutions.
One potential area for enhanced cooperation is the Project 89 scholarship programme, a Vietnamese government initiative to strengthen the skills of academic staff in higher education institutions. Identifying ways to strengthen the programme by deepening the partnership between the Vietnamese Ministry and Belgian institutions could be a valuable step forward.
Research does not happen in isolation; it requires a global perspective and equal partnerships. Vietnamese and Belgian institutions have established an exemplary model of cooperation where both sides contribute and benefit equally. We have developed funding programmes, mobility schemes and institutional support systems that allow our partnerships to flourish. – Luc Sels’s opening speech of the academic seminar on joint research at VNU
Expanding educational opportunities
At Vietnam National University (VNU), KU Leuven signed a memorandum of understanding with the aim of increasing student and staff mobility and launching joint research projects funded by both European and Vietnamese research programmes. Both universities also signed an agreement for a Cooperative Education Programme, which allows VNU engineering students to obtain a 2+2 bachelor degree from KU Leuven by completing the first two years at VNU and the last two years at the Group T campus of KU Leuven.
The KU Leuven delegation also visited the Vietnam Academy of Science & Technology (VUST) and the Hanoi University of Science & Technology (HUST).
Connecting with KU Leuven alumni in Vietnam
During the mission, the KU Leuven delegation had the opportunity to meet with KU Leuven alumni at two special events celebrating the 600th anniversary of KU Leuven.
Among those present was Thi Ngan Vu, KU Leuven alumna and local coordinator of the IUC at QNU. With strong ties to both Vietnam and Belgium, she is one of the driving forces behind the IUC partnership with QNU and plays an important role in bridging cultural perspectives and strengthening collaboration between QNU and KU Leuven.
During my time at the Department of Chemistry at KU Leuven, I had the opportunity to collaborate with various research groups across departments and faculties, and gained valuable training in languages and project management. Being exposed to these different academic perspectives has been really helpful in my current role as local coordinator of the IUC at QNU. Understanding and navigating both academic and cultural differences is key to building strong interdisciplinary partnerships, and I’m proud to use what I’ve learned to make a real impact on the local community here. – Professor Thi Ngan Vu, KU Leuven alumna and local IUC coordinator at QNU
The visit to Vietnam highlights KU Leuven’s ongoing commitment to international cooperation and global development. By actively investing in strategic academic partnerships such as the ones in Vietnam, KU Leuven is able to make a tangible impact through its research and education, while playing a key role in driving sustainable and meaningful progress on a global scale.
Source: https://www.kuleuven.be/global/news-items/ku-leuven-deepens-long-term-cooperation-with-vietnam-during-royal-state-visit
