KU Leuven welcomes high-level delegation from Quy Nhon University, Vietnam
On 22 August, KU Leuven welcomed a high-level delegation from Quy Nhon University (QNU) in Vietnam. The visit marked an important milestone in a decade-long cooperation established through an Institutional University Cooperation (IUC) project funded by VLIR-UOS and involving four Flemish universities.
The IUC project with QNU aims to improve the livelihoods of local farmers in the Quy Nhon region by strengthening QNU’s educational and research capacity in agricultural and environmental sciences. The newly appointed Rector of QNU, Prof. Duc Tung Doan, explained that:
“The IUC-project is a cornerstone in QNU’s ongoing transformation process towards higher quality education.”
IUC as a driver of change
Prof. Kristiaan Temst, IUC coordinator at KU Leuven, explained that the scope of the project goes beyond academic exchange to also include institutional capacity building that can foster sustainable systemic change. He noted that:
“The IUC-project addresses not only education and research, but also university management issues.”
The IUC initiative includes five scientific research projects focusing on agriculture, food, environmental sciences and renewable energy. Additionally, it includes two “transversal” sub-projects aimed at strengthening QNU’s institutional capacity. These sub-projects focus on modernising university management, digitising student services, improving e-learning, optimising research and library management, and improving laboratory safety and waste management.
As such, the impact of this collaboration is significant, benefiting both the university and the local community by fostering sustainable progress. Underlining the importance of the partnership, Vice Chancellor Chris Van Geet (KU Leuven) stated that:
“The partnership with Quy Nhon University is a testimony to our commitment to global development. It is an honor to work alongside such a dedicated team at QNU, and we are excited about the positive results it will bring to both researchers from QNU and KU Leuven, and especially about the impact for the population in Vietnam.”
Strengthening ties
The large delegation from Quy Nhon University (QNU), which included the current and former rector as well as directors of various departments, underlined the importance of the project for all faculties and administrative services of the university.
Building on the success of their ongoing collaboration in the IUC project, KU Leuven and QNU also explored new opportunities for cooperation. To further strengthen this commitment to a long-term partnership, Prof. Duc Tung Doan and Prof. Chris Van Geet signed a Memorandum of Understanding at KU Leuven’s international office.
Exploring best practices
During their visit to KU Leuven, the delegation also visited several KU Leuven laboratories to understand best practices in laboratory management, with a focus on safety and waste management. They learned about organisational structures and safety protocols, and had the opportunity to meet KU Leuven professors from different faculties during a networking lunch. The day ended with a convivial dinner where key lessons were shared.
In the following days, the QNU delegation continued its exchange with other academic partners involved in the IUC project, visiting institutions in Hasselt, Ghent and Kortrijk.
The visit from Quy Nhon University (QNU) underlined KU Leuven’s commitment to fostering global development through impactful collaborations. The ongoing IUC project underlines the shared ambition of both universities to enhance the quality of education, advance research and support sustainable community development. The successful exchange and the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding reinforce the universities’ shared ambitions and promise further progress on an international scale in the years to come.
Cre: https://www.kuleuven.be/global/news-items/ku-leuven-welcomes-high-level-delegation-from-quy-nhon-university-vietnam
