NUS has inked a series of strategic Memorandums of Understandings (MOUs) with industry and academic partners in Vietnam, marking a new milestone in strengthening the University’s contributions to academic advancement and economic development in Vietnam.
Three MOUs were signed between NUS, Becamex IDC Corporation (Becamex), and the Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park (VSIP) on 18 September 2024 to promote joint initiatives for strengthening Vietnam’s workforce and enhancing its economic competitiveness, particularly in the Binh Duong province in southern Vietnam. The MOUs were signed by NUS Deputy President (Academic Affairs) and Provost Professor Aaron Thean; Chief Executive Officer of Becamex Mr Pham Ngoc Thuan; and General Director of VSIP Mr Nguyen Phu Thinh, at a ceremony held at Binh Duong New City, during a visit by the NUS delegation led by Prof Thean.
These MOUs formalised the partnership between three NUS units and the Eastern International University (EIU), which has been appointed by Becamex and VSIP to undertake the collaborative programmes with NUS for accelerating digital transformation, advancing medical education, and driving research and innovation across Vietnam.
On 19 September 2024, NUS also signed an MOU with Van Lang University (VLU) in Ho Chi Minh City, establishing a partnership to foster deeper collaborations in education and research in a range of academic areas. The MOU was signed by President of VLU, Associate Professor Tran Thi My Dieu, and Prof Thean in a ceremony attended by senior leadership and representatives from both universities.
Highlighting the significance of these strategic partnerships to advance digital skills, research, and innovation in Vietnam, Prof Thean shared, “By integrating advanced research and innovation with continuing education and talent development, we are equipping students and professionals in Vietnam with critical competencies to thrive in the new digital era. The partnerships with Becamex and VSIP underscore NUS’ commitment to drive digital transformation and make an impact beyond Singapore and across the region.”
“We are delighted to partner with VLU in this collaborative effort, which embodies our commitment to fostering innovation and advancing education. This partnership draws upon NUS’ research knowledge and expertise in advanced semiconductor chip design and process technology research, on top of digital technology and transformation which will equip students with the necessary skills for the future workplace,” said Prof Thean. “This partnership highlights the power of cooperation in driving progress towards academic excellence and creating meaningful opportunities in nurturing our students from both countries.”
Partnering to boost educational advancement and economic growth
NUS-ISS, which provides graduate education, executive education programmes, consultancy and research services in digital technology, has established a five-year partnership with EIU to boost digital skills within enterprises in Vietnam. Commencing in a pilot phase offering courses for Becamex executives in the areas of Digital Leadership and Generative AI among others, the programme could be expanded to provide additional training for managerial and executive levels, with the aim of equipping local enterprises with the critical skills to navigate and thrive in an increasingly digital economy.
Central to this initiative will be the creation of a co-branded Digital Skills Academy to facilitate large-scale training, where NUS-ISS will provide consultancy and license its digital skills programmes, as well as provide Train-the-Trainer sessions to ensure effective delivery of these courses by local educators.
EIU will also collaborate with the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (NUS Medicine) to advance medical education and research through a five-year partnership aiming to foster joint research initiatives, enrich educational programmes, and spur innovations in healthcare practices. This new MOU builds on the existing five-year partnership between NUS Medicine and EIU established in 2023, which focused on nursing education and academic research. EIU and NUS Medicine will engage in joint training programmes, faculty development activities, and academic events such as seminars and conferences in Nursing. Additionally, there are plans to explore the creation of a new medical school and simulation teaching facilities in Vietnam.
The third MOU between NUS and EIU establishes a five-year collaboration to advance education and research in Smart Industries and Digital Transformation. Leveraging the expertise of the NUS School for Continuing and Lifelong Education and College of Design and Engineering at NUS, the partnership will focus on creating reskilling and upskilling programmes for Industry 4.0. The three partners will engage in joint training and research initiatives and enhance student mobility through new international programmes. NUS will also provide advisory support for developing state-of-the-art laboratory facilities to bolster cutting-edge research and education.
Commenting on the new collaborations, Becamex Chairman Mr Nguyen Van Hung said, “The strategic partnership with NUS marks a key milestone in strengthening ties between Binh Duong and Singapore, driving long-term cooperation in digital capabilities, scientific research, technological innovation, and human resource development, which are essential to realizing the province’s vision for the future.”
University collaborations for academic excellence
In the collaboration between NUS and VLU, both universities have committed to several key initiatives including the development of reskilling and upskilling programmes focused on integrated circuit design and semiconductor technology, as well as joint training and research initiatives in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The partnership will facilitate the exchange of academic information and resources between the two universities, further expanding mobility programmes for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Additionally, NUS will provide advisory services to VLU on the development of state-of-the-art laboratory systems. This strategic partnership represents a significant step forward in international cooperation for both universities and creates fresh opportunities for Van Lang University’s School of Technology (VLTECH).
President of VLU Associate Professor Tran Thi My Dieu remarked, “The collaboration between NUS and VLU will deliver substantial benefits to students, faculty, and the workforce through joint academic and research efforts.” She further noted, “We have established key initiatives aimed at advancing VLU’s training programmes, enriching student experiences, and improving employability outcomes.”
Advancing ongoing alliances with partners in Vietnam
NUS has plans to expand ongoing collaborations with partners in Vietnam, such as the Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCMC), where pathways are currently available for eligible VNU-HCMC undergraduates to advance into graduate education at NUS.
“We are also keenly pursuing new opportunities with the Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCMC), an important university partner where we currently support their top-performing undergraduates for accelerated graduate studies at NUS, to collaborate in Industry 4.0 training and joint research across strategic areas such as digital technology, AI, fintech, semiconductors, sustainability, and healthcare, and development of leadership training programmes centred on digital transformation, urban solutions, and policy analysis,” said Prof Thean.
