On the afternoon of December 11, 2024, the delegation from Vietnam – Korea University of Information and Communication Technology (VKU), the University of Danang, led by Assoc.Prof.Dr. Huynh Cong Phap, Rector, visited and worked with the Korean Embassy in Vietnam. Joining the delegation were Assoc.Prof.Dr. Nguyen Thanh Binh, Chair of the University Council; Dr. Tran The Son, Vice Rector; and Heads of the Planning – Finance Department, and the Science, Technology, and International Cooperation Department.

Overview of the Working Session

At the Korean Embassy, Mr. Choi Youngsam, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to Vietnam, welcomed the VKU delegation, together with Mr. Yang Ki Sung, Counselor for Science, Technology, Information, and Communications.

Speaking at the meeting, Assoc.Prof.Dr. Huynh Cong Phap – VKU’s Rector, on behalf of VKU’s leaders, staff, lecturers, and students, expressed sincere gratitude to the Korean Embassy in Vietnam for their continuous support and favorable conditions for implementing the project for strengthening academic development of Vietnam – Korea University of Information and Communication Technology with regard to ICT education, research and governance, period 2022-2027. This project, funded by 7.7 million USD from the non-refundable ODA provided by the Korean Government through KOICA, is referred to as the “Korean ODA Project.”

Thereby, Assoc.Prof.Dr. Huynh Cong Phap highlighted VKU’s achievements in 2024. This year, VKU has affirmed its position as one of Vietnam’s leading public universities while making progress toward meeting international standards. In education, VKU achieved remarkable results, with admission scores ranking among the top in the Central region and nationwide. The average entrance score was 24/30 (8 points per subject) for 16 majors and minors, including high-demand fields like Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Semiconductor Design, and Information Security. VKU’s student population reached nearly 7,000, with a projection of 8,000–10,000 students by 2027. In addition, in scientific research, VKU made notable strides. It successfully hosted the 13th CITA International Scientific Conference, drawing leading researchers and experts locally and internationally. Notably, this marks an important milestone as CITA 2025 will, for the first time, be hosted in Cambodia, signifying the expansion of the conference’s scale and influence in the region. VKU also pioneered establishing the ASEAN Community on Information Research (ACIR), fostering research collaboration across Southeast Asia.

Furthermore, VKU continues to expand its business partnerships to create more opportunities for students and lecturers. Collaborating with Hanwha Life and CFK, VKU successfully organized the 5th Central-Central Highlands Informatics Olympiad, attracting over 2,000 students, including many outstanding candidates who joined Vietnam’s International Informatics Olympiad teams. VKU also launched its first Fintech Hub in Da Nang, equipped with modern facilities to meet the training needs in the financial technology (Fintech) field. Additionally, VKU successfully hosted the ‘2024 Korean Invitational Program,’ with 20 students participating in Korea. The university has fostered exchanges and cooperation with strategic partners such as Korea SMEs and Startups Agency (KOSME), the Korea Semiconductor Industry Association (KFIA), Kyunghee University, Soongsil University, and L.LINE Company (Korea). VKU also participated in the K-Unicorn Global Conference 2024 forum.

With support from the Korean Government through the ODA – KOICA Project, in 2024, VKU achieved several significant milestones: two teaching assistants were awarded GKS scholarships; the Semiconductor and Smart Technology Center (SSTH) was established; and a training program for source lecturers on Microchip Design was successfully organized for Da Nang city in collaboration with partners. Additionally, 15 third- and fourth-year students were trained in fields transitioning to Semiconductor Design, and 40 faculty members were sent to participate in study and practical programs in Korea.

These achievements reflect the dedication and tireless efforts of VKU’s leadership, staff, lecturers, and students. They also demonstrate VKU’s aspiration to excel, establishing itself as a leader in higher education domestically and internationally, and strengthening the Vietnam-Korea partnership.

Discussing strategic orientations, Assoc.Prof.Dr. Huynh Cong Phap proposed further attention and support from the Korean Embassy for several initiatives to help VKU become a leading university and a hub for cultural and educational exchange between Vietnam and Korea:

+ VKU seeks support for implementing projects to improve infrastructure, including the construction of new and modern lecture halls to meet the expected scale of 10,000 students by 2030. Particularly, the Vietnam-Korea Cultural Park project will recreate the cultural features of both nations, creating a cultural exchange space and becoming an ideal destination for the Korean community in Da Nang and Vietnam.

+ VKU hopes the Korean Embassy in Vietnam will continue to act as a bridge, introducing Korean businesses and organizations to collaborate with the university. These relationships will provide opportunities to implement research and practical application projects, as well as expand international training cooperation programs, thereby enhancing the quality of education and VKU’s position.

+ VKU also kindly requests the Embassy’s support in facilitating visa procedures for lecturers and students to participate in academic exchange, research, and cultural programs. This not only strengthens the connection between the two countries but also attracts more international students, especially from Korea, to study and experience life at VKU

Mr. Choi Youngsam, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Korea to Vietnam, highly praised VKU’s outstanding achievements over time. He expressed joy and pride in KOICA’s ongoing partnership and support for VKU’s development into its current prestigious status. With the support of both governments, VKU has become a leading university in Information Technology, Communications, and Digital Economy. The Ambassador highlighted the high demand for skilled human resources in IT, Communications, and Digital Economy among Korean enterprises. Thus, the Korean Embassy will offer support, and KOICA Vietnam will accompany VKU to establish a connection channel between the university and the business community. This model will also effectively promote and develop the cooperative relationship between VKU and Korean businesses. He hoped VKU’s excellent students would have more opportunities to receive scholarships from the Korean Government for undergraduate and postgraduate studies and work in Korea. To achieve this, the Korean Embassy will actively advocate with the Korean Government, universities, and businesses to support and collaborate with VKU.

VKU delegation and Korean Embassy in Vietnam take a commemorative photo

Before concluding the meeting, Assoc.Prof.Dr. Huynh Cong Phap expressed deep gratitude for the warm reception from the Korean Embassy. He emphasized that VKU’s recent successes are clear evidence of the deep cooperation and strong friendship between Vietnam and Korea. With profound respect for the affection and support from the Korean people, VKU’s leadership, staff, and lecturers are committed to elevating the university’s position to become a prestigious and high-quality institution, both in Vietnam and internationally. On this occasion, Assoc.Prof.Dr. Huynh Cong Phap extended a formal invitation to His Excellency the Ambassador to attend the university’s 5th-anniversary establishent celebration, expected to take place in early January 2025, marking a meaningful milestone in the cooperation and development between the two sides.

Center for Learning Resource and Communication

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