Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Signing Ceremony between the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) and Korea Maritime & Ocean University (KMOU)

03 Feb, 2026

On January 30, 2026, the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) hosted a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony with Korea Maritime & Ocean University (KMOU). The agreement marks a significant step in the internationalization and interdisciplinary development strategies of both institutions, opening up practical opportunities for cooperation in training, research, and international academic connectivity.

Attending the signing ceremony from UEH were: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung – UEH Acting President; Dr. Tran Anh Hoa – Vice Rector of the UEH College of Business (COB); Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Khanh Nam – Head of the Department of Research - Development and Global Engagement (RDGE); Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Duong Phuong Thao – Deputy Head of RDGE; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Mai Dong – Dean of the School of International Business - Marketing (COB); Prof. Dr. Nguyen Truong Thinh – Vice Rector of the UEH College of Technology and Design (CTD); Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trinh Tu Anh – Dean of the Institute of Smart City and Management (CTD); Dr. Dong-Su Yi – Vice Dean of the School of Media Design (CTD); and Dr. Ton Nu Thanh Phuong – Lecturer at UEH Nexus Campus Nha Trang.

From KMOU, attendees included: Prof. Dr. Ryoo Dongkeun – President; Prof. Dr. Kim Junghoon – Head of the Office of International Affairs; Prof. Dr. Hyeongsik – Dean of the College of Logistics Systems Engineering; Prof. Dr. Yang Inho – Vice Director of the RISE Project; Mr. Lee Ilhyung and Ms. Kwon Junghyang – International Cooperation Coordinators.

An overview of the signing ceremony.

Speaking at the ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung emphasized that the MOU marks the beginning of a new chapter in the UEH-KMOU partnership, built on a shared vision for sustainable development and marine conservation. UEH expressed its high regard for KMOU's academic prestige and cooperation potential, while affirming its commitment to integrating sustainable development goals into all its activities. He also highlighted the specific and promising cooperation opportunities, particularly in marine environmental research, in the context of the upcoming launch of the UEH Nexus Campus Nha Trang in Khanh Hoa Province.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung, UEH Acting President, speaking at the ceremony.

On this occasion, UEH representatives also shared the key objectives for the UEH Nexus Campus Nha Trang, which aims to become a pioneering training and research center. The orientations are designed to leverage the advantages of Khanh Hoa and its marine potential, focusing on the sustainable marine economy, marine spatial planning, ocean technology, and international cooperation programs in oceanography and sustainable development.

Representing KMOU, Prof. Dr. Ryoo Dongkeun expressed his admiration for UEH's achievements and development strategy, and his enthusiasm for UEH's strategic focus on the marine environment. He introduced KMOU's core strengths in training and research, particularly in ocean science and maritime technology, supported by advanced infrastructure and a vast international partner network. Based on their shared vision and academic strengths, KMOU affirmed its desire to foster in-depth cooperation with UEH across multiple fronts.

Prof. Dr. Ryoo Dongkeun, President of KMOU, delivering his address.

In an open and practical discussion, representatives from UEH's Colleges, Schools, and Institutes and KMOU agreed to focus on three main areas of cooperation:

Developing joint academic programs: Implementing joint training models such as 2+2 and 3+1 between UEH and KMOU to create flexible international study pathways, promote student mobility, and foster teaching collaboration. These programs will be considered for connection with the UEH Nexus Campus to maximize the advantages of its marine location.
Collaboration on the Asian-Korean Cooperation Fund project: The two sides discussed specific coordination mechanisms, with UEH taking on the role of capacity building, policy support, and local coordination, while KMOU will lead the project proposal development.
Joint participation in and organization of academic events and the "UEH 50" program: Co-hosting international academic conferences and seminars. KMOU particularly affirmed its interest in making a meaningful contribution to the series of events celebrating UEH's 50th anniversary (UEH50) through academic, research, and international engagement programs.

Representatives from UEH's member colleges and schools discussing with their counterparts.

KMOU representatives responding and discussing collaborative activities.

The University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City and Korea Maritime & Ocean University signing the memorandum of understanding.

The MOU signing ceremony between UEH and KMOU concluded successfully. The event not only marks the official beginning of a strategic partnership but also demonstrates the shared determination of both sides to transform vision into tangible action. Both parties are confident that the agreement will create a comprehensive cooperation framework, contributing significantly to expanding the international academic space, driving innovation, and jointly addressing global challenges, especially in the sustainable development of the marine economy.