The international exchange program between KKU School of Local Administration and UEH College of Economics, Law, and Government

The International Student and Lecturer Exchange Program between School of Local Administration, Khon Kaen University, Thailand (KKU - COLA ) and College of Economics, Law and Government, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH - CELG) was officially launched on August 1, 2023, at Campus B, UEH. This exchange program is under the MOU between Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City; the MOA between KKU School of Local Administration (KKU - COLA) and UEH College of Economics, Law and Government (UEH - CELG). Many academic and non-academic activities were designed to facilitate lecturers and students from both sides to experience art, learning activities, and cultural exchange between Thailand and Vietnam.

The "Roadmap Towards Sustainable Development Goals" program took place at UEH's main campus and Vinh Long Branch from July 31 to August 6, 2023. KKU-COLA and UEH-CELG have implemented the program intending to provide students with opportunities to learn about various cultures, comprehend global sustainability issues, and engage in local actions for sustainable development, thereby cultivating a global citizen mindset. The program attracted 19 KKU members - 03 lecturers and 16 students, and 27 UEH members - 04 lecturers, 17 students, and 06 Vinh Long Branch students.

The overview of the program

On UEH's side, the opening ceremony welcomed Dr. Dinh Cong Khai, Vice President of UEH; Assoc.Prof. Pham Khanh Nam, Vice Rector in charge of UEH School of Economics, Law, and Government; Dr. Nguyen Van Du, Vice Dean of School of Government; MSc. Huynh Phuoc Nghia, Director of the Center for Economics, Law, and Government; MSc. Dang Thi Bach Van, Head of Administration Office. KKU representatives were Dr. Grichawat Lowatcharin, Associate Dean for Academics, Research, and Global Relations, MSc. Kerawee Sangsawang, International Relations Officer, and Mr. Amnat Okrathok, Student Affairs Officer.

At the opening ceremony, UEH vice president Dr. Dinh Cong Khai welcomed the KKU delegation and UEH lecturers, staff, and students who participated in the program. He said in his remarks that UEH-KKU programs are outstanding chances for lecturers and students to share cultural knowledge. Over a week, students will participate in several hands-on activities in the Mekong Delta to learn about the region's economic and environmental challenges and make proposals to improve the quality of life and promote sustainable growth in Thailand and Vietnam.

Dr. Dinh Cong Khai - Vice President of UEH delivering the opening speech

During this initial discussion, Dr. Grichawat Lowatcharin complimented the innovative efforts of KKU and CELG students and encouraged them to continue collaborating on a variety of projects in the upcoming years.

Dr. Grichawat Lowatcharin delivering the opening speech

KKU and CELG students participated in the opening ceremony to represent their schools and countries. After the ice-breaker, Dr. Nguyen Le Hoang Thuy To Quyen delivered a lecture on sustainable development, the program's main topic.

Students participating in ice-breaking activities

On the same day, KKU lecturers and students visited the War Remnants Museum and took a Hop on Hop off tour of Ho Chi Minh City's historical and cultural landmarks.

KKU students visiting Ho Chi Minh City

In the next main part of this program, Vinh Long Branch hosts an academic exchange from August 2–8, 2023. Dr. Nguyen Le Hoang Thuy To Quyen lectured on sustainable development, climate change, saline intrusion into the Mekong Delta, climate change adaptation livelihoods, and orientation writing research design to prepare students for real-world activities.

Images from the lectures

Field trip images taken in Long Ho district, Vinh Long province

The program also held an exchange session between Vinh Long province local governance representatives and students to supplement information and get an overview of the current situation and local policies in supporting people to develop their livelihoods in the Mekong Delta. After the exchange, students grasped the Departments' and Sectors' responsibilities and policies in collaborating with associated parties to help people use the region's internal resources and economic potential to improve their community.

Mr. Luu Nhuan - Director of Vinh Long Irrigation Sub-Department, under the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, shared about the situation of salinity intrusion and its impact on agricultural production in Vinh Long province.

Ms. Phan Hong Hanh – Deputy Director of Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs shared about livelihood development to adapt to climate change in Vinh Long province.

Ms. Tran To Nhu, Operations Manager of "Room To Read Viet Nam" organization under the Gender Equality & Climate Change program shared communication programs on gender equality and climate change in Vinh Long Province.

Mr. Trinh Van Ngoan - Deputy Director of Vinh Long Provincial Department of Education and Training answered students' questions during field trips in Vinh Long province.

On the 5th of August, 2023, at the program's concluding ceremony, the groups of students presented their results after exerting great effort in learning about the knowledge gained through practical activities for nearly a week.

Dr. Nguyen Van Du, Vice Dean of the School of State Administration, and Dr. Grichawat Lowatcharin praised the students for asserting their self-worth, having excellent thinking in the learning process, cooperating, and actively contributing to the successful program. The program brought CELG and COLA students closer together, creating foundations for future cooperation agreement activities.