UEH Welcomes High-Level Delegation from the Kingdom of Belgium and Hosts Vietnam-Belgium Dialogue on “Advancing Road Safety Through Virtual Learning and Research”

04 Apr, 2025

On the morning of April 3, 2025, a high-level delegation from the Kingdom of Belgium, along with representatives from Belgian universities and businesses, visited and worked with the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH). The event was part of the official visit to Vietnam by the King and Queen of Belgium, marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Belgium. At the same time, the event aimed to promote international cooperation in traffic safety and the application of smart technology to address urban issues during the "United for Safer Roads: A Vietnam - Belgium Collaboration for Advancing Road Safety Through Virtual Learning and Research" seminar, organized jointly by UEH, Hasselt University (Belgium), and the National Traffic Safety Committee.

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, at the invitation of the President of Vietnam - Luong Cuong, the King and Queen of the Kingdom of Belgium made an official visit to Vietnam, continuing a future of strong collaborative development. As part of this official visit, on the morning of April 3, 2025, a high-level delegation from the Kingdom of Belgium, including the Minister of Communications and Brussels of Flanders - Mrs. Cieltje Van Achter, representatives from the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Flanders, representatives from the Government of Flanders, along with representatives from Belgian universities and businesses, visited and worked with the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City.

Welcoming the delegation, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Dong Phong - Party Committee Secretary, Chairman of the UEH Council - emphasized the determination to aspire towards UEH's global position - prioritizing innovation, sustainable development, and international integration. At the same time, the Professor affirmed Belgium's support for UEH in particular and Vietnam in general in the fields of education, research, and innovation, marking a long-term development in partnership relations as well as promoting the sciences and societies of both nations.

Delegates from UEH welcomed the delegation from the Kingdom of Belgium: Ms. Cieltje Van Achter - Minister of Communications and Brussels; Prof. Dr. Bernard Vanheusden - Rector of Hasselt University; along with representatives from the government, the business sector, and universities from the Kingdom of Belgium.

To promote international cooperation, enhance road traffic safety, and apply virtual reality technology to address urban issues, the seminar on Vietnam - Belgium cooperation themed “United for Safer Roads: A Vietnam - Belgium Collaboration for Advancing Road Safety Through Virtual Learning and Research” was co-organized by UEH, Hasselt University, and the National Traffic Safety Committee. It took place in Room B1.205, UEH B campus.

The program was attended by a delegation from the Kingdom of Belgium, including Ms. Cieltje Van Achter - Minister of Communications and Brussels; Professor Bernard Vanheusden - Rector of Hasselt University; representatives from the government, business sector, and universities of the Kingdom of Belgium; along with Mr. Le Kim Thanh - Vice Chairman of the National Traffic Safety Committee; Dr. Tran Huu Minh - Chief of Office of the National Traffic Safety Committee; representatives from relevant agencies and Vietnamese universities and businesses. From UEH, there was the participation from Professor Nguyen Dong Phong - Chairman of UEH Council; Professor Su Dinh Thanh - President of UEH; Professor Nguyen Khac Quoc Bao - Vice President of UEH; Associate Professor Phan Thi Bich Nguyet - Chairwoman of UEH Strategy and Policy Advisory Council, along with representatives from the Management Board of member schools and Heads of departments.

The overview of the seminar in room B1.205

Sharing at the seminar, Prof. Dr. Su Dinh Thanh - President of UEH - expressed his gratitude to Vietnamese and Belgian partners who have always accompanied UEH while showing his desire to continue strengthening cooperation for a sustainable future: “For many years, Vietnam and Belgium have shared a strong commitment to promoting education, research, and innovation. Traffic safety - a crucial issue for both countries - has always been the focus of the cooperation relationship between the two sides. The collaboration of the two countries in seeking knowledge-based solutions is clearly reflected in the solid partnership between educational and research organizations. This cooperative relationship has continuously developed, including specialized training programs as well as joint research aimed at enhancing traffic safety in Vietnam. Master's programs in traffic science and specialized training courses for professionals in the field of traffic safety have also brought significant benefits to many Vietnamese students. We have made important strides in addressing urgent traffic safety issues while fostering close cooperation between the government and the academic community.”

Prof. Dr. Su Dinh Thanh - President of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City - sharing at the seminar

Prof. Dr. Bernard Vanheusden - Rector of Hasselt University - sharing at the seminar

At the seminar, the speakers shared several important contents including:

The topic "Vision Zero Approach in Vietnam’s Traffic Context" presented by Mr. Le Kim Thanh - Vice Chairman of the National Traffic Safety Committee. This topic discussed the Vision Zero concept - aiming for a transportation system without fatalities or serious injuries - an ambitious goal but based on practical scientific foundations and profound humanitarian considerations. This approach reflects a fundamental mindset shift that traffic accidents are not inevitable but the result of shortcomings in the traffic system that we can and must address. Consequently, it asserts Vietnam's commitment to pursuing the Vision Zero goal in the future through effective management, policy innovation, and the application of technology in traffic safety.

The topic "From Classroom to Smart Cities: Understanding and Improving Traffic Safety with Emerging Technologies" presented by Prof. Davy Janssens - Research Institute of Transport, Hasselt University. This topic shared about the technology and techniques applied to innovate traffic safety education and urban planning. Additionally, the Route2School project from Hasselt University was presented with the goal of improving infrastructure for vulnerable road users, especially schoolchildren.

The topic "Smart Education & Platform for Road Safety" presented by Assoc. Prof. Trinh Tu Anh - Director of the Institute of Smart City and Management, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City. In this session, Assoc. Prof. Trinh Tu Anh shared the Route2School project developed by IMOB (Hasselt University, Belgium) that has been introduced into Vietnam by UEH with the aim of raising traffic awareness among teenagers through two platforms: an e-learning gamification application with real traffic scenarios and VR Cycling to practice safe riding skills. The presentation also focused on expanding this model to Thailand, the Philippines, India, and Sri Lanka with the goal of enhancing safe traffic participation culture in the region.

Mr. Le Kim Thanh - Vice Chairman in charge of the National Traffic Safety Committee - presented on the topic "Vision Zero Approach in Vietnam’s Traffic Context"

Prof. Dr. Davy Janssens - Research Institute of Transport, Hasselt University - presents on the topic “From Classroom to Smart Cities: Understanding and Improving Traffic Safety with Emerging Technologies”

Assoc. Prof. Trinh Tu Anh - Director of the Institute of Smart City and Management, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City - presents on the topic “Smart Education & Platform for Road Safety”

Appreciating the seminar, Mrs. Cieltje Van Achter - Minister of Communications and Brussels of Flanders, emphasized the importance of education in a sustainable traffic safety strategy. According to her, lifelong learning plays a core role, as behavior change cannot happen instantly but requires a continuous process. Equipping road users with knowledge not only helps reduce the risk of accidents but also shapes a generation of citizens who are more responsible when participating in traffic. In addition, Mrs. Cieltje Van Achter affirmed the role of technology as an important tool to enhance traffic safety, support teaching and research, and provide practical solutions for urban areas. However, improving traffic conditions cannot be the sole effort of an individual or an organization; it requires close collaboration between the government, academic organizations, and businesses. Only through knowledge sharing, mutual learning, and a commitment to action can we create sustainable change.

"Today's seminar is not only an event for academic exchange but also lays an important foundation for long-term collaborations aimed at a safer and more sustainable traffic community. I do urge all stakeholders to continue accompanying each other, together creating impactful solutions that contribute to positive changes in traffic in the future" Mrs. Cieltje Van Achter emphasized.

Ms. Cieltje Van Achter - Minister of Communication and Brussels of Flanders - sharing at the seminar

For a long time, Belgium has always been an important partner of UEH in particular and Vietnam in general in education, research, and innovation, continuing and spreading knowledge values while expanding many meaningful collaboration opportunities. Annually, hundreds of Vietnamese students move to Belgium for study and research. There are more than 5,000 Vietnamese alumni from Belgian universities who are contributing their expertise in various fields. As a leading unit in sustainable development, innovation, and integration, UEH is proud to work alongside Belgium to promote educational and research initiatives, contributing to the sustainable development of both nations.

Additional images from the seminar:

The ceremony to honor Mrs. Cieltje Van Achter - Minister of Communication and Brussels of Flanders on the VIP guest wall during a visit and work at UEH

Representatives of both sides exchanging commemorative gifts during the seminar

The seminar featured the participation of many experts, researchers, and businesses from both domestic and international sectors to discuss solutions for enhancing road traffic safety in Vietnam

Discussion session at the seminar “United for Safer Roads: A Vietnam - Belgium Collaboration for Advancing Road Safety Through Virtual Learning and Research”