UEH Welcomes Hokkaido Delegation: Promoting Vietnam-Japan Cooperation and Expanding International Exchange Opportunities for Students

10 Mar, 2026

Within the framework of advancing international cooperation and strengthening academic connectivity, the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) welcomed a delegation from Hokkaido (Japan) for a working session to discuss collaboration orientations between UEH and universities and enterprises in Hokkaido. The visit opened up promising prospects for cooperation in training, research and international human resource development, while creating additional opportunities for academic exchange and global exposure for students from both countries.

Representing UEH were Dr. Dinh Cong Khai, Vice President of UEH; Assoc. Prof. Pham Khanh Nam, Head of Department Research, Development and Global Engagement (RDGE); Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Phong Nguyen, Rector of the UEH College of Business (COB); Mr. Huynh Thuc Dinh, Dean of the UEH Language Institute (LI); Dr. Ho Minh Thang, Vice Dean of LI; Assoc. Prof. Trinh Tu Anh, Dean of the Institute of Smart Cities and Management; Dr. Nguyen Duc Tri, Dean of the School of Tourism; and Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Le Hoang Thuy To Quyen, Deputy Dean of the School of Government .

Representing the delegation were Mr. Yasumichi Fujishima, Director General of the Bureau of Aviation and Ports, Hokkaido Government; Ms. Hiromi Kabuki, Airport Coordination Section Manager, Airport Policy Division, City of Chitose; Mr. Yukinobu Ikawa, Deputy General Manager, Business Planning Division; along with representatives of Hokkaido Prefecture and Sapporo-based enterprises (Hokkaido, Japan)

Overview of visiting and working session of Hokkaido and UEH representatives

Introducing Development Orientation and Expanding Academic Cooperation

Speaking at the working session, Dr. Dinh Cong Khai provided an overview of UEH’s development trajectory and training orientation following its transition from a single-discipline university to a multidisciplinary university. He also emphasized UEH’s commitment to internationalizing higher education, aligning training with practice, and expanding collaboration with academic and industry partners worldwide.

During the discussion, Dr. Dinh Cong Khai proposed several potential areas for cooperation between UEH and partners in Hokkaido in the coming period, including tourism, sustainable development, logistics, economics, innovation and artificial intelligence (AI). Both sides also discussed the possibility of implementing student and faculty exchange programs, through which UEH students could undertake internships at enterprises in Hokkaido and vice versa.

UEH representatives also shared plans to further develop Japanese-language training, with the aim of providing high-quality human resources who are not only professionally competent but also proficient in both English and Japanese to meet the needs of international employers.

Dr. Dinh Cong Khai - Vice President of UEH delivered welcome remarks

Associate Professor Dr. Pham Khanh Nam - Head of the Department of Research - Development and Global Engagement made an UEH introduction

Expanding Collaboration in Urban Development, Logistics and Tourism

During the professional exchange session, Assoc. Prof. Trinh Tu Anh shared insights into development needs in areas such as smart cities and logistics, as well as UEH’s orientation toward expanding training in emerging fields including aviation, metro systems and seaports. Dr. Nguyen Duc Tri emphasized the role of technology in the distribution of tourism products and services, while proposing stronger integration between technology and distribution systems to enhance the efficiency of the tourism sector.

In addition, the UEH Institute of Language and International Studies (UEH LI) was identified as the focal point for coordinating international cooperation activities between UEH and partners from Hokkaido (Japan) in Vietnam

Associate Professor Dr.. Trinh Tu Anh - Dean of the Institute of Smart Cities and Management made a speech

Dr. Nguyen Duc Tri - Dean of School of Tourism shared the potential co-operation in the field of tourism

Cooperation Prospects from the Hokkaido Side

From the Japanese side, Hokkaido representatives expressed strong confidence in the cooperation potential between the two parties, particularly in the context of the ongoing development of Long Thanh International Airport, which is expected to open up opportunities for logistics connectivity and human resource collaboration in the future

Mr. Yasumichi Fujishima, Director General of the Bureau of Aviation and Ports, Hokkaido Government delivered speeches at the working session

Representatives of Japanese enterprises also highlighted the demand for cooperation in developing international human resources. According to a representative of Consumer Co-op Sapporo, the organization currently employs around 500 Vietnamese staff members and hosts more than 300 interns. The internship program has been implemented since 2025, with 40 students participating in its first year and an additional 20 students expected to be admitted this year.

At the same time, Hokkaido representatives expressed their intention to develop plans for launching a direct Vietnam–Hokkaido flight route, which would facilitate study and employment opportunities for students and workers in Hokkaido

A representative of Consumer Co-op Sapporo delivered remarks at the event

Promoting Sustainable Vietnam–Japan Cooperation

The working session opened up promising prospects for long-term collaboration between UEH and partners in Hokkaido, while further reaffirming UEH’s role within international education cooperation networks. Through academic exchange activities and industry linkages, UEH continues to expand opportunities for learners to study, undertake internships and pursue career development in a global environment.

Other highlights from the event: