UEH welcomes the working delegation from Simon Fraser University, Canada (SFU) on research opportunities and international cooperation development

20 Sep, 2025

On September 15, 2025, the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) held a meeting and working session with a delegation from Simon Fraser University (SFU), Canada. The session aimed to exchange and discuss potential cooperation in education, research, and international programs, opening prospects for sustainable collaboration between the two institutions in the near future.

In attendance from the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) were Prof. Dr. Nguyen Khac Quoc Bao – Chairman of the University Council; Dr. Tran Anh Hoa – Vice Rector, UEH College of Business; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Khanh Nam – Rector, UEH College of Economics, Law and Government; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trinh Thuy Anh – Vice Rector, UEH College of Technology and Design; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Phong Nguyen – Standing Deputy Head, Department of Research Management – International Cooperation (RM–IC); Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Duong Phuong Thao – Deputy Head, RM–IC.

From Simon Fraser University, Canada, attendees included Dr. Dilson Rassier – Provost and Vice-President Academic of SFU and Ms. Vinitha Gengatharan – Executive Lead of International Strategy at SFU, together with Ms. Nguyen Thi Cam Tu – Trade Commissioner – Consulate General of Canada.

During the working session, the leaders and representatives of the two universities discussed development strategies, signature academic programs, as well as strengths in scientific research and innovation. Both sides recognized numerous alignments in development orientations, especially in areas such as technology, sustainable energy, global development, and interdisciplinary studies.

Panoramic view of the meeting session

Speaking at the session, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Khac Quoc Bao – Chair of the University Council emphasized UEH’s commitment to building an innovative learning environment that applies technology to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the digital era. At the same time, UEH places particular importance on sustainability values, demonstrated through many activities and research endeavors aimed at a green future. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Khac Quoc Bao also expressed delight in welcoming SFU – a reputable partner with strengths in academics and research – and hoped that this meeting would mark the beginning of an effective, long-term, and meaningful cooperation between the two universities.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Khac Quoc Bao – Chairman of the UEH University Council delivers the opening remarks at the meeting

Representing SFU, Dr. Dilson Rassier – Provost and Vice-President Academic conveyed appreciation for UEH’s warm reception and expressed enthusiasm at the opportunity to directly exchange with one of Vietnam’s leading universities. He emphasized that SFU consistently values the expansion of international cooperation, particularly in the Asia–Pacific region, and highly regards UEH’s multi-disciplinary vision linked with innovation and sustainable development.

Dr. Dilson Rassier – Provost and Vice-President Academic of SFU delivers remarks at the meeting

Within the cooperation discussion framework, Dr. Dilson Rassier – Provost and Vice-President Academic expressed a desire for the two sides to focus on strategic areas with global impact such as sustainable energy, development of clean hydrogen hubs, robotics, and global technology. In addition, SFU hopes to explore academic cooperation models with UEH through pathway programs, international projects, and related initiatives.

Sharing about cooperation directions, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Khanh Nam – Rector of the UEH College of Economics, Law and Government noted common ground and stressed that both UEH and SFU are multi-disciplinary universities, thereby sharing many similarities in development orientations as well as approaches to global issues. In particular, both institutions are deeply interested in economics and the environment, where research and training strengths can be leveraged to jointly develop cooperative programs, interdisciplinary projects, and initiatives for sustainable development.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Khanh Nam – Rector of the UEH College of Economics, Law and Government shares remarks

Concluding the exchange, UEH leadership and Simon Fraser University (SFU), Canada agreed to continue maintaining close contact, exchange information, and promote concrete steps to realize the proposed cooperation directions. Both sides expressed the expectation of soon building joint programs and projects in education, research, and innovation, particularly on themes of global significance and sustainability.

Some additional images from the meeting session:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trinh Thuy Anh – Vice Rector, UEH College of Technology and Design discusses potential cooperation activities between the two sides