Hong Bang International University welcomes 20 leading U.S. Universities: A strategic leap in the internationalization of education

On April 3, 2025, Hong Bang International University (HIU) formally welcomed a high-level delegation from the U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, the Institute of International Education (IIE), and senior representatives from 20 prestigious American universities. The visit took place under the framework of the “Vietnam International Academic Partnership Program” (IAPP Vietnam), marking the 30th anniversary of Vietnam–U.S. diplomatic relations.

This event not only reflects HIU’s long-standing commitment to international academic engagement but also signifies a pivotal moment in building strategic, comprehensive partnerships with top-tier U.S. institutions. Cooperation directions include joint training programs, research collaborations in high-tech fields, academic and student exchanges, and industry-aligned workforce development.

The visit represents a major step forward in implementing Vietnam’s national policy on educational internationalization and affirms HIU’s position as a trusted partner within the global higher education network.

Strategic partnership opportunities with top U.S. Institutions

Opening the event, Mr. Justin Walls, Representative of the U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, stated: "This is a journey of sustainable development. Today, we continue writing this story by building profound academic connections between our two countries." He expressed pride in supporting HIU’s initiatives to foster educational cooperation—an increasingly strategic pillar in modern U.S.–Vietnam relations.

Ms. Sammer Saleh Jones, Head of Delegation for IIE and Director of Global Relations at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, emphasized:"This visit is more than a meeting—it’s a valuable opportunity to connect, exchange, and co-create meaningful educational values in a globalized context."

U.S. delegates also presented specific proposals for collaboration, demonstrating thorough research and enthusiasm for working with HIU.

HIU: A Rising Partner in U.S.–Vietnam Education Strategy

As a dynamic private university, HIU offers nearly 50 undergraduate programs, 25 postgraduate programs, and continuing education for over 3,000 learners, serving a student body of 15,000.

With state-of-the-art facilities, internationally standardized curricula, and a clear practice-oriented research focus, HIU is emerging as a highly capable partner for U.S. institutions seeking collaborative expansion in Vietnam.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lê Khắc Cường, HIU Vice President, stated: "We are committed to building practical, long-term models of cooperation with U.S. universities, particularly in high-quality human resource training and applied research. This is a strategic move for HIU to integrate more deeply into the global academic network."

The U.S. delegation expressed interest in hearing HIU’s insights and co-developing sustainable, value-driven academic collaborations.

Proposed Strategic Cooperation Areas:

• Bilateral training pathways: Programs such as 4+2 for medical doctors, 4+1 for pharmacists, and 3+1 for nursing to facilitate international degree access for HIU students.

• Academic and student exchanges: Faculty mobility, joint international conferences, and workshops.

• Medical technology research: Joint projects on health innovation and medical advancements.

• Community engagement: Grassroots health initiatives, disease prevention education, and student entrepreneurship support.

• Workforce development: Joint programs with U.S. corporations to meet global labor market demands.

Dr. Vũ Thị Phương Anh, Director of the Institute for Training and International Cooperation at HIU, highlighted the long-term cultural and educational value of hosting U.S. students in Vietnam: "I believe today’s connection isn’t a coincidence—it’s a generational bridge. The youth of today will go out into the world, and one day return to carry that torch forward."

The U.S. delegation toured HIU’s advanced labs and training facilities, particularly in health sciences, and expressed special interest in the “Sulyna Hotel,” HIU’s hands-on training center for hospitality and tourism management students. They enjoyed student-made Vietnamese pastries and beverages, praising the program’s creativity and professionalism.

Through strategic partnerships with top U.S. institutions under the IAPP framework, HIU is not only expanding its international reach but also contributing directly to Vietnam’s long-term educational and workforce development goals. This initiative also aligns with national priorities outlined by Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính during a March 31, 2025 meeting with the U.S. university delegation: "Education and training are top national policies; science, technology, and innovation are strategic breakthroughs; international cooperation is a fundamental solution."

Notable U.S. University Participants

• Duke University (North Carolina): renowned for medicine, health sciences, engineering, business, and public policy.

• Stanford University: a global leader in technology, engineering, medicine, business, and social sciences.

• Rutgers University: known for excellence in healthcare, pharmacy, and life sciences, with top schools like Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: distinguished in engineering and computer science.

• Washington University in St. Louis (WashU): world-class in medicine and social sciences, home to the acclaimed WashU School of Medicine.

Source: HIU Admissions & Communications Center