By Office of Communications and Public Affairs
9 November 2025 – AIT President Prof. Pai-Chi Li visited Vietnam from 4–8 November 2025 to deepen AIT’s partnerships with leading Vietnamese universities and explore new academic collaborations. He was joined by senior officials from AIT and AIT Vietnam. Across the visit, discussions focused on unified programs, joint research, and expanded opportunities for student and faculty exchanges. The visit reinforced AIT’s long-term commitment to Vietnam and its role as a regional partner in technology, innovation, and sustainable development.
MoU Signed with Hanoi National University of Education (HNUE)
On 4 November, the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) and Hanoi National University of Education (HNUE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalize their collaboration and lay the groundwork for future joint activities. Representatives from HNUE and AIT expressed appreciation for formalizing this partnership, noting that the MoU marks an important milestone in the relationship between the two institutions and provides a clear framework for long-term cooperation.
Under the MoU, AIT and HNUE plan to develop and implement Unified Programs in Biotechnology, Data Science, and Semiconductor-related fields, while also promoting academic exchanges, training activities, and joint research. Both sides agreed to strengthen communication and academic support for HNUE’s upcoming programs and internal recruitment efforts so that students and faculty can better access opportunities with AIT. AIT Vietnam will work closely with HNUE to translate the MoU into concrete action plans.
MoU with Nam Can Tho University
On 6 November, AIT and Nam Can Tho University (DNC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding at DNC in Can Tho City, Vietnam, to expand collaboration in support of Vietnam’s digital transformation. The partnership focuses on Business, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and management training for the digital era, including the development of Unified Programs where DNC students complete foundational courses at DNC and advanced modules with AIT faculty. During the meeting, DNC expressed strong interest in strengthening international cooperation and upgrading its postgraduate education, while AIT emphasized its regional leadership in technology, innovation, and interdisciplinary learning.
Prof. Li also highlighted opportunities to collaborate in Semiconductor Engineering to meet growing industry demand in Vietnam, and both sides agreed to promote joint research and capacity building on themes such as the digital economy, AI applications, and sustainable innovation. AIT Vietnam will coordinate with DNC to refine Unified Program proposals in areas such as MBA, IT, and semiconductor-related fields, with DNC’s Office of International Cooperation serving as the focal point.
Strengthening Long-Standing Collaboration with Van Lang University
On 7 November, President Pai-Chi Li and an AIT delegation visited Van Lang University (VLU) in Ho Chi Minh City to review ongoing collaboration and explore new opportunities. VLU President Prof. Nguyen Thi My Dieu emphasized the long-standing relationship between AIT and VLU and highlighted shared goals to further strengthen cooperation in academic programs, research, and student mobility. Prof. Li expressed appreciation for VLU’s continuous support and reaffirmed AIT’s commitment to reinforcing collaboration through joint programs, research initiatives, and faculty and student exchanges, including enhanced Unified Programs in engineering and technology and increased on-campus learning opportunities at AIT for VLU students.
The meeting also explored flexible learning structures such as a “sandwich model,” where PhD candidates complete coursework at AIT and conduct and defend their research in Vietnam, as well as potential dual-degree options at both the Master’s and PhD levels. Both institutions agreed to improve communication and outreach so that VLU faculty and students are more aware of opportunities with AIT, and to continue working-level discussions on enhancing Unified Programs, developing double/dual-degree pathways, expanding student exchange and campus visit programs, advancing joint research collaboration, and promoting faculty exchange and guest lecturing.
Engagement with the AIT Alumni Association Governing Board
In addition to institutional visits, President Li attended the AIT Alumni Association (AITAA) Governing Board Meeting held in Vietnam. His participation underscored AIT’s commitment to engaging its alumni community as a key partner in strengthening AIT’s regional presence, supporting student recruitment, and advancing collaborative initiatives across Asia. The meeting provided an opportunity to connect AIT’s current strategic priorities with the perspectives, networks, and experience of its alumni.
President Li’s official visit to Vietnam resulted in new agreements, strengthened long-standing partnerships, and clear next steps for expanded cooperation with Vietnamese institutions. Through these engagements, AIT solidified its role as a regional partner for universities seeking to advance technology, innovation, and sustainable development in Vietnam and beyond.
