By Office of International Affairs, Office of Development and External Affairs
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – 7 July 2026 – The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), EQuest Education Group (EQuest), and Phu Xuan University (PXU) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the Institute of Emerging Technologies (IMT), marking a significant milestone in advancing technology-focused higher education, research, and innovation in Vietnam.
The agreement lays the foundation for a long-term strategic partnership between AIT, EQuest, and PXU. As the first phase of this collaboration, the Institute of Emerging Technologies will serve as a platform for academic excellence, innovation, and international engagement, while creating a pathway toward deeper institutional integration and the potential establishment of an AIT Vietnam university platform in the future.
The MoU was signed by Prof. Pai-Chi Li, President of AIT, Dr. Nguyen Quoc Toan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of EQuest Education Group, and Dr. Dam Quang Minh, President of Phu Xuan University.
Under the agreement, the three institutions will jointly develop a broad range of academic and research initiatives. These include technology-focused professional certificate programs, executive education, and online and hybrid learning in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Industrial Systems Engineering, Robotics, and other emerging technologies. The partnership will also introduce programs in Business Management and Logistics, develop integrated international Bachelor’s–Master’s degree pathways, and establish Master’s and PhD partnership programs for EQuest faculty and staff pursuing postgraduate studies at AIT.
Beyond academic programs, the partners will collaborate on joint research projects, research centers and laboratories, industry-sponsored initiatives, academic publications, and international conferences. The partnership will also promote corporate collaborations, internship and graduate placement opportunities, and innovation ecosystem activities designed to strengthen links between academia, industry, and government.
The MoU signing ceremony, held in Ho Chi Minh City, was witnessed by Mr. Nguyen Manh Cuong, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, and Mr. Le Thang Loi, Chief Representative of the Southern Office of the Ministry of Education and Training, together with distinguished representatives from government, academia, and industry.
Representing AIT at the ceremony were Dr. Sarawut Ninsawat, Dean of the Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology (FAST); Dr. Chantri Polprasert, Assistant Professor of FAST; Dr. Sumana Shrestha, Director of the Office of International Affairs and the Office of Development and External Affairs; and Ms. Chotiros Mongkolchotirat, Director and Executive Secretary to the President.
From AIT Center Vietnam, Dr. Nguyen Xuan Vang, Senior Advisor, and Dr. Phung Van Dong, Executive Director, also attended the signing ceremony.
The establishment of the Institute of Emerging Technologies reflects the shared vision of AIT, EQuest, and PXU to develop internationally competitive education and research in strategic technology fields while supporting Vietnam’s growing demand for highly skilled talent in the digital economy. By combining AIT’s international academic expertise with EQuest’s education ecosystem and PXU’s institutional development strategy, the partnership is expected to accelerate innovation, strengthen industry engagement, and contribute to Vietnam’s transformation into a regional hub for technology and higher education.
