"The Aspiration to be in the Top 100 in Asia and the Requirements for Strategy Implementation"

In her opening remarks at the working session, Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Thanh Mai affirmed the determination to bring the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNUHCM) into the top 100 universities in Asia by 2030. This is not only a ranking goal but also a crucial political task. The Director of VNUHCM requested that all units seriously implement the strategy approved by the Prime Minister, adhering closely to core legal documents: Resolution No. 71-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in education and training development, Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation, and especially Conclusion 45-KL/TW on internationalization criteria.

Regarding orientation, the Director of VNUHCM wishes to promote internationalization in two parallel directions: creating conditions for domestic students to study and gain experience abroad and attracting international students to study here. Training takes place at VNUHCM. To achieve this, the development and implementation of training programs taught entirely in English is a mandatory requirement.

Regarding the implementation role, Professor Nguyen Thi Thanh Mai noted that universities need to be proactive in seeking potential student sources and partners. VNUHCM will act as a "bridge" connecting the global partner network, but the universities and faculties are the direct implementers of student recruitment. This coordination needs to be implemented synchronously and consistently from the Board of Directors to the faculties and individual departments.

The impact of the APAIE 2026 International Education Conference on the “VNU-Global” Strategy

At the meeting, Associate Professor Ho Quoc Bang, Head of the External Relations and Project Development Department of VNUHCM, reported on the groundbreaking results after the trip to the Asia-Pacific International Education Conference and Exhibition (APAIE) 2026 in Hong Kong. The VNUHCM delegation Successfully connected with over 225 educational institutions from 61 countries and territories (30% of which are in the QS Top 500). Through this, the participating units discussed 463 potential collaboration opportunities and established a roadmap for signing 22 new Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with strategic partners. Presence at APAIE allows member units to directly access advanced higher education trends and expand opportunities for student exchange with other countries.

During the meeting, VNUHCM also discussed the Action Strategy Design for the period 2026-2030 with the vision “VNU-Global”. The strategy sets specific targets: From 2026-2030, the system aims to attract 5,000 international students to study degree programs (from undergraduate to doctoral levels); and aims for a scale of 5,000 students participating in round-trip exchanges. Inbound and outbound exchange students (TNE) reach 5,000 each year.

To achieve this goal, VNUHCM has identified key tasks including: developing transnational training programs (TNE), standardizing the international credit recognition process, and building a shared online admissions portal. In particular, the system will focus on developing a professional international student support team and investing in modern accommodation infrastructure to create a competitive advantage over other universities in the region.

Initiatives and practical solutions from member universities

Based on the results of the APAIE 2026 meeting, leaders of member institutions proposed several breakthrough solutions to optimize international exchange activities. Accordingly, the engineering, technology, and economics sectors will focus on digitizing management processes, promoting TNE, and implementing paid internships at businesses.

Meanwhile, the basic sciences, health, and humanities sectors will also focus on... The plan focuses on exploring in-depth research areas, developing short-term courses combined with unique cultural experiences, and building a comprehensive support toolkit for international students.

Removing the "bottlenecks," realizing the goals

Concluding the meeting, Professor Nguyen Thi Thanh Mai outlined directions to remove barriers related to infrastructure, curriculum, and administrative mechanisms. Specifically:

Regarding infrastructure, the Director of VNUHCM directed that the existing dormitory system should be utilized to its fullest potential, but a strategic plan is needed to re-plan and invest in a separate, spacious, and well-equipped area specifically for international students. This is considered a prerequisite for creating a professional and friendly learning environment.

Regarding training, VNUHCM will promote the recognition of equivalent credits through online learning platforms (MOOCs). The Director requested the Training Department to coordinate with universities to translate existing learning materials and develop additional "specialized" courses in business. The focus is on attracting students to gain practical experience in Vietnam's business and hospital ecosystem, leveraging its culture, environment, and health aspects.

Specifically, in the area of ​​student recruitment, the Director instructed the Department of External Relations and Project Development to immediately establish a "National University-level International Consulting and Recruitment Unit" to connect participating schools with educational fairs and directly reach students at international high schools.

Finally, the Director affirmed that VNUHCM will work alongside relevant agencies to resolve obstacles related to visa procedures and degree recognition through recommendations and collaboration with central authorities. Functional departments need to quickly issue internal regulations on scholarships and semesters for schools to apply. “Units need to proactively propose solutions and remove barriers to achieve common goals,” emphasized Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Thanh Mai.