Hanoi Metropolitan University and the National University of Laos Strengthen Cooperation in Training and Scientific Research

     The National University of Laos (NUOL) was established in 1996 and is the largest and most prestigious university in Laos, under the Ministry of Education and Sports of Laos. With more than 20 faculties, institutes, and research centers, NUOL plays a leading role in the Lao higher education system, offering multidisciplinary training programs in social sciences and humanities, natural sciences, engineering and technology, agriculture and forestry, and economics. The University currently has more than 30,000 students and is a strategic partner of over 300 universities in the ASEAN region and around the world.

Overview of the working session between the National University of Laos and Hanoi Metropolitan University

     Attending the working session, representing the National University of Laos were Mr. Thongsouk Keomany – Vice President of the University; Mr. Bun Xuong Phan Nha Thong – Head of the International Cooperation Office; and representatives from the Faculty of Languages and the Department of Vietnamese Language and Vietnamese Culture. Representing Hanoi Metropolitan University were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Do Hong Cuong – President of the University, together with members of the delegation including: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Dang Trung – Head of the Department of Postgraduate Studies; Dr. Dinh Thi Kim Thuong – Head of the Department of Science and Technology Management and International Cooperation; Dr. Dao Truong Thanh – Head of the Department of Academic Affairs and Student Affairs; and M.A. Pham Ngoc Bang – Director of the Center for Professional Training and Competency Assessment.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Do Hong Cuong, President of Hanoi Metropolitan University, discussed cooperation contents with representatives of the National University of Laos.

At the working session, leaders of the two universities focused on discussing and agreeing upon key cooperation areas, including:

First, cooperation in training:
The two sides will study the development of joint training programs (2+2, 3+1, 2+1+1), creating opportunities for students from both universities to study, exchange credits, and move toward joint degrees or dual degrees in fields of mutual strength.

Second, exchange of lecturers and students in Vietnamese language and Vietnamese culture:
The National University of Laos expressed its desire to strengthen Vietnamese language teaching at the University. The two sides agreed to promote programs for exchanging lecturers and Vietnamese language teaching volunteers, while organizing short-term courses on Vietnamese culture for Lao students and lecturers. This is a practical activity contributing to enhancing mutual understanding between the peoples of Vietnam and Laos.

Third, comparison and alignment of training programs:
The two universities will review and compare training programs in similar disciplines, serving as a foundation for mutual credit recognition and improving training quality in accordance with regional standards (AUN).

Fourth, scientific research and academic journal cooperation:
The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in joint research projects, particularly in areas of shared interest. Notably, the universities will collaborate in academic journal publication through exchanging publications, sharing research articles, and participating in each other’s editorial boards, thereby enhancing the academic reputation and influence of both institutions.

Fifth, international conferences and seminars:
The two universities will coordinate in organizing regular international conferences and scientific seminars, creating academic forums for lecturers, researchers, graduate students, and students from both countries to present research findings and exchange experiences.

Representatives of the two universities exchanged commemorative gifts.

     The cooperation relationship between Hanoi Metropolitan University and the National University of Laos carries profound strategic significance, extending beyond the scope of the two institutions and contributing to the cultivation of the traditional friendship and special solidarity between Vietnam and Laos. This cooperation will help maximize the strengths of both sides, create new opportunities for learning and research for lecturers and students, while affirming the important role of higher education in promoting international integration and developing high-quality human resources for both countries.

     At the conclusion of the working session, leaders of the two universities expressed their confidence that the agreed cooperation contents would soon be effectively implemented, bringing the partnership between the two institutions to greater depth and practicality.