Author: Lê Quang Tuấn

 

Even before the programme began, the entrances to T45 Hall at Thuyloi University were already packed. Most of the audience were K68 freshmen, but among those looking for seats were also international students, staff members, lecturers and local residents who had heard about the event. As the last seats were filled, many people remained standing, eager to immerse themselves in a cultural celebration rarely seen on a university campus.

On the evening of 15 September, the international cultural exchange programme entitled “Colours of Integration – Welcome New Students K68” offered a meaningful way to welcome new students, not merely through words of encouragement but through direct encounters between cultures, between international artists and Vietnamese youth, and between students beginning their university journey and an increasingly open and globally connected learning environment.

The programme was attended by H.E. Mr. Tshering W. Sherpa, Ambassador of India to Viet Nam; H.E. Mr. Poshitha Perera, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Viet Nam, and his spouse, Ms. Kethma Rajapaksha Yapa, Minister Counsellor at the Embassy of Sri Lanka; Ms. Phan Lan Tu, President of the Hanoi Vietnam-India Friendship Association; Ms. Nguyen Thi Nhung, Deputy Director General of the Department of Student Affairs, Ministry of Education and Training; and Mr. Navendu Kumar, Chairman of INCHAM Hanoi. Representing Thuyloi University were Assoc. Prof. Dr Nguyen Huu Hue, Permanent Vice President, together with leaders of the University’s departments, staff members, lecturers and students.

The appeal of the evening lay in its combination of traditional cultural values and youthful energy. Twelve artists from the Punjabi folk troupe “Kuljeet Singh & Party” brought the culture of Punjab, India, closer to the audience through traditional dance, singing and instrumental performances.

The powerful rhythms of the Dhol drum, the energetic movements of Bhangra, the graceful charm of Giddha and the vibrant colours of traditional costumes quickly swept the audience into the festive atmosphere. The boundary between the stage and the auditorium seemed to disappear as applause, cheers and hands moving in time with the music transformed T45 Hall into a lively celebration of Punjabi culture in the heart of Hanoi.

Each performance offered more than unfamiliar music and dance. It also gave the audience a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural life of the Punjabi people, the joy found in labour, love for one’s homeland, strong community bonds and an enduring spirit of optimism. Through the language of art, values that might once have seemed distant became accessible and relatable to Vietnamese students.

The participation of “Kuljeet Singh & Party” artists was made possible through cooperation between Thuyloi University and the Embassy of India in Viet Nam. The event created another space for cultural exchange between the younger generations of the two countries, while demonstrating how culture can serve as a natural and enduring bridge for strengthening mutual understanding and friendship among nations.

Speaking at the programme, Assoc. Prof. Dr Nguyen Huu Hue, Permanent Vice President of Thuyloi University, noted that “Colours of Integration” was more than the name of a cultural event, it embodied the spirit that the University wished to inspire among its students. Every country has its own culture, just as every student has a distinct personality, story and colour. When these colours come together through respect, openness and mutual sharing, they help create a diverse, humane and highly creative university environment.

For K68 freshmen, that message was conveyed directly from the stage. Rather than simply sitting in the auditorium and receiving the University’s welcome, they actively participated, performed and played a key role in connecting the various parts of the programme.

One of the evening’s standout participants was Ngo Gia Binh, a student of Class 68CNK at the School of International Education. Despite having only recently begun his studies at Thuyloi University, Gia Binh was selected as the bilingual Vietnamese–English MC for an event attended by ambassadors, representatives of the Ministry of Education and Training, friendship organisations and a large number of international guests.

In front of a full auditorium, the K68 freshman confidently switched between the two languages, introduced the cultural significance behind each performance and connected the artists with the audience. The sight of a first-year student confidently leading an international event during his own cohort’s welcome night gave the programme a distinctive character. It also provided tangible evidence of an educational environment that is ready to give students opportunities to demonstrate their abilities, embrace new challenges and grow from their very first days at the University.

The spirit of international integration was further reflected in the participation of international students and interns from France, the Netherlands, Taiwan, Laos and elsewhere, alongside their Vietnamese peers. Songs performed in different languages, acoustic music, modern dance and collaborative performances created a colourful cultural mosaic in which each individual retained their own identity while contributing to a shared sense of connection.

International integration was no longer an abstract concept. It could be seen in a freshman confidently hosting the programme in English; in the collaboration between Vietnamese students and their international friends; in the audience’s enthusiastic response to art forms they were experiencing live for the first time; and in the presence of local residents who came to share in the festive atmosphere.

The performance of “We Are the World” by Vietnamese and international students captured the essence of the programme. As phone lights illuminated the auditorium, voices, languages and nationalities came together in a shared message of peace, solidarity and hope.

The fact that T45 Hall reached full capacity well before the programme began demonstrated more than the appeal of an international arts event. More profoundly, it reflected young people’s desire to discover, engage and connect. For the K68 cohort, “Colours of Integration” marked the beginning of their university journey with an emotionally rich experience, while extending an invitation to every student: to confidently bring their own unique colour and join in shaping a youthful, diverse and globally minded Thuyloi University.

 

 

On the afternoon of September 14, 2026, Thuyloi University welcomed a delegation from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce of the Lao PDR (MOIC), led by Mr. Sanya Somvichith, Deputy Director General of the Department of Energy, Ministry of Industry and Commerce. The delegation also included Dr. Khampaseuth Thepvongsa, President of the Lao National Large Dam Committee, along with representatives from various ministries, departments, institutes, and related agencies from Laos. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Canh Thai, Vice Rector of Thuyloi University, chaired the meeting. Joining him were leaders of the Department of Science, Technology and International Cooperation, representatives from the Faculties of Civil Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Electrical-Electronic Engineering, and relevant academic departments. Additionally, Lao international students and PhD candidates studying at Thuyloi University participated in the session.

With a warm atmosphere that reflects the strong brotherly relations between the two countries, both sides discussed cooperation goals and actionable efforts regarding human resource training, technology transfer, and international cooperation in water resources management in general, and dam safety management in particular.

Speaking at the meeting, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Canh Thai emphasized that Thuyloi University deeply appreciates the proactive goodwill for collaboration shown by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce of the Lao PDR, expressing the desire to expand cooperation across two main pillars: training and scientific research & development. Representatives from TLU’s  departments also shared practical experiences in the inspection, management, and safe operations of dams, proposing that both sides should regularly organize scientific seminars and regional research collaborations to enhance academic and technical exchanges.

Photo: Assoc.Prof.Dr. Nguyen Canh Thai – Vice President of Thuyloi University, chaired the meeting

Mr. Sanya Somvichith, Deputy Director General of the Department of Energy (Lao MOIC), expressed a strong desire to bolster cooperation with specialized training and research institutions in Vietnam’s dam safety sector, including Thuyloi University, by implementing joint training programs, training high-quality human resources, sharing curricula, and transferring practical expertise in technical appraisal and technology application. He also proposed potential joint initiatives in scientific research, international cooperation, and engineering applications for projects in Laos.

Photo: Mr.Sanya Somvichith – Deputy Director General, Department of Energy, MOIC

During the discussion, Dr. Khampaseuth Thepvongsa, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the National University of Laos (NUOL), shared insights into the development context of dam safety and water resource management in Laos. To meet ongoing development goals, Laos is executing numerous large-scale projects covering the design, construction, operation, and management of domestic dam systems.

“Building scientific capacity and training operational personnel is extremely critical. In the coming years, the orientation of the Lao PDR Government focuses on a self-reliant model where the National University of Laos will serve as the core hub for training and science & technology for the nationwide dam safety sector, reducing dependence on foreign experts,” shared Dr. Khampaseuth Thepvongsa.

Photo: Prof.Dr.Khampaseuth Thepvongsa – Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, NOUL

Dr. Bui Quang Cuong, Deputy Head of the Department of Science, Technology and International Cooperation at TLU, delivered a presentation highlighting TLU’s advances in science, technology, and engineering, as well as its practical local deployment experience regarding dam safety and water management. As a leading research center in Vietnam for dam safety and water resource management, Thuyloi University expressed its readiness to share engineering lessons and practical expertise with Laos, supporting its partner agencies in capacity building, operational readiness, and incident handling.

Photo: Dr. Bui Quang Cuong, Deputy Head of Department of Science, Technology and International Cooperation, Thuyloi University, presenting dam solutions utilizing local materials

Dr. Khampaseuth Thepvongsa expressed his hope that relevant agencies, together with the National University of Laos and Thuyloi University, will jointly design these programs to create a structured training and exchange roadmap to fulfill urgent sector demands in Laos.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides agreed to continue driving cooperation forward through experience exchanges, knowledge transfers, scientific seminars and workshops, and evaluating potential joint training ventures. Practical future cooperation plans, especially between Thuyloi University and the National University of Laos, will help promote technical exchange, expand partnerships, and strengthen ties between TLU and Lao ministries and departments.

 

 

On August 28, 2026, Thuyloi University welcomed a delegation from Tohoku University (Japan), led by Professor Teiji Tominaga, President of Tohoku University, for a visit and working session with the University’s leadership. The visit aimed to strengthen cooperation between the two universities, further promote the network of Tohoku University alumni in Vietnam and connect Tohoku University with researchers and high-quality human resources in Vietnam.

The working session was chaired by Professor Nguyen Trung Viet, President of Thuyloi University and Chairman of the Tohoku University Alumni Association in Vietnam (TUAAV), with the participation of representatives from  units of Thuyloi University, as well as lecturers and researchers who are Tohoku University alumni.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the long-standing cooperation between Tohoku University and Thuyloi University and discussed future directions for collaboration, focusing on key areas including human resource training and development, scientific research and innovation, leveraging the alumni network and promoting cooperation among faculty members and students.

Speaking at the meeting, Professor Teiji Tominaga shared key aspects of Tohoku University’s development strategy. As one of Japan’s leading research universities, Tohoku University has a history spanning more than 100 years and is renowned for its cutting-edge research fields, including materials science, spintronics, data-driven medicine, disaster science and semiconductors. In late 2024, Tohoku University became the first university in Japan to be designated by the Japanese Government as a “University for International Research Excellence.” This designation provides an important opportunity for Tohoku University to expand its international partnerships, including collaborative activities with Thuyloi University.

Professor Tominaga expressed his hope that the two universities would continue to expand academic exchanges and strengthen connections between their research groups in areas of shared expertise. He also emphasized the importance of further enhancing the role of the Tohoku University Alumni Association in Vietnam as a bridge for international cooperation and business connections in the years ahead.

As part of Professor Tominaga’s visit, the Tohoku University Alumni Association in Vietnam (TUAAV) also organized a seminar entitled “Alumni – A Bridge for Knowledge, Innovation and Partnership.”

Speaking during the discussion session, Professor Nguyen Trung Viet, Chairman of TUAAV, outlined key directions for the development of the alumni network in the coming period, including strengthening academic cooperation, promoting research with practical applications, focusing on students and young researchers and improving information-sharing and alumni networking systems. TUAAV aims to go beyond being a conventional alumni association and become a genuine bridge for knowledge, innovation, and talent between Tohoku University and Vietnam.

During their visit and working session at Thuyloi University, the Tohoku University delegation also held an information session introducing academic programs, scholarships, and research opportunities available to Vietnamese undergraduate students, graduate students, and doctoral candidates. The session attracted considerable interest and participation from Thuyloi University students, providing them with an opportunity to learn directly about the academic and research environment at Tohoku University, as well as scholarship application requirements and procedures for future opportunities.

The visit and working session of Professor Teiji Tominaga and the Tohoku University delegation at Thuyloi University contributed to strengthening the long-standing relationship between the two universities while opening up new prospects for cooperation in education and training, scientific research, alumni network development and business connections in the coming period.

Department of Science, Technology and International Cooperation

 

 

From 3 to 14 August 2026, two lecturers from the Division of Hydraulic Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Thuyloi University, attended the “5th ITEC Comprehensive Course on Disaster Risk Management (for ITEC Partner Countries)” at the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) in New Delhi, India. The training course was organized under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme of the Government of India, with the aim of sharing knowledge and strengthening the capacity of partner countries.

The National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) is an institution under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, with responsibilities for training, research, capacity building, and policy support in the field of disaster risk management. According to the organizers, the course brought together 53 participants, including 39 international delegates from 19 countries across Asia and Africa, along with experts and teaching staff from Indian universities. The multicultural learning environment provided participants with valuable opportunities to exchange experiences, compare disaster management models, and expand their professional networks.

The course covered a wide range of topics, from India’s national institutional framework and governance for disaster risk management to solutions addressing various types of hazards, including earthquakes, floods, landslides, and tsunamis. In addition to technical topics, considerable attention was devoted to increasingly important aspects of modern disaster risk management, including resilience, early warning systems, community psychology and behavior, gender equality, protection of vulnerable groups, and the role of communication in raising public awareness. These issues were also considered in relation to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Sustainable Development Goals.

As part of the discussions, representatives from participating countries introduced an overview of their respective disaster risk management systems and shared practical lessons and experiences from their countries. The delegation from Thuyloi University delivered a presentation on the current situation of disaster management in Vietnam, highlighting the University’s areas of specialized research and its strengths in applying modern technologies to flood risk management. The training also provided an opportunity to introduce Thuyloi University’s academic expertise as well as its training and consultancy capabilities to the international disaster management community.

Alongside lectures and classroom discussions, the lecturers visited, held working sessions with, and gained first-hand insights into several specialized agencies within India’s disaster management and response system. At the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), participants observed training activities and rescue drills and learned about modern equipment used in search and rescue operations. Visits to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the National Centre for Seismology enabled participants to learn more about observation, forecasting, and early warning systems, as well as the application of GIS, remote sensing, digital data, and artificial intelligence in disaster monitoring.

In addition to professional activities, the course provided opportunities for cultural exchange among participants from different countries through an international cultural evening organized by the Institute. The programme also included a visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, allowing participants to learn more about India’s history, culture, and architecture.

Participation in the training course not only enabled the lecturers from Thuyloi University to update their knowledge of modern international approaches to disaster risk management, but also provided valuable practical lessons from India’s experience in disaster management. India shares a number of similarities with Vietnam in terms of natural conditions, while having developed an advanced disaster management system. The knowledge and experience gained from the course will be further studied and integrated into teaching, research, and consultancy activities at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, thereby contributing to Thuyloi University’s international integration and strengthening the University’s contribution to disaster risk reduction and sustainable development.

 

 

On the afternoon of 29 May 2026, Thuyloi University (TLU) held a working meeting with Mr. Bastian N. Chacko, the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of India in Hanoi, Vietnam, to discuss concrete directions for cooperation in education, scientific research, human resource development, and cultural exchange. The meeting opened up new opportunities for collaboration, contributing to the University’s internationalization efforts and further enhancing its position within the global academic community.

Prior to this meeting, Thuyloi University and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC) of the Embassy of India in Hanoi held working sessions on 15 October 2025 and 8 December 2025 with Dr. Monica Sharma, Director of the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre. During these meetings, the two sides reached agreement on several important areas of cooperation, including the preparation and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which will serve as the foundation for implementing long-term collaborative programmes.

During the meeting, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Canh Thai, Vice President of Thuyloi University, emphasized the importance of signing the Memorandum of Understanding with the Embassy of India. The proposed cooperation would facilitate the invitation of visiting professors, subject specialists, and English language instructors from India to teach in several of the University’s advanced academic programmes, including Water Resources Engineering, Civil Engineering, and English Language, with financial support from the Government of India. The two sides also agreed to develop a two-week short-term training programme in India for TLU’s managerial staff. In addition, both parties agreed to promote activities introducing Indian culture and the Hindi language, as well as student cultural exchange programmes, with the aim of strengthening mutual understanding and fostering closer connections between the younger generations of Vietnam and India.

Mr. Bastian N. Chacko, the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of India in Viẹtnam expressed his interest in establishing an “India Corner” at the Thuyloi University Library. The proposed space will serve as an academic and cultural resource centre, providing students and faculty members with access to a wide range of materials on India’s history, culture, education, science, and technology, thereby enriching the University’s multicultural learning environment.

Furthermore, the Embassy of India reaffirmed its commitment to promoting Government of India scholarship programmes among TLU students and faculty members. The Embassy also proposed collaborating with the University to organize international scientific conferences, thematic seminars, cultural festivals, and academic exchange activities to further strengthen educational cooperation between the two countries. In addition, both sides discussed the possibility of organizing one- to two-week training programmes in India for the University’s administrative and support staff, contributing to enhanced university governance, practical management experience, and international integration.

The meeting was held in a warm, friendly, and constructive atmosphere, with both sides reaching broad consensus on future areas of cooperation. The outcomes not only strengthen the partnership between Thuyloi University and the Embassy of India in Hanoi but also create new opportunities for learning, research, and international exchange for the University’s faculty members, staff, and students, supporting its long-term goal of sustainable development and deeper integration into the regional and global higher education landscape.

Department of Science, Technology and International Cooperation

 

 

On the morning of 10 July 2026, Thuyloi University (TLU) welcomed a delegation from Chiang Rai Rajabhat University (CRRU), Thailand, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kasorn Kasama, Dean of the Faculty of Accounting, together with 19 delegates. The visit aimed to explore opportunities for collaboration in education, scientific research, and international academic exchange.

Established in 1973, Chiang Rai Rajabhat University (CRRU) is located in Thailand’s northernmost province of Chiang Rai (https://crru.ac.th/). As the first higher education institution in Chiang Rai Province, CRRU serves as a leading university for local development in Northern Thailand and the Upper Mekong region, contributes to address regional social, cultural, and economic needs by enhancing educational quality, developing human resources, and strengthening community capacity. Its education and research activities emphasize applied knowledge, innovation, and experiential learning in priority fields such as logistics, tourism, creative industries, ethnic cultural heritage preservation, and environmental sustainability.

CRRU actively promotes internationalization with the vision of becoming a university dedicated to local development across the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). Through academic partnerships, foreign language capacity development, and academic exchanges with higher education institutions across ASEAN, China, Europe, and other regions, the University advances cross-border education, applied research, and professional training aligned with regional development priorities.

During the meeting, Dr. Natthaphon Santhi, Assistant to the President, expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome extended by Thuyloi University and provided an overview of CRRU’s history, development strategy, academic strengths, research activities, and international cooperation. Guided by its mission of supporting local development within the Greater Mekong Subregion, Chiang Rai Rajabhat University has established strong expertise in logistics, tourism, innovation, cultural heritage preservation, and sustainable development. Meanwhile, Thuyloi University is one of Vietnam’s leading higher education institutions in education, research, and technology transfer in the fields of water resources, hydraulic engineering, engineering, environmental sciences, and sustainable development.

Representing Thuyloi University, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Thanh Phuong, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Accounting and Business, introduced the Faculty’s academic strengths and proposed the development of a sustainable bilateral partnership in accounting education. The proposed cooperation would build upon the complementary strengths of both institutions while addressing the growing demand for high-quality human resources in the context of regional and international integration.

The two universities also discussed a wide range of potential collaborative activities, including student and faculty exchange programmes, joint research projects, co-organization of international scientific conferences, and strengthened connections between their academic units. Both sides further expressed their aspiration to expand cooperation in areas of shared expertise, thereby enhancing educational quality and promoting international integration.

The meeting was held in a warm, open, and constructive atmosphere, yielding positive outcomes that lay an important foundation for future collaborative initiatives between Thuyloi University and Chiang Rai Rajabhat University, while further strengthening educational cooperation between Vietnam and Thailand.

Photos from the meeting

Department of Science, Technology and International Cooperation

Photos: Department of Political and Student Affairs