On the morning of September 22, 2025, National Economics University (NEU) opened the ninth “Overseas Immersion Program,” with 70 lecturers and students from NEU and Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Singapore, taking part.

An overview of the event

Representing NEU at the opening ceremony were Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President; Dr. Le Viet Thuy, Director of the Center for Information Technology Applications; and Dr. Pham Sy Long, Deputy Head of the Department of International Cooperation. Representing Ngee Ann Polytechnic was Mario Goh, Head of the Ngee Ann Polytechnic delegation. Faculty, staff, and students from both institutions also attended.

The “Overseas Immersion Program” is one of the notable international cooperation programs launched by NEU and Ngee Ann Polytechnic in 2022 and maintained continuously over the past four years. Across nine editions, the program has attracted more than 600 Vietnamese and Singaporean students, helping strengthen the close partnership and providing valuable experiences in learning, research, and cultural exchange. With its reputation and distinctive appeal, the Overseas Immersion Programme has become an academic and cultural exchange program that many students look forward to each year.

In September 2025, the program was held again, with 30 students from Ngee Ann Polytechnic and 37 students from NEU taking part. The program features a diverse and wide-ranging set of activities, including academic sessions on Vietnam’s business environment, green tourism, the startup ecosystem, and traditional arts, alongside company visits, cultural excursions, and Vietnamese cooking classes. Through these activities, students not only gain direct exposure to Vietnam’s dynamic socioeconomic realities but also have opportunities to deepen their understanding of its culture and people, building friendships and lasting international networks.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President, delivers remarks

In his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President, expressed pride in NEU’s longstanding role as a trusted and reputable partner of Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Singapore. The Vice President affirmed that the Overseas Immersion Programme is not only a vivid demonstration of the friendship and lasting cooperation between the two institutions but also an opportunity for students to develop a global mindset, gain practical experience, and build a solid foundation for their future careers. With its established reputation, the program promises to continue delivering practical value and unforgettable experiences for participating students.

Mario Goh, Head of the Ngee Ann Polytechnic delegation, delivers remarks

Speaking on behalf of the Singaporean delegation, Mario Goh, Head of the Ngee Ann Polytechnic delegation, expressed his deep gratitude to the NEU Board of Presidents for their support and for creating favorable conditions for the Overseas Immersion Program to flourish. He said he was moved by the University’s thoughtful and warm welcome, sharing that although the delegation had arrived in Hanoi only one day earlier, its members had already clearly felt NEU’s friendliness and warmth.

In particular, Mario Goh praised NEU students’ English proficiency and enthusiasm, as well as the professionalism of the program’s organization. He expressed confidence that this edition of the program would be a great success, not only connecting students from the two institutions but also laying a solid foundation for an increasingly broad and deep partnership between NEU and Ngee Ann Polytechnic.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President, presents gifts and poses for a commemorative photo with the Ngee Ann Polytechnic delegation

Representatives of the unit’s leadership present gifts and pose for a commemorative photo with students participating in the program

The Overseas Immersion Program is not only a demonstration of friendship and mutual trust but also a symbol of NEU’s growing international stature. The University is confident that this close partnership will continue to open up new opportunities and make practical contributions to educational development and cultural exchange between Vietnam and Singapore in the future.

Some photos from the program:

Article and photos: Department of International Cooperation & Department of Communications

This is an automated translation. If you notice any errors, please contact the Department of Communications, National Economics University at phongtruyenthong@neu.edu.vn.