On the morning of September 4, 2025, at National Economics University (NEU), Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of NEU, met with a delegation from ChuO University, Japan, led by Prof. Dr. Maki Kunimatsu, Vice President of ChuO University.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of NEU, and Prof. Dr. Maki Kunimatsu, Vice President of ChuO University, Japan, at the meeting

Also attending the meeting on behalf of NEU were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dam Quang Vinh, Director of the Center for Distance Education; and Dr. Pham Sy Long, Deputy Head of the Department of International Cooperation.

During the meeting, leaders of NEU and ChuO University discussed strategic directions for cooperation in the coming period, focusing on three key areas: student exchanges, international summer programs, and joint academic programs.

Speaking at the meeting, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of NEU, reaffirmed the strong, longstanding partnership between NEU and ChuO University. The two universities formally established relations in 2005 and have since sustained many effective activities, including student exchanges, cultural and academic exchanges, conferences, and research collaboration. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu emphasized that advancing the internationalization of higher education is one of NEU’s strategic priorities, aimed at improving the quality of education, expanding learning opportunities, and strengthening its international standing.

Regarding student exchanges, the two sides agreed to expand participation and diversify formats, ranging from traditional semester exchanges to short-term programs, internships, and joint research. These activities are expected to help students from both universities not only gain exposure to new academic environments but also develop soft skills and adaptability and experience cultural diversity.

Prof. Dr. Maki Kunimatsu, Vice President of ChuO University, Japan, introduces ChuO University’s academic programs

At the meeting, Prof. Dr. Maki Kunimatsu, Vice President of ChuO University, thanked NEU for its warm hospitality and affirmed that NEU has always been a trusted and strategic partner of ChuO. Prof. Dr. Maki Kunimatsu also noted that, as ChuO University develops and expands its academic programs, it hopes to welcome increasing numbers of NEU students to its short-term courses.

An important topic discussed at the meeting was a short-term cultural and academic exchange program. ChuO’s Vice President said that the university plans to send a student delegation to participate in this program as early as next year and is also ready to welcome NEU students for study and experiential activities. Prof. Maki Kunimatsu also proposed that the two sides jointly develop shared learning modules taught by lecturers from both universities, thereby enhancing interaction, improving academic quality, and giving the cooperative program a distinctive identity.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of NEU, presents gifts and poses for commemorative photos

The meeting also devoted considerable time to discussing the possibility of implementing joint academic programs. The two sides discussed in depth common cooperation models such as 2+2 and 1+1, as well as joint master’s programs, which would allow students to study at both universities and receive degrees awarded by the partner institution. This was viewed as an approach aligned with the globalization of education, helping develop a generation of students with internationally competitive qualifications who can meet the increasingly demanding requirements of the labor market.

Beyond education, the two universities also agreed to jointly organize thematic seminars, summer course programs, and various joint academic activities for lecturers, expanding opportunities for knowledge exchange, strengthening research collaboration, and reaffirming their strong and substantive partnership.

Delegates attending the meeting pose for a commemorative photo

The meeting took place in a cordial and open atmosphere, reflecting the spirit of close cooperation between the two universities. Leaders from both sides valued their shared development directions and agreed to establish a joint implementation team soon to translate their cooperation agreements into concrete actions. Initial efforts will focus on enabling students to participate in the Summer Program and developing a roadmap for joint academic programs in the coming period.

The meeting not only reaffirmed NEU’s determination to expand international cooperation but also opened up prospects for a strong, long-term, and effective partnership with ChuO University, contributing to improvements in the quality of education and research and strengthening both universities’ standing on the global education map.

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.