VIENTIANE, 4–6 November 2026 — A delegation from National Economics University (NEU), led by Professor To Trung Thanh, Vice President, visited the National University of Laos (NUOL) to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on academic cooperation and attend the university’s 30th anniversary celebrations. The visit built on the institutions’ successful collaboration in master’s-level education and opened avenues for further academic engagement.

Signing an MoU to expand academic cooperation

On 4 November, the NEU delegation met with NUOL’s leadership in Vientiane to discuss priorities for the next phase of cooperation. Alongside Professor To Trung Thanh, NEU was represented by Dr Pham Sy Long, Deputy Director of the Department of International Cooperation. NUOL participants included Professor Phouphet Kyophilavong, Vice President; Associate Professor Vadsana Chanthanasinh, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business Management; Mr Amkheng Phenglasi, Deputy Head of the Office of Cabinet and International Relations; and representatives of the Faculty of Social Sciences.

Representatives of NEU and NUOL during their meeting

During the meeting, Professor To Trung Thanh and Professor Phouphet Kyophilavong signed the MoU on behalf of their respective universities. The agreement provides a framework for staff, researcher and student exchanges; collaborative research and publications; sharing academic resources and expertise; and jointly organising conferences, seminars and other academic activities.

Building on the success of a master’s-level training programme previously undertaken by the two universities, the MoU also provides for exploring new collaborative education programmes, including postgraduate programmes in areas of mutual interest. Any specific programme will be developed in accordance with applicable regulations and the internal approval procedures of both institutions.

Professor To Trung Thanh, Vice President of NEU, and Professor Phouphet Kyophilavong, Vice President of NUOL, sign the MoU

Representatives of the two universities present the signed MoU

Professor To Trung Thanh and Professor Phouphet Kyophilavong exchange commemorative gifts

The new framework enables the universities to build on previous achievements and consider further practical initiatives through their academic units.

The NEU delegation also visited NUOL’s Faculty of Economics and Business Management for discussions on educational cooperation and closer links between academic units. The exchange provided an opportunity to identify areas aligned with the strengths and priorities of each institution.

The NEU delegation meets NUOL’s Faculty of Economics and Business Management

Joining NUOL’s 30th anniversary celebrations

On 5 November, the delegation attended NUOL’s 30th anniversary celebrations. The event brought together representatives of the Lao government, NUOL leaders, international university partners, and members of the university community. The anniversary highlighted NUOL’s achievements over three decades in education, research and human resource development. The programme also featured meetings with international partners and displays of academic and research activities.

Looking ahead

The visit strengthened the foundation for continued cooperation between NEU and NUOL, from building on an established master’s-level training partnership to exploring further opportunities in postgraduate education, research and academic exchange. The newly signed MoU and direct faculty-level discussions offer a basis for identifying shared priorities and developing future initiatives.

University leaders and international guests at the floral tribute to President Kaysone Phomvihane

University leaders and international delegates at NUOL’s 30th anniversary celebration

NEU’s engagement also reflects its commitment to educational cooperation with institutions in Laos, supporting academic exchange, human resource development and the longstanding friendship between Vietnam and Laos.

Prepared by: Department of International Cooperation and Communications Department, National Economics University