On the evening of March 9, 2024, the Institute of International Education at National Economics University (NEU) held a ceremony to announce the Decision establishing the Vietnam–Belgium Master’s Program Alumni Liaison Committee and a ceremony to sign Memoranda of Understanding on Cooperation between the Institute of International Education and businesses to strengthen university–business connections and provide learners with diverse professional and practical experiences.

An overview of the program

External guests attending the event included Pham Manh Con, Secretary General of the Vietnam–Belgium Friendship Association; Vu Hoang Lien, President of the Vietnam Internet Association; Trinh Dinh Long, Chairman and Chief Consultant of AMICA – Business Development Solutions; Nguyen Tien Dat, Director of AZA Travel and Euro Beer; Nguyen Thanh Binh, General Director of VinaStone; Pham Van Hai, General Director of Hanvico; and Le Mai Hoa, General Director of ROXY Vietnam Joint Stock Company and Movenpick Hanoi Centre Hotel, among others.

Representing NEU were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho, Secretary of the Party Committee, Chair of the University Council, and Chair of the NEU Alumni Network Executive Board; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Trung Thanh, Dean of the Institute of International Education; and representatives of the leadership of the University’s departments, faculties, and institutes.

The Vietnam–Belgium Master’s Program at National Economics University (NEU) is a joint master’s program between NEU and the Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management, Free University of Brussels (Kingdom of Belgium), directly implemented by the Institute of International Education at NEU since 1997. It is one of the earliest and most successful international joint academic programs in Vietnam. The Institute of International Education currently continues to offer the joint graduate program under the name International Master’s Program at National Economics University – IMD@NEU, as well as the International Bachelor’s Program IBD@NEU.

Through 17 cohorts, the Vietnam–Belgium Master’s Program has demonstrated the quality of its education, with more than 1,500 graduates who have achieved career success, including many key managers and experts at large businesses. To strengthen connections with businesses, diversify alumni activities, and enhance the practical relevance and professional experiences offered by its academic programs, the Institute of International Education established the Vietnam–Belgium Master’s Program Alumni Liaison Committee and signed Memoranda of Understanding on Cooperation with alumni businesses on March 9, 2024. The cooperation covers five engagement activities integrated into the curricula of the two programs: the International Master’s Program – IMD@NEU and the International Bachelor’s Program IBD@NEU. Through these activities, undergraduate and master’s students at the Institute of International Education will have opportunities to meet entrepreneurs to exchange ideas and learn, visit businesses, and receive one-on-one guidance and advice from the alumni community.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chair of the University Council, speaks at the event

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho, Chair of the University Council of NEU and Chair of the NEU Alumni Network Executive Board, emphasized that connections between universities and businesses are essential. Such engagement will help advance the missions and development strategies of universities and businesses in general, while enhancing the standing of each party and contributing to higher education, the development of high-quality human resources, and socioeconomic development locally and nationally. “Universities and businesses can connect in many different ways, from professional activities in which businesses participate, such as teaching and advising universities, to practical activities such as accepting student interns, recruiting, and developing their workforce from the University’s pool of high-quality students. In addition, the two sides can cooperate in research and development, jointly carrying out research projects to create value for both,” said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho.

Vu Hoang Lien, Head of the Vietnam–Belgium Master’s Program Alumni Liaison Committee, shares his remarks

Vu Hoang Lien, President of the Vietnam Internet Association and Head of the Institute of International Education’s Vietnam–Belgium Master’s Program Alumni Liaison Committee, said that he and the alumni community are always ready to contribute what they can to the University and its undergraduate and master’s students. “This is a wonderful opportunity for our alumni community to meet and connect, while working together to provide opportunities for practical experience, employment, and development for the country’s future generation through the diverse educational experiences proposed by the Institute of International Education.” Vu Hoang Lien, Head of the Vietnam–Belgium Master’s Program Alumni Liaison Committee, also affirmed: “For the business community, building a network connecting students and alumni that creates opportunities for learning and cooperation, establishes a professional learning and working community, and supports sustainable development is essential and meaningful for both the University and businesses.”

Memoranda of Understanding on Cooperation are signed between the Institute of International Education and 10 organizations and businesses

The Institute of International Education at NEU is responsible for developing and implementing international collaborative academic programs in economics, management, and business administration to leverage the University’s combined strengths.

With nearly 30 years of experience implementing undergraduate and graduate programs in cooperation with foreign partners, the Institute of International Education has brought together a network of 3,500 graduate and undergraduate alumni who currently work in various fields and sectors of Vietnam’s economy. They include many key managers and experts at large businesses.

Memoranda of Understanding on Cooperation were signed between the Institute of International Education and 10 organizations and businesses: the Vietnam Internet Association; AMICA – Business Development Solutions; Aza Travel Company; Mövenpick Hotel Management Group; MCG Talent Training and Development Joint Stock Company; NielsenIQ Vietnam Market Research Company; VinaStone; Planet Impact Co., Ltd.; BK-Holdings; and Hanvico.

These memoranda mark an important milestone in strengthening university–business relations. They enable both sides to better leverage their respective strengths to support one another in sustainable, long-term development. The cooperation includes business speakers (guest speaker), business lecturers (guest lecture), advising (mentoring), organizing site visits (field-trip), and accepting student interns (internship). This cooperation is expected to offer IMD@NEU master’s students and IBD@NEU undergraduate students at the Institute of International Education a learning environment with a wealth of hands-on business experiences. The signatory businesses were all founded by alumni of the Institute of International Education.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Trung Thanh, Dean of the Institute of International Education at NEU

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Trung Thanh, Dean of the Institute of International Education at NEU, emphasized the importance of alumni as a resource.

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Trung Thanh, the Institute of International Education’s alumni community comprises more than 1,500 master’s alumni and more than 2,000 undergraduate alumni, all of whom have established their reputations. They represent a valuable source of knowledge and management expertise, working at numerous businesses, corporations, and state agencies in Vietnam, as well as international organizations. “The Institute of International Education is confident that the alumni and business communities will actively work alongside the University, bringing valuable knowledge and practical experience and creating positive value for learners,” said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Trung Thanh.

MSc. Nguyen Hoang Ha, Head of the Department of Political Affairs and Student Management, serves as master of ceremonies at the event

Some photos from the program:

Article and photos: Institute of International Education and 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.