On the morning of July 11, 2024, the Faculty of Economics at National Economics University (NEU), in collaboration with Boise State University (BSU) in the United States, organized a scientific conference on “Internationalization of Higher Education: Best Practices in Research and Student Exchange Programs in Business and Economics.”

The conference attracted interest from domestic and international experts and scholars.

External guests attending the conference included Marc E. Knapper, U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam; Dr. Marlene Tromp, President of Boise State University; Dr. Mark Bannister, Dean of the College of Business and Economics at Boise State University; and domestic and international experts and scholars.

Representing NEU were Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Chuong, President; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chair of the University Council; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Huy Nhuong, Vice President; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President; and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham The Anh, Dean of the Faculty of Economics. Also attending were representatives of the leadership of the University’s sociopolitical organizations, leaders of its member colleges, leaders of departments, offices, faculties and institutes, and faculty, staff and students of the Faculty of Economics.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of NEU, speaks at the ceremony.

In his opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of NEU, noted that Boise State University in the United States has been a longstanding strategic partner of NEU since 1993. Many NEU lecturers and staff members who now hold key positions in the University’s leadership, as well as accomplished entrepreneurs in Vietnam, studied in the Master of Business Administration program at Boise State University.

Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Thanh Hieu also emphasized that rapid globalization is placing increasing pressure on higher education institutions worldwide, requiring universities to improve the quality of their graduates to meet demands for professional expertise, foreign language proficiency and international experience. This pressure requires higher education institutions to accelerate internationalization, with increased international student exchanges and research collaboration serving as two key pillars of their internationalization strategies.

Vietnam is also pursuing deeper and broader integration into the global economy. Its higher education system is therefore striving to keep pace with domestic development and international integration. In addition, Vietnam faces numerous challenges, including lower-middle income levels and limited competitiveness, particularly a low proportion of skilled workers in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Vietnam’s higher education system in general, and NEU in particular, therefore need to move toward internationalization to improve the quality of teaching, learning and research, not only training a high-quality workforce but also encouraging comprehensive internationalization activities. Furthermore, the internationalization of higher education has been helping improve quality and global learning experiences, advancing the regional and global integration of Vietnamese higher education and thereby creating career opportunities for students.

Through the conference, Vice President Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Thanh Hieu hoped to broaden understanding of the dynamic landscape of internationalization in higher education in Vietnam and other countries. Drawing on valuable contributions from experts at both universities, the conference would offer insights into best practices in research collaboration among universities, the private sector and public sector organizations, as well as cooperation among universities on student exchange programs.

Dr. Marlene Tromp, President of Boise State University, delivers remarks.

Dr. Mark Bannister, Dean of the College of Business and Economics at Boise State University, presents a paper on “Experiences in University Internationalization with a Focus on Undergraduate Student Exchanges.”

Dr. Pham Sy Long, Deputy Head of the Department of International Cooperation at NEU, presents a paper on “An Overview of Joint Education Programs at National Economics University.”

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Trung Thanh, Dean of the Institute of International Education, presents a paper on “Added Value from the Local University: A Key Success Factor for International Joint Education Programs, Illustrated by Activities at IBD@NEU.”

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Thanh Ha of NEU presents a paper on “A Guide for Beginning Economics Researchers to Better Navigate Academic Life.”

The panel of chairs moderates the discussion session at the conference.

Delegates exchange views and discuss issues at the conference

Marc E. Knapper, U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam, delivers remarks and shares his perspectives at the conference.

Notably, Marc E. Knapper, U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam, also attended the conference and shared his perspectives. Marc E. Knapper congratulated NEU and Boise State University on their strong partnership and emphasized the importance of international cooperation in education, while encouraging academic exchanges and cooperation among universities, lecturers and students.

University leaders present flowers in appreciation to Marc E. Knapper, U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam, and Dr. Marlene Tromp, President of Boise State University.

At the conference, experts and scholars also discussed topics such as a vision for universities in a globalized world, joint education programs and collaborative research programs, among others.

Additional photos from the conference:

Article and photos: Faculty of Economics 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.