At the invitation of Dongseo University, South Korea, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho, Chair of the University Council, represented National Economics University (NEU) at the 22nd Asian University Presidents Forum (AUPF) in Busan, South Korea.

In the 21st century, Asia is strengthening its position as the center of the world, with the largest population and the fastest-growing economy. Similarly, since its establishment in 2001, the Asian University Presidents Forum (AUPF) has grown from modest beginnings into a forum comprising more than 60 universities from 18 countries across Asia. This annual forum provides a valuable platform for university leaders to discuss key issues facing Asian higher education, develop mutually beneficial partnerships, expand international networks, and exchange best practices.

AUPF has been implementing several collaborative projects, including the Asia Summer Program (ASP), an annual credit-bearing summer program; the Asian Faculty Workshop (AFW), a workshop for educators focusing on communication and strengthening relationships; and Global Access Asia (GAA), an online learning program for AUPF.

At the forum, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chair of the University Council, participated in two parallel sessions on the themes “Asia Alliance University: Connecting Asia through Education—One Platform, Unlimited Prospects” and “New Educational Models in Higher Education.”

At the first session, leadership representatives from nearly 40 universities in Asia heard presentations on the theme “Asia Alliance University: Connecting Asia through Education—One Platform, Unlimited Prospects.” With the rapid growth of information technology and artificial intelligence, global higher education is entering a new era that requires greater collaboration, resource sharing, and closely connected systems among Asian higher education institutions than ever before.

At this session, Dr. Jekuk Chang, President of Dongseo University, presented the concept of Asia Alliance University. This is not only a network of Asian universities but also a dynamic educational ecosystem that uses technology and strategic partnerships to enhance the quality of learning and provide learning opportunities for all groups across multiple countries, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chair of the University Council at NEU, and Dr. Jekuk Chang, President of Dongseo University, pose for a commemorative photo at the forum

At the second session, speakers at the forum shared their insights on “New Educational Models in Higher Education,” discussing modern, innovative learning models and their potential to transform Asian higher education. In particular, they examined how AI will shape the future of higher education, its potential applications in enhancing academic products and services, and ways to effectively assess school and university students’ learning amid the rapid growth of technology and AI.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho presents a gift to Dr. Jekuk Chang and speaks at the forum

As part of the forum, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho, on behalf of the University Council, signed a cooperation agreement to join Asia Alliance University, opening up opportunities for NEU students to study in an international environment and develop their careers.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho and Dr. Jekuk Chang exchange the cooperation agreement to join Asia Alliance University

At the forum, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho discussed ongoing cooperation between the two universities with Dr. Jekuk Chang, President of Dongseo University, including the 2+2 joint bachelor’s program in Business Administration. Notably, in 2024, NEU sent 20 students and one staff member to participate in the Asia Summer Program (ASP 2024) in Busan, South Korea. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho thanked Dongseo University’s leadership for their support in effectively implementing bilateral cooperation programs and expressed his hope that the two universities would continue to develop new collaborative projects in the future.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho visits the Media Center at Dongseo University

During his visit, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho met with students in the 2+2 bachelor’s program in Business Administration who were studying at Dongseo University. Assoc. Prof. Bui Duc Tho asked about their studies and encouraged them to study diligently and actively participate in the university’s extracurricular activities to gain more experience during their time at Dongseo University.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho meets with students in the 2+2 bachelor’s program in Business Administration

Also during his working visit to South Korea, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho met and held discussions with Prof. Seo Byung-sik, a representative of the Graduate School of Business at Kyung Hee University in Seoul, South Korea. NEU and Kyung Hee University signed an MOU in 2016 and have implemented activities such as exchanging information and materials on research and scholarships.

At the meeting, leadership representatives of the two universities discussed opportunities for cooperation in master’s programs in Business Administration, Korean language training for NEU students, and student and lecturer exchange programs between the two universities. This marked an important follow-up step, opening up new avenues for cooperation and advancing the internationalization of education at both universities in the coming period.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho presents a gift to and poses for a commemorative photo with Prof. Seo Byung-sik

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho tours the facilities at Kyung Hee University

The working visit to South Korea concluded on a positive note, opening up new opportunities for future research and educational cooperation between NEU and its partners in South Korea.

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.