On August 13, 2026, within the framework of activities to promote educational cooperation between Vietnam and New Zealand, the National Economics University and the University of Waikato (New Zealand) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of the National Economics University, represented the institution in the signing ceremony, witnessed by the Minister of Education and Training of Vietnam Hoang Minh Son and the New Zealand Minister for Education Penny Simmonds.

The event took place during the State visit to New Zealand by General Secretary and President To Lam, in the context of both countries promoting educational cooperation towards more substantive, in-depth, and sustainable relations.

NEU Signs MOU to Promote Collaboration with the University of Waikato, New Zealand, Witnessed by Two Ministers

The participation and direct signing of the Memorandum of Understanding by the National Economics University with the University of Waikato added a meaningful highlight to the educational connection activities between Vietnam and New Zealand. NEU’s presence at the event also demonstrates the University’s active involvement in enhancing exchanges and connections between higher education institutions of the two countries.

From this signing milestone, the National Economics University and the University of Waikato will have a foundation to gradually implement the agreed directions into practice, aiming towards practical activities in training, research, and academic exchange, aligned with each party’s strengths. Consequently, the relationship between the two universities is expected to deepen, contributing practically to the internationalization and enhancement of training and research quality at the National Economics University in the new development phase.

According to the Memorandum of Understanding, one of the key focuses of interest for both parties is exploring the possibility of establishing a Joint Master’s degree in Digital Business. Additionally, both sides plan to continue discussions on training models, program structure, quality assurance requirements, and related content to explore the potential development of the program. This is expected to be a new advancement in educational cooperation between the two higher education institutions, while also opening up further opportunities to access the international educational environment.

On the same day, in the presence of General Secretary and President To Lam and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Minister of Education and Training of Vietnam Hoang Minh Son and Minister Penny Simmonds exchanged the Agreement on Educational Cooperation between Vietnam and New Zealand. The agreement aims to strengthen and develop educational cooperation on a reciprocal and mutually beneficial basis, while also providing a foundation for educational institutions of both countries to expand connections in the future.

The enhancement of cooperation between NEU and Waikato aligns with the general orientation of Vietnam – New Zealand educational cooperation: shifting from expanding opportunities to co-creating capabilities, from isolated cooperation activities to in-depth programs, creating specific and sustainable value.

The Minister of Education and Training of Vietnam and the Minister for Education of New Zealand Exchange Cooperation Agreement

In the context of artificial intelligence, digital transformation, green transition, and rapidly changing labor markets, strengthening connections between higher education institutions of the two countries is expected to contribute to enhancing the quality of education, research, and the development of a workforce capable of adaptation, creativity, and integration.

The signing of the MOU with the University of Waikato marks a new development in the relationship between the two universities, while also laying the foundation for both parties to implement collaborative programs in education, research, and academic exchange. This step aligns with the direction of promoting internationalization, strengthening connections with prestigious higher education institutions worldwide, and continuously improving the quality of education and research at the National Economics University in the new phase of development.

Article and Photos: Communications Department

Media outlets reporting on the event:

People’s Deputies Newspaper: Vietnam – New Zealand Expand Educational Cooperation in a Substantive Direction

Education & Times Newspaper: Vietnam – New Zealand Higher Education and Vocational Education Forum