On July 6, 2026, at the National Economics University, the Signing Ceremony of the Cooperation Agreement between the National Economics University and Saxion University of Applied Sciences (Netherlands) took place, marking a new development in the bilateral partnership and opening up numerous opportunities for international study and exchange for students of both universities.

Program Overview

Attending the ceremony, from the National Economics University were: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho – University President; Prof. Dr. To Trung Thanh – Vice President; Dr. Dao Thanh Tung – Head of International Collaboration Department; Dr. Vu Van Ngoc – Director of the Institute of Advanced Education, CLC & POHE; Dr. Nguyen Quang Huy – Dean of the School of Technology; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ha Minh Hoang – Head of the Faculty of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence; along with representatives from various Schools, Departments, Faculties, Institutes, and Centers. From Saxion University of Applied Sciences were: Mr. Janco Bonnink – Director of the Division of Research, Education, Internationalization, and Student Support; Mr. Sander Reinderink – Director of the School of Finance and International Business; and other members of the delegation.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho – President of the National Economics University and Mr. Janco Bonnink – Director of the Division of Research, Education, Internationalization, and Student Support, Saxion University of Applied Sciences jointly sign the MOU

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho emphasized that the National Economics University and Saxion University of Applied Sciences have established a strong cooperative relationship for nearly two decades, based on trust, shared academic values, and a vision towards quality higher education. Over the years, both sides have implemented numerous practical cooperative activities such as student and faculty exchanges, articulation and transfer programs, academic research, international conferences, and various other academic initiatives, thereby creating more opportunities for learning, research, and development in an international environment for faculty and students of both universities.

Referring to the new cooperation content, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho affirmed that the Business and Data Analytics program demonstrates the commitment of both universities to prepare students with the necessary competencies for the digital era. By combining academic training, practical experience in enterprises, multicultural exchanges, and access to new fields such as Artificial Intelligence and Business Data Analytics, the program will provide students with international learning experiences and practical skills, contributing to enhancing adaptability and development in a global environment.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho also expressed confidence that the program will bring practical benefits to students of both universities, helping Saxion students gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s dynamic economy, while providing opportunities for NEU students to engage with international peers and expand their global mindset.

Dr. Vu Van Ngoc – Director of the Institute of Advanced Education, CLC & POHE, National Economics University and Mr. Sander Reinderink – Director of the School of Finance and International Business, Saxion University of Applied Sciences jointly sign the MOA

According to the agreement, both parties will collaborate to deliver a specialized course on Business and Data Analytics in Vietnam for Saxion University of Applied Sciences students in Hanoi (from October 18 to 26, 2026). The program includes modules on the Vietnamese business environment, SQL, data visualization with Power BI, the application of artificial intelligence in business analytics, and data-driven thinking; combined with company visits, cultural exchange activities with National Economics University students, and practical experiences in Vietnam.

Immediately following the signing ceremony, both parties continued discussions on future collaboration directions, focusing on expanding student and faculty exchange programs, organizing international conferences, developing demand-driven academic programs, as well as exploring new academic collaboration opportunities.

Representatives of the leadership from both universities exchanged gifts and took commemorative photos

The signing ceremony marks an important milestone, reaffirming the internationalization strategy of the National Economics University, while also contributing to the promotion of educational cooperation between Vietnam and the Netherlands, laying the foundation for both universities to jointly develop academic programs and research that meet the demands of the digital economy and international integration.

Article and photos: Communications Department