International Scientific Seminar_Topic: “Academic Exchange Program in International Relations”

On the morning of October 22, 2025, in an exciting academic atmosphere, the Faculty of History & International Relations, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City, had the honor of welcoming a delegation from the School of International Relations & Public Affairs (SIRPA), Shanghai International Studies University (SISU), China – one of the leading training institutions in international relations and public administration in Asia.

Dr. Nguyen Tang Nghi, Dean of the Faculty of History & International Relations, opened the seminar with a warm welcome and profound remarks on the strategic role of academic cooperation in the era of global power shifts. He affirmed: “We are living in a competitive and shifting world. It is in this context that academic dialogue and exchange between students and scholars is not just about connecting knowledge, but a journey of building mutual trust and a regional vision together.”

Dr. Nguyen Tang Nghi, Dean of the Faculty of History & International Relations, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City delivering the opening remarks - Source: Organizing Committee

In the main presentation, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hao Shinan – Executive Deputy Director of the MPA Center, SISU, shared the journey of internationalizing education at SISU along with Master's and Doctoral programs that attract a large number of international students. Besides, in the academic sharing regarding the comparison of China's development model, he emphasized that China's development since the reform period lies not only in speed but in “institutional experimental capacity,” adaptive thinking from local to central levels, and a political culture based on “political meritocracy.” The presentation also sparked discussions about the potential for referencing this model for other countries, including Vietnam. “Public administration is not about copying models, but about a dialogue between local practice and global trends. In China, what creates sustainability is not a rigid institution, but the ability to change under control,” emphasized Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hao Shinan.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hao Shinan – Executive Deputy Director of the MPA Center, SISU shares about China's development model - Source: Organizing Committee

Following the presentation by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hao Shinan, Dr. Nguyen Tang Nghi offered a respectful and profound response: “We are very impressed by the sharing of Assoc. Prof. Hao Shinan, not only because of the theoretical depth but also the way he connects Chinese practice with the volatile trends of international relations and global public administration. Vietnam and China have many similarities in the development process; both are transitioning countries, taking stability as a foundation to proceed with reforms. Therefore, experiences in institutional experimentation, step-by-step reform, or policies for balanced development between central and local levels that SISU is researching are all valuable suggestions for Vietnam.” He also expressed his hope that both sides will soon realize cooperation through academic exchange programs for students and lecturers, and joint research projects on international relations, public policy, and regional cooperation: “I believe that dialogues like today not only enrich the knowledge of each side but also open the door for the young generations of the two countries to learn together, act together, and shape a more dynamic and knowledgeable future in Asia.”

The atmosphere of the seminar became intimate and inspiring as students from both sides asked questions, shared viewpoints, and expressed their desire to integrate into the regional academic network, where knowledge is not just theory but a foundation for connection and cooperation.

Students ask discussion questions during the seminar - Source: Organizing Committee

A student shared: “This is the first time I have seen international relations connected with public policy and national development models along with such academic culture. Therefore, I really want to study and do field trips in China to have a more multi-dimensional view of state governance placed in the context of modern international relations.”

The delegation from Shanghai International Studies University answers students' questions - Source: Organizing Committee

Anh Thy