Attending the meeting, UTM's representatives included Mr. Ahmad Basyeer bin Madzlan, Advisor of REACH Program; Mr. Muhammad Daniel Bin Hamdan, Director of REACH Program; Mr. Amirul Azan bin Mohd Sufian, Secretary of REACH Program; Mr. Noorafham Bin Noorazman, Vice Secretary of REACH Program; and Ms. Iffah Haziqah binti Redzuan, Treasurer of REACH Program. From the ISSH side, participants included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Hong Xuan – Director of ISSH – along with other members of the Institute of Social Sciences and Humanities Research, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNUHCM.
During the meeting, Mr. Muhammad Daniel Bin Hamdan, Director of REACH Program, presented detailed plans for the cultural exchange in Vietnam. He emphasized UTM’s careful preparation for the upcoming activities, which include visits to the facilities of USSH, VNUHCM, as well as an exploration of local culture. In particular, the Malaysian students expressed interest in exchanging cultural publications and visiting the Áo Dài Museum in Ho Chi Minh City, highlighting activities that will deepen their understanding of Vietnamese identity. Additionally, the delegation will participate in a community workshop to interact with students from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Hong Xuan expressed her delight that, following previous cultural exchange visits organized by the Vietnam – Southeast Asia Research Program in May, October, and December 2025, ISSH and the Vietnam–ASEAN Friendship Association in Ho Chi Minh City will welcome two more UTM Johor Baru delegations of leaders, faculty, and students. She noted that this event clearly demonstrates the success of people-to-people diplomacy and contributes to strengthening the friendship between the two countries. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Hong Xuan affirmed that the Institute of Social Sciences and Humanities Research will meticulously prepare both academically and logistically to ensure the UTM delegation’s academic and cultural exchange is successful, smooth, and memorable.
