MỤC LỤC:
From September 17–19, a delegation from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU-HCM, led by Prof. Dr. Ngô Thị Phương Lan, participated in the East Asia Summit (EAS) Conclave of Heads of Higher Education Institutions and the Knowledge Exchange Workshop on Energy Efficiency and Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE) at Nalanda University, Bihar, India.
Affirming a Pioneering Role in Promoting Educational Cooperation and Sustainable Development in East Asia
The Summit gathered more than 30 leaders from higher education institutions across East Asian countries such as Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Laos, and Myanmar, with the goal of strengthening academic cooperation, sharing energy efficiency policies, and identifying sustainable development models grounded in Asian values.
In his opening address, Prof. Sachin Chaturvedi, Vice Chancellor of Nalanda University, welcomed the delegates and emphasized the conference’s guiding principle: “Education transcends all boundaries, and our shared future depends on the free flow of ideas and collaboration.” He noted that the East Asia Summit process provides an important opportunity to connect higher education leaders and to advance partnerships—particularly with TERI—focused on energy efficiency and sustainable lifestyle initiatives.
In her remarks, Prof. Dr. Ngo Thi Phuong Lan observed that East Asian countries represent a convergence of ancient civilizations, dynamic economies, and youthful populations, yet they continue to face major challenges such as climate change, social inequality, and technological transformation.“No university, nor any single nation, can tackle these challenges alone. We must usher in a new era of cooperation—harnessing collective strength to build a resilient, just, and prosperous future,”
she affirmed.
Prof. Lan also proposed four concrete areas of collaboration: (1) establishing a joint research center focusing on regional priorities and cultural heritage preservation; (2) developing an EAS scholars network; (3) creating a collaborative digital education platform; and (4) organizing a regular leadership and policy forum for university executives across the region.
During the plenary session titled “Strengthening India and East Asia Educational Collaboration,” Prof. Lan served as co-chair, where she and other participants exchanged ideas on forming knowledge-sharing networks, scholarship programs, India research centers, and joint research initiatives.
Expanding Strategic Collaboration with Nalanda University
As part of the visit, on September 18, Prof. Dr. Ngo Thi Phuong Lan and Prof. Sachin Chaturvedi signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between USSH and Nalanda University. The agreement covers faculty, staff, and student exchanges; short-term teaching, study, and research programs; co-hosted international conferences and workshops; joint research activities; academic publication exchanges; and other forms of mutually beneficial cooperation.
Additionally, both institutions signed a supplementary MoU specifically on faculty exchange. Under this agreement, with the support of the Government of India, Nalanda University will provide funding for visiting faculty from India to teach and conduct research at USSH. This initiative will further enhance the quality of instruction and research in Indian Studies, Cultural Studies, and Religious Studies at USSH.
The Summit and MoU signing at Nalanda University not only expanded collaborative opportunities among higher education institutions across East Asia and India but also reaffirmed USSH’s leadership in advancing academic cooperation, sustainable development, and the cultivation of globally competent citizens with critical thinking and professional ethics in an evolving global landscape.
LÝ NGUYÊN
TRANSLATED BY: TIÊN VŨ
