ASEAN Business Networking 2026: Expanding economic cooperation and international internship opportunities for students
On the evening of July 7, 2026, at the Caravelle Saigon Hotel (Ho Chi Minh City), the ASEAN Chambers Networking 2026 program took place with the attendance of representatives from diplomatic missions, business associations, chambers of commerce, and the ASEAN business community operating in Vietnam. The event was co-organized by the Malaysia Business Chamber (MBC), Singapore Chamber of Commerce (SingCham), Indonesia Chamber of Commerce (IndoCham), and Thai Chamber of Commerce (ThaiCham) in Vietnam, in coordination with the Indian Chamber of Commerce (INCHAM) and the Council of Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce in Vietnam (CTCVN).
Attending the program was Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Hong Xuan, President of the Vietnam – ASEAN Friendship Association of Ho Chi Minh City (VAFA) and Dean of the Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City. The presence of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Hong Xuan contributed to strengthening the connection between academia, friendship organizations, and the ASEAN business community, aiming to promote multi-sectoral cooperation in the context of increasingly deep integration.
Speaking at the program, Mr. Liew, Chairman of MBC and representative of the Organizing Committee, emphasized that in the context of global economic volatility, building and maintaining networking channels between businesses, professional associations, and partners in the region is of significant importance, contributing to expanding opportunities for cooperation, investment, trade, and innovation. The program also created a space for delegates to meet, exchange information, seek partners, and share business experiences in the Vietnamese market as well as within the ASEAN region.
On this occasion, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Hong Xuan discussed with representatives of Chambers of Commerce and international enterprises regarding the expansion of cooperation between the university and businesses, particularly in the field of practice-oriented training. The parties expressed their desire to increase the reception of students from the Faculty of Oriental Studies for internships, providing them with experience in an international working environment at ASEAN enterprises and foreign businesses operating in Ho Chi Minh City. This is an opportunity for students to promote their foreign language proficiency, cross-cultural communication skills, and accumulate professional experience during their studies, while also contributing to improving the quality of training in line with international integration orientations.
Acting as a bridge of friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and ASEAN nations, the Vietnam – ASEAN Friendship Association of Ho Chi Minh City continues to accompany people-to-people exchange activities, business networking, education, and culture, contributing to enhancing mutual understanding and building a united, dynamic, and sustainably developed ASEAN Community.
The event concluded in an open and friendly atmosphere, opening up many new cooperation opportunities between businesses and organizations in the region, while also creating further prospects for internships and employment connections for students at international enterprises in Ho Chi Minh City, thereby continuing to affirm the City's role as a dynamic destination with effective connections to the ASEAN and Asian economic networks.
