Strengthening ASEAN academic connectivity: University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City signs cooperation agreement with the University of Mataram (Indonesia)
On the afternoon of August 4, 2026, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City held a signing ceremony for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the University of Mataram (Indonesia), opening a new phase of cooperation in education, scientific research, and academic exchange between the two higher education institutions, while contributing to strengthening educational connectivity within the ASEAN Community.
The University of Mataram delegation was led by Dr. Sitti Latifah, Vice President in charge of Planning, Cooperation and Information Systems, accompanied by Dr. Embun Suryani, Deputy Dean in charge of Academic Affairs, Faculty of Economics and Business.
Representing the University of Social Sciences and Humanities were Dr. Phan Thanh Dinh, Vice President; Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Minh Chau, Deputy Director of the International Relations and Science Management Office; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Hong Xuan, Dean of the Faculty of Oriental Studies; Dr. Nguyen Thanh Tuan, Head of the Oriental Studies major, Head of the Indonesian Studies section, along with representatives of the University's functional units.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Phan Thanh Dinh affirmed that the friendly relations between Vietnam and Indonesia are increasingly developing deeply and widely across many fields, with higher education being one of the key pillars. He emphasized that the cooperation between the two universities is not only of bilateral significance but also contributes to promoting academic connectivity, cultural exchange, and training high-quality human resources for the ASEAN region.
Representing the University of Mataram, Dr. Sitti Latifah expressed her honor in officially establishing a cooperative relationship with the University of Social Sciences and Humanities. She highly appreciated the academic reputation and international research environment of the University and expressed her confidence that the Memorandum of Understanding would create a foundation for both sides to implement many practical cooperation programs, bringing benefits to lecturers, researchers, and students.
Speaking at the ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Hong Xuan, Dean of the Faculty of Oriental Studies, emphasized that the signing of the MOU is not only a milestone in the cooperative relationship between the two universities but also demonstrates the spirit of connection, trust, and mutual development between two educational institutions of two ASEAN member countries.
According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Hong Xuan, Indonesia has always been one of the key countries in the teaching and research activities of the Faculty of Oriental Studies. The Faculty aims to help students learn about Indonesia not only through lectures in the classroom but also through practical experiences, exchange programs, joint research, and cultural exchange, thereby enhancing their integration capacity and intercultural understanding.
In particular, she shared her joy that the University of Mataram has sent 5 students to participate in the Indonesian International Team during the 2026 Green Summer Campaign of the Faculty of Oriental Studies. This is a typical activity, helping students from both countries study together, experience together, serve the community together, and contribute to cultivating the friendship between the young generations of Vietnam and Indonesia.
Looking towards the new phase of cooperation, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Hong Xuan expressed her hope that the two units would quickly and effectively implement the agreed contents, focusing on faculty and student exchanges; conducting research projects and international publications; co-organizing conferences and academic seminars; and developing field trips, cultural exchanges, and experiential learning programs for students. She believes that these practical cooperation activities will contribute to training human resources with international integration capabilities, while strengthening understanding and friendship between the people of Vietnam and Indonesia.
According to the signed Memorandum of Understanding, the two universities will prioritize cooperation in the following areas: faculty and student exchanges; coordination in carrying out scientific research projects and international publications; co-organizing conferences, seminars, and academic roundtables; and sharing learning materials, journals, and resources for teaching and research.
The signing ceremony not only opens up many opportunities for extensive cooperation between the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNUHCM and the University of Mataram, but also affirms the commitment of the two educational institutions in promoting academic diplomacy, enhancing people-to-people connections through education, and contributing together to the sustainable development of the ASEAN Community.
With the foundation of cooperation just established, the two universities hope to continue to accompany each other in education, scientific research, and innovation, contributing to building an increasingly cohesive, dynamic, and internationally integrated ASEAN higher education network.
