On Dec. 18, 2023, the International Center for Innovation in Geospatial Analytics and Earth Observation (Geo Center), on behalf of the Department of Geographical Sciences (GEOG), hosted a delegation from the Vietnam National University of Engineering and Technology (VNUET) to strengthen their ongoing collaboration in education and research. The delegation, led by Bui Quang Hung, director of the FIMO Center at VNUET, engaged in discussions aimed at expanding their partnership.
Distinguished University Professor. Chris Justice, director of the Geo Center, has a longstanding collaborative history with Vietnamese universities, marked by a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2014. The meeting provided an opportunity for both parties to share updates on progress and development over the past few years and explore potential future collaborations under the umbrella of the Geo Center.
VNUET expressed a keen interest in broadening collaboration in education, including short-term training programs and degree programs such as the Master of Science in Geographic Information Science (MSGIS) and Master of Science in Geospatial Intelligence (MS GEOINT), as well as capacity building initiatives.
Attended by key representatives including Director of International Affairs Mengxue Li, MPS Program Director Jack Ma, CGIS Director of Programs Ruibo Han, Assistant Director of MS Programs Kristen Halliday, Assistant Research Professor Varada Shevade, and Ph.D. Student Judith Rakowski, the meeting is anticipated to pave the way for an enduring partnership, enhancing existing collaborations and investigating new joint programs.
Li emphasized the significance of the Joint Statement issued by the White House and the US Embassy in Hanoi on Sept. 11, 2023, following President Biden's visit to Vietnam. This statement recognizes the historic enhancement of the US-Vietnam relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with a specific focus on Education and Training Cooperation.
As a follow-up to this meeting, a second gathering is scheduled for late January 2024 in Hanoi, Vietnam, where the GEOG delegation will continue discussions and solidify plans for collaborative education and research programs.
Stay tuned for updates as this partnership progresses, marking a significant milestone in the development of international education and research initiatives.
Main image from left to right: Pham Thi Duyen, Bui Quang Hung, Mengxue Li and Jack Ma. Photo courtesy of Ruibo Han.