Within the framework of the official trip to Guangdong Province (November 3–9, 2025), Thuyloi University delegation, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Do Van Quang – Vice President held important meetings with three leading higher education institutions in Guangzhou, China: Guangzhou Maritime University, South China Normal University, and South China University of Technology. The delegation also included leaders from various Institutes, Faculties, and Departments of Thuyloi University.
This visit was significant for laying the foundation and shaping new cooperative relationships, opening up opportunities for extensive academic and research collaboration between Thuyloi University and Chinese universities in the future.
1. Meeting at Guangzhou Maritime University – Expanding cooperation in marine engineering research and underwater robotics (November 4)
At Guangzhou Maritime University, the delegation conducted comprehensive discussions on strategic cooperation orientations between the two sides. The main focus of the discussions included:
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Development of advanced underwater robots, technologies serving marine and hydrological research, a field aligning with Thuyloi University’s special expertise.
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Expansion of student exchange programs, especially in the Chinese Language major, to enhance foreign language skills and nurture international human resources.
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Agreement to implement scientific research activities: organizing international conferences and workshops, establishing joint research groups, and proposing the organization of international student science competitions in technology and engineering under the auspices of the Chinese government.
To implement these specific tasks, the IARTEP Institute was assigned as the focal point to coordinate with Thuyloi University’s specialized units and Guangzhou Maritime University to transform the framework agreement into detailed cooperation plans. This is considered an important step in positioning the University’s capabilities in marine and water resources research within the international cooperation network.
Thuyloi University delegation visits and works with Guangzhou Maritime University
2. In-depth cooperation on Artificial Intelligence and digital education at South China Normal University (November 5–6)
The Thuyloi University delegation had a meaningful study and observation visit at South China Normal University, renowned for its innovations in education and technology. Participating in an intensive training program on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital education marked an important step in updating the University’s knowledge on new trends in education and science & technology, especially in the context of global digital transformation.
Key discussion points included:
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Application of AI in education: The program focused on leveraging AI to support teacher professional development and innovate teaching methods. This not only enhances teaching effectiveness but also provides tools for lecturers to personalize learning pathways for students.
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Digital education model: Developing a digital education model for both K-12 and higher education under global digital transformation trends is crucial, helping educational institutions improve their adaptability to modern demands.
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Field visits and practical experiences: The delegation toured AI laboratories, educational robotics labs, and modern STEM–STEAM facilities. These technologies open new directions for integrating science and technology into teaching and learning.
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China–ASEAN education dialogue: This provided an opportunity for Thuyloi University representatives to share initiatives and perspectives on educational innovation in engineering. The discussion also facilitated identifying future opportunities for deeper cooperation.
The program concluded with a long-term cooperation agreement between the two universities on training, research, staff and student exchange, and educational technology transfer. This not only strengthens the partnership between the universities but also contributes to improving the quality of education in both countries.
Participation in this training program creates numerous opportunities for Thuyloi University to apply technology in teaching, research, and the development of faculty and staff capacities.
3. Thuyloi University delegation works with South China University of Technology – Master’s scholarships and multidisciplinary research cooperation opportunities (afternoon, November 5, 2025)
On November 5, 2025, the Thuyloi University delegation held a productive working session at South China University of Technology in an open and promising atmosphere, exploring potential areas of collaboration. The two sides conducted detailed discussions on strategic cooperation, including:
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Scientific and technological research: Focused on digital economy, materials science, and engineering–technology fields to promote innovation and practical applications.
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International student exchange programs: Requiring HSK5 Chinese proficiency for language majors and strict academic criteria for technology and economics disciplines.
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Full Master’s scholarships from the Institute of Materials Science: Awarded to outstanding Thuyloi University students over the next two years, providing opportunities to study and conduct research in a leading academic environment.
Both parties agreed to move forward with signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and tasked relevant units with developing a detailed implementation plan. This represents an important step, laying a solid foundation for high-quality international learning and development opportunities for Thuyloi University students, especially in the context of regional and global integration.
Thuyloi University delegation visits South China universities
The November 2025 mission to Guangdong province yielded substantial results, demonstrating Thuyloi University’s proactiveness, determination, and strategic vision in international integration. Through direct working sessions, the University established a solid foundation for comprehensive cooperation with three leading higher education institutions in China, opening new directions in joint training, academic exchange, scientific research, and technology application.
Notably, the partners highly appreciated Thuyloi University’s reputation, training capacity, and development orientation, while expressing their desire to promote long-term collaborative activities. Assigning the Institute of Applied Technology and Enterprise Cooperation – a key unit in the University’s international strategy – as the focal point for implementing cooperation projects reflects partners’ trust and confirms the Institute’s central role in expanding the international network.
The mission not only allowed the delegation to learn about advanced educational models in China but also contributed to shaping the University’s future development strategies, particularly in areas of high interest such as artificial intelligence, digital education, engineering technology, and practice-oriented training with international integration.
The outcomes achieved during this trip provide a crucial foundation for Thuyloi University to develop specific cooperation agreements in the next phase, creating opportunities for students, learners, and faculty to access high-quality educational and research environments, while promoting internationally-standardized training programs.
With an open, responsible, and long-term cooperative spirit, Thuyloi University is confident that its partnerships with Guangzhou Maritime University, South China Normal University, and South China University of Technology will continue to grow sustainably, contributing positively to the enhancement of higher education quality, and strengthening the University’s prestige and reputation regionally and internationally.
