Established in 1974 as Victoria’s first regional university, Deakin University has steadily expanded its scale and strengthened its reputation over more than five decades of development. Today, Deakin is recognized as one of Australia’s dynamic and influential higher education institutions in both teaching and research, with growing global impact.

Transnational Education Partners Week (TNE Week), organized by Deakin International with support from the Victorian Government’s Yes to International Students Fund (YISF), serves as a key forum bringing together global education partners. The program offers participants first-hand experience of Deakin’s academic environment while facilitating in-depth scholarly exchange through presentations and roundtable discussions among partner universities from nine countries and territories.

Assoc. Prof. Le Van Thang, President of International University (second from right), signed the strategic partnership agreement with Mr. John Molony, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International) of Deakin University (Australia).

The year 2026 marks the 10th anniversary of the partnership between International University and Deakin University. To commemorate this milestone, the two institutions formally signed the strategic partnership agreement on March 19, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening comprehensive collaboration in education, scientific research, and the development of international academic programs.

Notably, the signing ceremony was attended by student representatives from joint programs between International University and Deakin University currently studying at the Melbourne campus. Their presence added significance to the occasion and stood as a testament to the sustained and effective partnership nurtured over the past decade.

The agreement is expected to unlock new opportunities for academic exchange, enhance training quality, and provide students with greater access to an international learning environment—further reinforcing International University’s position on the global higher education map.

The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Incubator Co., Ltd., a unit affiliated with VNU-Hanoi, plays a key role in advancing the university-based startup ecosystem through project incubation, training, and resource networking. The incubator supports students and startup teams in refining ideas, developing business models, and moving toward product commercialization.

Grok Vietnam, a member of Grok Global, specializes in supporting universities in internationalizing education through global market engagement and strategic development. With extensive experience and a broad international network, Grok partners with higher education institutions to promote innovation, design practice-oriented and sustainability-driven programs, and enhance competitiveness and global integration in the evolving education landscape.

During the meeting, the parties discussed and agreed on several strategic areas of cooperation. In the field of innovation-driven entrepreneurship, they will jointly implement project incubation initiatives and co-organize training programs, workshops, and seminars to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset among students. Through these initiatives, students will gain access to practical models, further develop creative ideas, and gradually bring startup projects to fruition.

International University signed a cooperation agreement with the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Incubator Co., Ltd., an affiliate of VNU Hanoi.

In addition, collaboration in education for sustainable development will be a major focus. The partners agree to jointly design and deliver programs and courses that integrate innovation with sustainability, aligned with the Education for Sustainable Development agenda toward 2030. These activities aim not only to raise awareness but also to provide students with hands-on opportunities to engage in real-world projects, thereby strengthening creative thinking, problem-solving capacity, and entrepreneurial skills.

Dr. Tran Thi Ngoc Diep, Director of the Center for Innovation and Technology Transfer at International University, signed the agreement with Ms. Pham Thi Phuong Thao, Director of Grok Vietnam Co., Ltd.

Dr. Tran Thi Ngoc Diep, Director of the Center for Innovation and Technology Transfer at International University, stated: “Through this partnership, our students will have greater opportunities to experience real-world working environments, engage with societal challenges, and develop comprehensive skills essential in an increasingly globalized context. At the same time, stronger university–industry linkages will help cultivate a dynamic ecosystem of learning, innovation, and creativity that meets the demands of modern society.”

The signing ceremony not only marks an important milestone in the partnership among the institutions but also opens up broader international collaboration opportunities, enhancing the capacity to implement innovation and sustainable education initiatives. By leveraging shared resources and global partner networks, the parties aim to achieve their strategic goals while contributing to the advancement of VNU-HCM’s position, with the long-term aspiration of ranking among the Top 200 universities in Asia.

Recognized as one of the four largest global events in international education, APAIE 2026 brings together more than 5,000 leaders, education administrators, and experts from over 1,000 universities and prestigious educational organizations worldwide. The VNU-HCM delegation includes more than 30 leaders, faculty members, and international relations officers from its member universities and affiliated units. Among them is Associate Professor Dr. Dinh Duc Anh Vu, Vice President of the International University.

In 2026, Vietnam officially debuts the Vietnam Education Pavilion at APAIE. The event attracts approximately 2,500 delegates from more than 65 countries and territories.

Associate Professor Dr. Dinh Duc Anh Vu, Vice President of the International University, joined the leadership delegation of Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City in attending the APAIE 2026 Conference in Hong Kong.

Originally first held in Seoul (South Korea) 30 years ago, the APAIE Conference and Exhibition stands alongside other major global education events such as NAFSA (United States), EAIE (Europe), and AIEC (Australia). The Vietnamese education delegation, led by the Ministry of Education and Training, officially inaugurated the Vietnam Education Pavilion at APAIE 2026 on February 23, 2026.

Vietnam’s debut national pavilion at APAIE marks a major milestone in the country’s global educational integration, led by its pioneering higher education sectorThis shift represents a move from individual institutional participation to a coordinated, national-level, systematic, and professional approach. Vietnam’s message at the event highlights a dynamic higher education system committed to academic excellence, scientific research development, and deep international integration.

Associate Professor Dr. Dinh Duc Anh Vu, Vice President of the International University, and Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Duy Phuong, Head of the Office of External Relations, held discussions with Ms. Becky George, representative of the University of California, Santa Cruz.

At APAIE 2026, Vietnamese universities are focusing on several key objectives: enhancing international student recruitment; attracting distinguished global experts, lecturers, administrators, and scientists to work in Vietnam; and promoting the quality of Vietnam’s undergraduate and postgraduate education.

The initiative also aims to foster academic exchange and international cooperation in faculty and student mobility; strengthen the recognition and reputation of Vietnam’s higher education brand in the global market; explore opportunities for collaborative research and international publications; and attract international resources and partners to invest in and support educational development in Vietnam.

The Vietnam Education Pavilion at APAIE 2026 features 17 representative universities and educational organizations, showcasing the diversity and strengths of Vietnam’s education system, particularly in higher education. Here are a few ways to make this long sentence much more readable: The Most Professional (Balanced) Key participants include VNU-HCM (featuring the International University), recognized for its multidisciplinary research and technology transfer, and UEH University, a leader in economics, finance, and sustainable development.

Associate Professor Dr. Dinh Duc Anh Vu, Vice President of the International University, together with Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Duy Phuong, Head of the Office of External Relations, engaged in discussions with two representatives of Taejaen University (South Korea): Dr. Taehee Kim, Vice President of Taejaen University, and Mr. D’Arcy Drachenberg, Director of the Global Network Center.

The event also includes technical and technology-focused institutions, international universities, joint international training models, and other higher education establishments.

Beyond the exhibition, the Vietnamese delegation will participate in conference sessions, deliver presentations on policies to attract investment in education, and conduct bilateral meetings with international partners.

With a population exceeding 100 million and a potential learner base of more than 25 million people, Vietnam benefits from a young demographic structure and a rapidly expanding middle class. Demand for high-quality education-particularly higher education and postgraduate studies – continues to rise.

Vietnam is not only one of the leading sources of international students studying in developed countries, but is also increasingly becoming a destination for international students, thanks to competitive tuition costs and internationally recognized academic quality, as reflected in prestigious global university rankings such as QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) and Times Higher Education (THE).

The external quality assessment under FIBAA standards was conducted online via the Zoom platform, with the participation of the FIBAA expert panel together with representatives of the University’s Board of Rectors, faculty members, undergraduate students, postgraduate students, alumni, former postgraduate students, industry partners, and relevant functional units of the International University. During the process, the programs were reviewed, evaluated, and discussed in terms of their quality and effectiveness.

Overview of the opening session of the FIBAA accreditation for the BAA, MPM, and MBA programs

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Đinh Đức Anh Vũ, Vice President of International University, emphasized the University’s strong commitment to quality assurance, transparency, and compliance with international standards through international accreditation activities such as FIBAA.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Đinh Đức Anh Vũ – Vice President of the International University – delivered remarks at the opening session.

Over three working days, the FIBAA expert panel conducted a series of interviews with relevant stakeholders, focusing on program objectives, curriculum design, teaching and learning activities, student support services, internationalization, and the quality assurance system.

Interview session with the Faculty Board and program coordinators of the BAA, MPM, and MBA programs.

Interview session with students, learners, alumni, and former learners of the BAA, MPM, and MBA programs.

Interview session with invited industry representatives from the BAA, MPM, and MBA programs.

Interview session with the administrative staff from the functional departments of the International University.

In the closing session of the evaluation, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dinh Duc Anh Vu – Vice President of  International University – received the preliminary feedback from the FIBAA expert panel, expressing appreciation for the panel’s valuable comments and recommendations that will contribute to the improvement of the University’s academic programs in line with FIBAA international standards: “International University acknowledges the professional guidance and strong support from FIBAA, which helped ensure that the accreditation assessment was conducted smoothly and effectively in an online format. The successful organization of this accreditation once again affirms the University’s commitment to international quality assurance standards and its goal of continuously enhancing educational quality.”

Sustainable Development Goals: SDG4-Quality education, SDG17-Partnerships for the goals

Japanese product exhibition and experiential space

The activities took place over five consecutive days at International University (IU). The program introduced a wide range of Japanese-origin products, including food, beverages, cosmetics, and healthcare products. Students had the opportunity to experience the products firsthand, while learning about their origins, quality standards, nutritional values, and emerging trends in safe, healthy, and sustainable consumption.

In addition, students joined as program collaborators, supporting user feedback surveys. Via this role, they gained practical exposure to market research and product marketing practices in an international integration context—real-world skills, not textbook fluff.

“Entrepreneurship in the F&B Industry in the New Era”

Speaker Trần Lê Thanh Thiện – a chef widely recognized for his work in university-level teaching and research, with over 11 years of training experience across Asian markets – shared insights at the workshop on the morning of January 14, 2026.

Within the program framework, the workshop served as the academic and professional highlight, focusing on sharing innovation trends in food product development, healthy diets, food safety, and sustainable development in the F&B industry. What truly set the workshop apart was the thematic presentation combined with a live on-stage cooking demonstration, delivered by Trần Lê Thanh Thiện — a chef widely recognized for his contributions to university-level teaching and research, with over 11 years of training experience across Asian markets. Trần Lê Thanh Thiện currently holds multiple influential international roles in the culinary and education sectors, including: President of the World Independent Chefs Association – Asia (WORLD IAC ASIA); Vice President of the Global Chefs Union (GCU); Founder of the Alliance of International Culinary & Bakery Training Institutions; Manager of the Regenerative Gastronomy Research Group under the UNESCO Chair. In addition, he serves as Chairman of the World Culinary & Bakery Cup, a global competition involving participants from more than 20 countries, and is the author of the book “Ăn Xanh Sống Lành” (Eat Green, Live Healthy). Through a harmonious fusion of Vietnamese and Japanese ingredients, combined with an interactive Q&A exchange, the workshop delivered a dynamic learning experience, helping students shape their career orientation and broaden their practical perspectives on the F&B sector in an increasingly integrated global context.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Đinh Đức Anh Vũ – Vice President of the International University – deliverd the opening remarks at the workshop.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Đinh Đức Anh Vũ – Vice President of the International University – shared: “In the current context, the food and beverage (F&B) industry in Vietnam and around the world is experiencing rapid growth, closely linked to emerging trends in innovative entrepreneurship. The fast-changing market and evolving consumer behavior demand a workforce that is not only professionally competent but also equipped with strong management thinking, creativity, and high adaptability. This is precisely the motivation for the University to strengthen learning activities that are closely connected with business practice and the international integration context.” The workshop ‘Entrepreneurship in the F&B Industry in the New Era’ is a highly practical and meaningful initiative. It contributes to bridging university education with real-world practice in the food and beverage sector, especially at a time when the F&B industry is increasingly oriented toward values of safety, health, innovation, and sustainable development.”

Culinary exploration and hands-on guidance activities conducted directly at the workshop on the morning of January 14, 2026.

The program series aims to build a practice-oriented learning environment, promote innovation and entrepreneurial spirit among students, and contribute to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 4, 9, and 12). By connecting students with experts, businesses, and international organizations, the program expands opportunities to access global-standard product development models, engage in academic exchange, and pursue international internships in the F&B sector—thereby reinforcing International University’s vision of becoming a dynamic, well-connected, innovative, and sustainably oriented institution.

Sustainable Development Goals: SDG3-Good health and well-being, SDG4-Quality education, SDG17-Partnerships for the goals