From July 19 to 24, 2026, the TEC delegation visited Vietnam. The mission advanced a cooperation proposal initiated by Nguyen Kim Son, Vietnam’s former Minister of Education and Training, during his earlier visit to TEC, aiming to broaden and implement the vision for TEC-Vietnam collaboration. Over several days, the delegation toured prominent Vietnamese institutions, including Hanoi University, Thai Nguyen University (TNU), TNU University of Education, and Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNUHCM). Discussions centered on teacher education, Chinese language programs, joint student training, and AI applications in education, yielding multiple practical partnerships and signed cooperative agreements. The delegation was co-led by Associate Professor Zhu Xiaohu, TEC’s Head of Southeast Asia Projects, and Associate Professor Zhang Jilong, Vice Dean of the School of Education at Shanghai Normal University (SHNU).
Hanoi: Exploring “3+2” Joint Programs and “Chinese + STEM”
On July 20, the delegation visited Hanoi University and received a warm welcome from Vice President Dr. Luong Ngoc Minh. The delegation met with Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Tan, Director of the International Exchange Office; Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Lin, Director of Scientific Research Management; heads of the Chinese Department and the Chinese & Technology Department; and Du Qingyun, Dean of the university’s Confucius Institute.
During the meeting, Hanoi University highlighted the rich academic legacy of its Chinese Department, noting its foundational role in cultivating Chinese language talent in Vietnam. In response to digital transformation and the rapid integration of AI into education, the university sought to leverage TEC’s platform to expand professional networks and enhance faculty AI competencies in teaching and research. Prioritizing talent cultivation, the two sides proposed a “3+2” joint bachelor’s program, enabling Vietnamese students to complete their three-year studies locally before earning their degrees in Shanghai. Simultaneously, they agreed to co-host international academic conferences and partner on Chinese teacher training programs, with participation from Hanoi University’s Chinese College.
This visit refined collaborative pathways initially mapped out in June 2025, when Vice President Dr. Luong Ngoc Minh met with TEC’s Director Zhang Minxuan in China. Those talks outlined strategic directions, including AI capability framework research, translation techniques, language training, exchange programs, joint publications, and postdoctoral programs for Vietnamese teachers.
Thai Nguyen: Deepening Communication with TNU, TNU University of Education, and Affiliated Institutions
On July 21, the delegation traveled to northern Vietnam to visit Thai Nguyen University (TNU). Dr. Nguyen Van Tao, Vice President of TNU, led a reception team comprising heads of Science, Technology and International Affairs, Academic and Student Affairs, and leaders from the TNU University of Education, the School of Foreign Languages, and the International School.
Vice President Tao welcomed the delegation and outlined TNU’s organizational structure, core functions, and developmental vision. Comprising 14 colleges and schools, 12 research centers, and 2 support units, TNU serves as a primary hub for higher education talent cultivation in Thai Nguyen Province. Given its border with China, the province plays a key role in bilateral cooperation, spurring rapid higher education growth in recent years. Driven by exceptionally strong demand for Chinese language education, multiple universities under TNU have established Chinese language majors. Associate Professor Zhu Xiaohu provided an overview of TEC and its recent cooperative projects with Southeast Asian nations, proposing collaborations in teacher professional development, faculty-student exchanges, and joint research. Both sides unanimously agreed to draft a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize their cooperative vision and key focus areas.
That afternoon, the delegation visited the TNU University of Education, holding a working symposium with President Prof. Mai Xuan Truong, Vice President Prof. Xu Guangxin, and various department heads. Coinciding with the university’s 60th anniversary, President Mai detailed the institution’s history and educational characteristics. Emphasizing the immense pressure the university faces as the province’s critical teacher training base, he voiced a strong desire to partner with TEC and the SHNU School of Education to broaden international channels and boost opportunities for faculty-student exchanges and global research. After brief overviews, the delegation explored teacher education and joint research, formally inviting the hosts to send personnel to TEC’s upcoming programs and international conferences this year. Both sides agreed to deepen collaboration under the TEC-TNU cooperative framework.
Subsequently, the delegation visited TNU’s School of Foreign Languages and International Education Center, focusing on Chinese language education and faculty-student exchanges, and committing to expanding future collaboration.
During the visit at TNU, the delegation also met with Consul Lâm from the Vietnamese Consulate General in Shanghai, who traveled specifically to meet them. Consul Lâm warmly welcomed the delegation, expressing hope that the visit would drive deep cooperation between Vietnam and Shanghai’s universities, and affirmed full consular support to advance related activities.
Ho Chi Minh City: Reaching Cooperative Intentions and Advancing MOU Signing
On July 23, the delegation arrived in Ho Chi Minh City to visit Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNUHCM). The meeting attendees included Dr. Le Hoang Dung, Vice President of the affiliated University of Social Sciences and Humanities (USSH), along with heads and teacher representatives from External Relations, Chinese Linguistics, Education, and Oriental Studies.
Dr. Le Hoang Dung warmly welcomed the delegation, introduced the basic profile of USSH, highlighted the university’s history of collaboration with Shanghai institutions, and sought to foster closer ties. Associate Professor Zhu Xiaohu systematically presented TEC’s positioning and collaborative strategies. Detailing upcoming conferences and research projects centered on AI and teacher professional development, he formally invited VNUHCM to designate experts for TEC’s cooperative research initiatives. The Vietnamese representatives demonstrated immense interest and committed to sending delegates.
Associate Professor Zhang Jilong provided an overview of the SHNU School of Education, proposing that both sides pursue faculty-student exchanges and teacher training. Other attending representatives suggested advancing cooperation in Chinese teaching, continuing education for local Chinese teachers, and “Chinese + STEM” programs. Ultimately, USSH proposed signing an MOU to institutionalize the partnership.
Expanding the Southeast Asian Cooperative Network and Injecting New Momentum into Educational Exchange
his visit to Vietnam received robust support from TEC leadership, the Vietnamese Embassy in China, and the Vietnamese Consulate General in Shanghai. Through this mission, TEC aligned strategically with Vietnamese universities across teacher education, Chinese language education, joint student training, and AI applications in education, paving the way for concrete partnerships. The visit not only expanded TEC’s cooperative network in Southeast Asia but also revitalized Sino-Vietnamese educational exchanges, serving bilateral people-to-people interactions and fostering mutual educational development. Taking this visit as a catalyst, TEC will expedite these cooperative agreements, ensuring the benefits quickly reach a broader community of educators and students.
