The Foreign Trade University (FTU) organised the seventh Forum on Internationalisation in Higher Education (FIHE7) in Hanoi on November 1.

With the theme 'International Branch Campuses: New Approaches for Multinational Higher Education Institutions in Emerging Countries,' the annual event provides a platform to share knowledge and experiences on innovative models for international cooperation in higher education.

This year’s FIHE welcomed more than 300 delegates representing 90 educational institutions, organisations and businesses from both Vietnam and abroad, as well as 25 embassies in Vietnam.

Speaking at the event, Associate Professor Dr Bui Anh Tuan, President of FTU, emphasised that FIHE served as a forum to exchange innovative methods in international collaboration, explore opportunities and pursue the broader goal of internationalisation in higher education institutions.

“International branch campuses (IBCs) can play a key role in offering world-class education in emerging countries in general and in Vietnam in particular. By doing so, IBCs help broaden access to international education and facilitate global knowledge exchange without requiring students to leave their home countries,” said Dr Tuan.

“Our goal is not only to form partnerships with institutions around the world, but also to create a space where these institutions can come together and share their experiences, discuss the challenges they face, and learn from each other’s successes. FIHE is an example of how we are working to make this happen.”

“Through this forum, we aim to create a community of institutions, organisations and educators who all share the same goal - to make education more global and open to everyone. We believe that when we come together and collaborate, we can make higher education more innovative and inclusive, benefiting both students and society,” added Dr Tuan.

This year’s forum aims to generate significant positive impacts for all educational institutions navigating the journey of internationalising their operations. FTU remains committed to maintaining FIHE as an annual event, facilitating opportunities for global higher education institutions and organisations to engage and share their internationalisation experiences.

Building upon the success of the six previous forums, FIHE 2024 saw the participation of numerous scholars, experts, leaders and representatives from both domestic and international prestigious higher education institutions and organisations.

At the forum, General Director of Global Partnership at Massey University (New Zealand) Rob Stevens shared Massey University's experience in establishing a branch campus in Singapore as well as valuable lessons learned during this process. He highlighted that Vietnam, as an emerging country, has become a strategic destination for Massey University's partnerships and investments.

Professor Julia Gaimster, Interim Pro Vice-Chancellor at RMIT Vietnam, shared an in-depth perspective on RMIT Vietnam’s 20-plus years of experience in offering high-quality education in the country, to offer a comprehensive view for international universities considering investment in Vietnam.

The panel discussions noted that internationalisation in education is no longer a new concept, even for Vietnam. However, contributions to resources and economic development have led to significant differences in how internationalisation manifests across nations.

For this reason, higher education institutions must adopt a strategic vision, optimise the use of available resources and consider establishing branch campuses in emerging countries as a model that maximises resource efficiency and provides broad benefits for all stakeholders involved./.

Binh Phuoc builds social houses for impoverished households

The Military Command of southern province of Binh Phuoc, in collaboration with the Agribank's Binh Phuoc branch, held a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of 46 solidarity houses for poor and near-poor households and policy beneficiary families in Loc Ninh district on November 1.

The homes are part of a project, comprising a total of 120 houses valued at 9.6 billion VND (380,000 USD), is fully funded by Agribank in 2024. The construction marks the 80th founding anniversary of of the Vietnam People’s Army (December 22, 1944 - 2024) and 35 years of the All-People's Defence Festival (December 22, 1989 - 2024).

The activity not only provides homes but also energises efforts across agencies, organsations, and communities to uplift those in need, aligning with national movements such as "Joining hands for the poor - leaving no one behind" and "Eliminating temporary and dilapidated houses for the poor."

Between 2019 and 2023, the “For the Poor” Fund in Binh Phuoc supported the construction of 5,071 solidarity homes for struggling households.

From October through the end of 2025, the province aims to complete additional 717 houses, building or renovating homes for poor and near-poor households, and policy-beneficiary families./.

Middle Eastern media spotlights significance of Vietnamese PM’s visits

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s visits to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia and Qatar from October 27 to November 1 have garnered widespread attention from prominent Middle Eastern media outlets which have stated the trips will have positive impacts on relations between Vietnam and these countries in the coming time.

In its recent article, the UAE’s oldest English-language daily, Khaleej Times, quoted Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid AL Maktoum: “Vietnam is among Asia’s fastest-growing economies, and we are their largest regional trade partner.” The statement came as the two nations signed their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), Vietnam’s first free trade pact with an Arab country.

According to the Khaleej Times, CEPA will enhance UAE service providers' access to a wide range of sectors in the Vietnamese market, including business and transport, engineering, financial services, health care, social services, tourism, and transport.

In another article entitled “Vietnam – A bright star in Asia”, the daily wrote Vietnam has emerged as a key player in Southeast Asia with constantly developing social culture, better material and spiritual life, and stable politics and society. In recent years, the nation has seen growing reputation, prestige and position in the international arena.

Meanwhile, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the state news agency of Saudi Arabia, reported on the signing of the cooperation framework agreement between the Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (Petrovietnam) and Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco) on the sidelines of PM Chinh’s visit. The agency emphasised that the agreement will pay the way for potential collaboration in the areas of storage, supply and trading of energy and petrochemical products.

The Qatar News Agency (QNA) posted also an article entitled “Qatar and Vietnam: Distinguished Friendship, Broad Prospects for Trade, Investment Partnerships”, laying stress on the close relationship strengthened by common interests and broader visions benefiting the two sides. It said the relations, developed on the basis of mutual respect, have been reinforced by high-level visits and cross-sector agreements.

The agency noted that both countries have maintained regular exchanges, consultations and high-level visits to strengthen the bilateral relations and promote coordination in international forums. It stressed that PM Chinh’s visit demonstrated efforts to advance the ties towards a new period with broader visions./.

Dong Thap plants over 100 ha of flowers for Tet

Sa Dec city in the Mekong Delta province of Dong Thap has planted over 100 ha of various flowers to serve demand of customers during Lunar New Year Festival (Tet) 2025.

The most commonly grown flowers include marigolds, chrysanthemums, roses, gerbera daisies, and marigolds, among others. This year, the locality has prepared more than 90,000 pots of marigolds specifically for the Tet market.

According to the city’s Division of Economic Affairs, the largest flower-growing areas are located in Tan Quy Dong ward, Tan Khanh Dong commune, An Hoa ward, and Tan Quy Tay commune.

In addition to traditional flowers, some farmers are experimenting with new varieties. Many households are also preparing to sell flowers through online platforms like Facebook and Zalo, proactively connecting with traditional businesses to secure sales.

Sa Dec city is focusing on unique flower varieties to attract customers while collaborating with local sectors and localities to facilitate trade and transport of flowers.

The city encourages farmers to sell through e-commerce channels and is actively partnering with the provincial Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development, and Industry and Trade to enhance market access.

In addition to Tet flowers, local farmers have also grown bonsai and ornamental grass to serve customers throughout the year. Sa Dec boasts over 2,000 varieties of ornamental flowers, including more than 200 types of roses, enriching the floral offerings for Tet 2025./.

ASEAN calls on parties to abide by principle of non-appropriation of outer space

Minister Counsellor Nguyen Hoang Nguyen, deputy head of the Permanent Delegation of Vietnam to the United Nations (UN), emphasised the importance of adhering to international law and the principle of non-appropriation of outer space, while representing ASEAN at the 13th meeting of the Special Political and Decolonisation Committee (Fourth Committee) of the 79th UN General Assembly on October 30.

Nguyen affirmed ASEAN's stance on ensuring equal access to outer space for all countries, saying the bloc calls on them to enhance dialogue and improve the legal framework to promote cooperation in this field.

As the bloc is marking the 65th founding anniversary of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), it expresses concern over challenges such as the arms race, weaponisation, waste pollution, and satellite collisions; and supports the UN's central role in coordinating international cooperation to address these issues.

ASEAN particularly stresses the importance of sharing space technology and data to tackle environmental issues, promote innovation, and build capacity for post-disaster recovery, especially in the Southeast Asia region, the representative added./.

Vietnamese shuttlecock team on top of the world

Vietnam placed first at the World Shuttlecock Championships which closed on October 30 in China.

In the last day of competition, Vietnamese athletes advanced to six finals, in both senior and junior events, winning four.

The champions included Tran Anh Quan and Nguyen Duc Chi in the men's doubles, Phung Manh Tu and Phan Thi Quynh Lien in the mixed doubles and the men's team of the senior class.

On October 27, Ho Phuoc Sang and Pham Thi To Nguyen claimed golds in the men's and women's singles events.

“This year, the organisers also held kick-around events, but Vietnam did not take part, since it is a special category in shuttlecock, that require different techniques. Vietnam will have a plan to build a team for it and we will join in the future championship," said Mac Xuan Tung, head of the Vietnamese delegation.

In total, Vietnam brought home six golds, two silvers and one bronze, to top the championship for the 11th time in a row.

China came second and Hong Kong (China) finished third./.

Innovation network hailed for contributions to Vietnam - Australia ties

Vietnamese Ambassador to Australia Pham Hung Tam received President of the Vietnam Australia Innovation Network (NIC AU) Dr Tran Phi Vu at the embassy’s headquarters in Canberra on October 31.

Vu, a lecturer at the University of New South Wales, informed the ambassador about outstanding activities of NIC AU, a member of the Vietnam National Innovation Centre (NIC), since its inception in December 2019, including international workshops and science - technology exhibitions, which have helped connect Vietnamese experts, intellectuals, and scientists both at home and abroad.

He expressed his wish to coordinate with the embassy to continue promoting important activities of NIC AU and expanding ties between the two countries in the areas related to sustainable development and technology.

For his part, Tam spoke highly of NIC AU’s networking efforts as well as Vu’s important role as its President for the past nearly four years.

The ambassador believed NIC AU will grow further to organise diverse activities and connect and attract many Vietnamese experts and intellectuals in Australia, thus contributing the two countries’ relations as well as science - technology development in the homeland.

He asked Vu as NIC AU President to remain a bridge linking NIC AU with Vietnamese people’s associations in Australia and support the community of Vietnamese students in the country./.

Two wartime bombs safely detonated in Vinh Phuc province

Authorities in the northern province of Vinh Phuc on October 31 detonated two bombs which had been discovered in Bach Luu commune of Song Lo district.

The bombs, weighing 300-400 kg each, were said to be left over from the resistance war against US imperialists.

Earlier, the Division of Education and Training of Song Lo district requested the temporary suspension of teaching and learning on the morning of October 31 at schools in six communes and one town to ensure safety for local teachers and students.

In recent years, some localities in Vinh Phuc have discovered and detonated bombs and ammunition left from the war. On October 24, a war-time bomb weighing 1,362 kg was also removed to a safe location in the capital city of Hanoi./.

Japanese locality helps Vietnam address aftermath of Typhoon Yagi

Chairman of the Japan-Vietnam Friendship Association (JVFA) of Miyagi prefecture Kamada Atsushi handed over 1 million JPY (nearly 6,600 USD) in cash donated by the Japanese locality’s residents to support Vietnamese people in overcoming the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi, to the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan on October 31.

Ambassador Pham Quang Hieu expressed deep gratitude for the special support from the people of Miyagi, especially as Vietnam continues its efforts to recover and rebuild areas affected by the natural disaster.

For his part, Kamada said after members of the association learnt from the media about the severe devastation caused by Typhoon Yagi in the northern mountainous provinces of Vietnam, they decided to assist the Vietnamese people in overcoming the aftermath and promptly rebuilding the affected localities.

He expressed his hope that the exchange and cooperation between Miyagi and localities of Vietnam will continue to be promoted in the time to come, particularly in developing human resources in public health.

During the meeting, Kamada called on the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan to support and coordinate with the Japanese locality in organising the first Vietnam Festival in the Northeast region of Japan next year.

Hieu said he will discuss with Miyagi’s officials how to promote cooperation and exchange between Miyagi and localities of Vietnam in his working trip to the Japanese locality early next year.

The diplomat pledged to do his utmost to support the organisation of the Vietnam Festival in Miyagi, considering this one of the practical activities to strengthen solidarity, friendship and mutual understanding between the people of Miyagi in particular and Japan in general with Vietnam./.

Hau Giang: Nearly 400,000 USD donated to do away with dilapidated houses

Over 10 billion VND (395,600 USD) was donated to a programme on replacing temporary and dilapidated houses in the Mekong Delta province of Hau Giang at the provincial People’s Council’s 22nd session on October 31.

The Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Foreign Trade of Vietnam (Vietcombank) and the Vietnam Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Agribank) contributed 5 billion VND each. Standing members of the provincial Party Committee, and the Chairpersons of the provincial People’s Council and People’s Committee donated over 60 million VND.

Tran Van Chinh, President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee in Hau Giang, said that the agency is coordinating with various units to account makeshift and dilapidated houses to develop an effective implementation plan.

As of mid-June, the province had over 6,600 poor households, or 3.29% of the total population. It is striving to further reduce the poverty rate by 2% by the end of this year./.

Vietnam Festival of Creativity & Design on the horizon

The sixth Vietnam Festival of Creativity & Design will be held in November with an array of activities, including exhibitions, workshops, and tours.

Such activities will take place in Hanoi from November 16-22 and Ho Chi Minh City from November 29 to December 5, heard an event jointly held by the Vietnam National Institute of Culture and Arts Studies (VICAS) and RMIT University Vietnam on October 30.

VICAS Director Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Phuong said with the theme “Re-generation”, the festival focuses on environment, community and space, and culture and heritage. The activities aim to inspire the renewal, restoration, or revitalisation of cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible.

Creative works are hoped to serve as a source of encouragement for the community to preserve green and sustainable spaces, she said, noting the organisers will prioritise those by young people.

The festival is expected to contribute to realising the targets set in the National Strategy on the Development of Cultural Industries./.

Man sentenced to 12 years in prison for anti-State propaganda

The Hanoi People's Court sentenced Duong Van Thai to 12 years in prison, with an additional three years of probation for making, storing, disseminating or propagating information, documents or materials aiming to oppose the State, at a first-instance trial on October 30.

His accomplices received jail terms ranging from 30 months to 5 years and 6 months.

At the trial, the defendants expressed repentance./.

Binh Dinh seeks German investment in offshore wind power project

The central province of Binh Dinh always create favourable conditions for investor to explore opportunities and invest in the locality, the provincial Party Secretary Ho Quoc Dung said during a working session with Helga Margarete Barth, German Ambassador to Vietnam, and representatives from the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Vietnam (AHK Vietnam), and PNE Group on October 30.

He provided an overview of the local socio-economic development, highlighting its investment potential, unique advantages, and policies designed to attract foreign investors, especially from Germany.

According to the provincial leader, Binh Dinh has great potential for renewable energy, particularly offshore wind, with a 134-km coastline.

He expressed his hope that the Ambassador will continue supporting the offshore wind project, initiated as a joint effort in 2019, to ensure its success and encourage further German investment in the province.

For her part, Ambassador Barth said that Binh Dinh boasts considerable advantages, making it a safe and effective destination for foreign investors, including those from Germany. She committed to acting as a bridge, introducing German investors to potential opportunities in Binh Dinh, and fully supporting PNE Group’s offshore wind project in the province.

Peter Kompalla, Chief Representative of AHK Vietnam, pledged support for Binh Dinh in attracting qualified German investors.

Binh Dinh currently hosts 91 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects, with a total registered capital of over 1.19 billion USD from 22 countries and territories. Among them are four German-invested projects, totaling nearly 60.5 million USD, which have significantly contributed to local employment and tax revenue. These investments focus primarily on industrial production, notably KURZ Group’s high-tech film and coating manufacturing plant, a 45.39 million USD project whose first phase began operation in September 2023. The province is also expediting procedures for PNE Group’s 2,000 MW offshore wind project, with a projected investment of 4.6 billion USD.

In the first nine months of 2024, Binh Dinh’s export turnover to Germany reached nearly 48 million USD, a year-over-year increase of 47%. Key export items to Germany include plastic products, wooden goods, and garments, with plastic products accounting for over 42% of the total export value. Imports from Germany totaled over 4 million USD during the reviewed period, down more than 70% from the previous year, primarily consisting of machinery, equipment, and spare parts./.

Vietnam finalises 14-player roster for 2024 Southeast Asia Futsal Championship

The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) has announced the final list of 14 players to compete at the 2024 Southeast Asia Futsal Championship, following a training camp in Thailand that included two friendly matches.

Goalkeeper Tran Van Luong and ala Ngo Ngoc Son were the two cut from the roster. Luong, a promising young player, showed significant improvements but ultimately could not compete with more seasoned peers. Veteran player Son, meanwhile, had to withdraw due to an unfortunate injury.

During the training camp, the Vietnamese futsal team secured a 5-3 victory over the Australian squad and defeated Thai league champions Hongyen Thakam 6-4 in two respective friendly matches.

The upcoming championship will be held in Thailand from November 2-10, with Vietnam in Group A alongside the host country, Malaysia, Brunei, and Timor-Leste. Group B features Indonesia, Myanmar, Australia, and Cambodia. The teams will play in a single round-robin format within their groups, with the top two from each group advancing to the semifinals./.

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