On the morning of May 6th, 2026, the National Economics University (NEU) solemnly held the Opening Ceremony for the second phase of the training course titled “Internationalisation of Higher Education in Vietnam: Enhancing International Cooperation Partnerships”. This event is part of the National Multiplication Training Project, funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and co-implemented by the Dialogue on Innovative Higher Education Strategies (DIES) program and the University of Potsdam, Germany. The International School of Management and Economics (ISME) serves as the host institution implementing the program in Vietnam. The training course gathered experts from Germany, Malaysia, Laos, and Vietnam, along with 14 trainees comprising officials and lecturers from 12 universities nationwide.
Panoramic view of the hall during the Opening Ceremony of Workshop 2
With nearly 30 years of experience in managing and implementing international joint training programs, ISME successfully surpassed representatives from many countries to secure DAAD funding to host this training course at NEU. The program aims to provide officials from Vietnamese universities with opportunities to directly acquire updated knowledge, practical skills, and internationalization experience. Following the success of the 3-day Workshop 1 in December 2025, Workshop 2 continues at NEU from May 6th to 8th, 2026, with the goal of equipping participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to develop effective strategies and establish international partnerships.
The Organizing Committee and trainees participating in Workshop 2
The opening ceremony welcomed distinguished guests from international organizations and universities, including Mr. Felix Wagenfeld, Director of the DAAD Regional Office in Southeast Asia; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yazrina from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia; and Dr. Soubin Sisavath, Deputy Head of the International Relations Office at the National University of Laos. From NEU, attendees included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ho Dinh Bao, Head of the Personnel Department; Dr. Pham Sy Long, Deputy Head of the International Cooperation Department; Dr. Bui Duc Dung, Head of the General Affairs Department; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Trung Thanh, Dean of ISME; Dr. Trinh Thi Thu Giang, Vice Dean of ISME; along with ISME lecturers and staff.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Trung Thanh, Dean of ISME, delivering the opening speech for Workshop 2, held from May 6-8, 2026, at NEU
Kicking off the program, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Trung Thanh delivered the opening remarks for the second phase of the training: “As a leading educational institution in international integration, NEU always prioritizes and provides the best conditions for activities that enhance international cooperation across all aspects, including academics, research, and joint operations with domestic and international universities”. The 3-day phase focuses on practical solutions to equip trainees with management knowledge and skills, preparing them for the globalization of education.
Mr. Felix Wagenfeld, Director of the DAAD Regional Office in Southeast Asia, sharing the objectives of Workshop 2 and opportunities for training and research cooperation with German universities
Representing DAAD, Mr. Felix Wagenfeld shared that while Workshop 1 provided learners with a comprehensive view of global educational integration, Workshop 2 focuses on delivering and collaboratively building practical solutions. Trainees are equipped with tools and methods to solve existing, real-world issues within their respective organizations, thereby formulating international integration ideas and plans amidst the urgent global need for educational globalization. Furthermore, Mr. Felix expressed his appreciation to NEU for professionally organizing the course and warmly welcoming the organizing committee and participants. He believes that NEU will continue to be a top choice for hosting international training courses and seminars in the future.
Following this, Mr. Felix Wagenfeld presented on “DAAD: Cooperation Opportunities for Vietnamese Universities,” introducing funding sources and partnership opportunities in the Federal Republic of Germany that Vietnamese universities can leverage. NEU will remain a strategic partner of DAAD in enhancing international cooperation through educational research and innovation; finding global solutions for sustainable educational integration via joint training courses, seminars, research, and inter-university projects; as well as faculty and student exchange programs
Workshop 2 equipping trainees with management knowledge and skills, ready for the globalization of education
During the opening session, trainees continued their Workshop 2 activities by presenting posters of internationalization development projects at their respective universities. These projects have been implemented since Workshop 1 and received feedback through online mentoring sessions prior to Workshop 2. Over the next two days, the workshop will focus on Internationalisation at Home, building sustainable partnerships, and discussing the future of international cooperation and research exchange in the context of digital transformation.
Tasked with developing and executing internationally cooperative training programs in economics, management, and business administration to promote the university’s overall strengths, ISME continuously focuses on building NEU’s training programs to meet international standards. In addition, ISME actively promotes international cooperation projects to adopt, apply, and transfer training technologies, scientific research, and consulting, thereby delivering a globally recognized educational environment.
