Co-organized by the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training, the British Embassy in Hanoi, and the British Council, the forum united over 200 higher education leaders from both countries, aiming to promote knowledge exchange and showcase collaborative case studies for the future.
Transnational education goes beyond academics, fostering economic growth, national competitiveness, sustainable communities, and gender equality, according to Professor Sir Steve Smith, the United Kingdom Government International Education Champion, during a recent forum between Vietnam and the UK.
The forum, jointly organized by the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training, the British Embassy in Hanoi, and the British Council, brought together over 200 higher education leaders from both nations, the Viet Nam News reported.
The event aimed to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experiences while showcasing case studies that can serve as a blueprint for future collaborations.
Currently, over 7,100 Vietnamese students are following the UK university curriculum, with 6,000 attending in person and the remaining studying online.
“Together with our Vietnamese counterparts and partners, we view this as a promising platform to expand on, to enable a more inclusive, equitable and affordable option to study at the highest of levels,” said Smith.
In October 2019, the UK and Vietnam signed an MOU on education, focusing on higher education, English training, educational technology, international education, and preschool education. Vietnam sees the UK as a top destination for transnational education, with 25 UK universities and 101 joint programs.
Deputy Minister of Education and Training Nguyễn Văn Phúc expressed optimism about the future of educational cooperation between the two countries, particularly in higher education.
The forum also unveiled a report titled “Towards a More Competitive Environment for Transnational Education in Vietnam,” conducted by the British Embassy in Hanoi, the British Council, and the MoET.
The report highlighted that transnational education enhances the supply of higher education, curbs brain drain, and promotes brain circulation by attracting talent to program delivery locations.
Vietnam ranks as the third-largest sender of globally mobile students worldwide, following China and India.
The report also recognized Vietnam’s favorable regulatory framework for transnational education and recommended clear guidance for engaging in these programs.
Donna McGowan, director of the British Council Vietnam, said that partnerships between higher education institutions are essential bridges, promoting mutual understanding and progress.
“The challenges we face from global pandemics to climate change to the emergence of new technology require solutions that transcend borders, and the UK-Việt Nam transnational education partnerships are powerful tools to help address these challenges.”
