On December 8, the 6th 6th Sino-Vietnam Presidents Forum of Universities in the Red River Basin took place at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University Hanoi, gathering nearly 30 universities from Vietnam and China. The event reaffirmed its role as a bridge for academic cooperation, educational exchange, and the development of high-quality human resources between the two countries.
A Sustainable Cooperation Mechanism Over More Than a Decade
Established in 2014 with 12 founding members, the Forum has since evolved into an active and effective cooperation network among higher education institutions in the Red River Basin. Regular exchange programs for staff, lecturers, and students, along with annual international academic conferences, have contributed to a strong and cohesive network of Vietnamese and Chinese universities.
Active Participation from TNUS
At the Forum, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Dang, Rector of TNUS, delivered a presentation proposing strengthened cooperation in science and technology, expanded student exchange programs, and enhanced cultural exchange activities between Vietnam and China.
Thai Nguyen University of Sciences has participated in the Forum since 2021. Over this period, the University has developed several collaborative initiatives in training and student exchange with member institutions of the network. In the context of continuous changes in education, science, and technology, deepening cooperation between universities from both countries opens up significant opportunities for the University to improve training quality, foster high-quality human resources, and align with regional and global development trends.
Reviewing Cooperation in 2024–2025 and Orientation for the New Phase
The 2025 Forum emphasized reviewing cooperation outcomes from 2024 to 2025, strengthening mutual trust between institutions, and promoting more regular and substantive exchanges among staff, lecturers, and students. Discussions also centered on strategies for expanding the member network and defining cooperation priorities for the 2026–2027 period.
Notably, several Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) were signed during the Forum, reflecting a clear transition from connection-building to concrete actions in training, research, academic exchange, and community engagement.
According to member consensus, Wenshan University (China) will chair the Forum for the 2026–2027 term, continuing to lead joint activities and foster effective collaboration across the network.
A Symbol of Vietnam–China Academic Exchange
The 6th Sino-Vietnam Presidents Forum of Universities in the Red River Basin is not only a platform for discussing trends in educational cooperation but also a symbolic initiative reflecting the cultural, academic, and training ties between Vietnam and China. Rooted in the shared historical and cultural heritage of the Red River Basin, the Forum continues to deepen educational connections, promote high-quality training, and enhance mutual understanding between higher education institutions of both nations.
With its expanding scale and increasingly substantive collaboration, the Forum stands as one of the most prominent bilateral models of higher education cooperation.
Since joining the Forum in 2021, TNUS has continually affirmed its active role in international cooperation, demonstrating its commitment to partnering with regional institutions to build a modern, innovative, and globally integrated educational and research environment—contributing sustainably to the development of the Vietnam–China higher education system.
