The Asia Pacific School of Business and Vietnam Trade ｕｎｉｏｎ University Sign Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation Agreement, Marking New Era of Tripartite Education Collaboration 

Hanoi, Vietnam – On April 2, 2025, The Asia Pacific School of Business (APSB) and Vietnam Trade ｕｎｉｏｎ University (TUU) held a solemn signing ceremony for a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation Agreement in Hanoi, Vietnam. Leaders and professors from various departments of Trade ｕｎｉｏｎ University attended and participated in the meeting. This collaboration signifies a pivotal step in trilateral cooperation among China, Singapore, and Vietnam are advancing education internationalization, traditional medicine impart and inherit, and regional economic talent cultivation.

 I. Collaboration Background: Policy Alignment and Resource Synergy 

1. TUU’s Vision and Needs 

   As a leading Vietnamese university under the Ministry of Industry and Trade and supervised by the Ministry of Education and Training, TUU excels in labor relations and vocational education. However, it seeks to enhance its global competitiveness. President Prof. Le Manh Hung stated, *“This partnership will enable us to integrate international educational frameworks and teaching methodologies, fostering graduates capable of thriving in a globalized economy.”* 

2. APSB’s Global Education Footprint 

   APSB, renowned for its *“internationalization, standardization, and openness”* philosophy, has established itself in traditional medicine education. Its Joint Graduate School of Traditional Medicine collaborates with universities such as Hanoi National University, Ton Duc Thang University, Thanh Dong University, and Bac Ha International University, offering accredited bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. Dr. Jian Yinyi Yan, Chair of APSB’s Board of Trustees, emphasized, *“Our shared educational values and goals create a strong foundation for resource sharing and complementary development.”* 

3. Tripartite Policy Support 

   The cooperation aligns with strategic initiatives from all three nations: 

    China’s Ministry of Education and Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) agreed in December 2024 to strengthen cooperation in digital education, STEM talent development, and teacher training. 

    Vietnam’s MoET and Singapore’s Ministry of Education (MOE) pledged in February 2025 to deepen educational integration during the 50th anniversary of Vietnam Singapore diplomatic ties. 

   The project has started the application process to meet the direct recognition of academic quality by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Education and Training of Vietnam.

 II. Collaboration Framework: Multidimensional and Inclusive Partnership 

The agreement outlines cooperation across three key pillars, with a focus on APSB’s joint Master’s program in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence with Hunan University of Information Technology in Vietnam: 

1. Talent Cultivation: Dual Degree and Exchange Programs 

    Dual Degree Programs: Ten master’s disciplines (logistics management, international trade, traditional medicine, educational management, computer science, etc.) will be offered, with a 3:7 enrollment ratio (30% Vietnamese students, 70% international students). Degrees will be accredited by China, Vietnam, and Singapore. This model, previously tested with Hanoi National University, is expected to elevate Vietnamese students’ global employability. 

    Student Mobility: Shortterm academic exchanges and internships will be promoted. For instance, TUU students will engage in Chinese language and international courses at APSB, while APSB students will conduct industry research in Vietnamese enterprises. 

2. Faculty and Curriculum Innovation 

    Faculty Exchange: Leading scholars will be exchanged to share teaching methodologies and research outcomes. APSB’s traditional medicine experts will deliver lectures at TUU, while Vietnamese instructors will participate in APSB’s digital teaching workshops. 

    Curriculum Development: Industryaligned courses such as *“Integration of Traditional Medicine and Modern Technology”* and *“Cross Border Logistics Management”* will be codeveloped. In traditional medicine, successful models from Chinese medical universities (e.g., Beijingi University of Chinese Medicine) will be adapted, including training in Traditional medicine medical techniques. 

3. Research and Industry Collaboration 

    Laboratory construction: Jointly build the "Quantum Medicine and Traditional Medicine Laboratory", bringing together interdisciplinary resources from five universities including The Asia Pacific School of Business and Trade ｕｎｉｏｎ University to promote the digitalization and intelligent research of traditional medicine.

    Industry Linkages: Internship opportunities will be provided through APSB’s corporate partners (e.g., Shandong Longshou Kanghua Health Industry Group), while exploring commercial applications of traditional medicine in Vietnam, such as herbal processing and health management. 

 III. Strategic Significance: Catalyzing Regional Development 

1. Enhancing Vietnam’s Higher Education Quality 

   TUU will adopt APSB’s curriculum accreditation system and international faculty, narrowing gaps with global universities. For example, its traditional medicine program will implement APSB’s *“immersive practical teaching”* using VR/AR technologies. 

2. Globalizing Traditional Medicine Education 

   APSB’s involvement will integrate Vietnamese traditional medicine into international education systems, enabling Vietnamese students to pursue globally recognized qualifications. Codeveloped curricula will also serve as a regional benchmark for Southeast Asia. 

3. Strengthening Tripartite Peopleto People Bonds 

   Educational exchanges will foster mutual understanding among Chinese, Singaporean, and Vietnamese youth. APSB will offer Chinese language training, while TUU will promote Vietnamese culture and language programs. 

4. Driving Regional Economic Growth 

   Graduates in logistics, trade, and traditional medicine will address Vietnam’s industrial 4.0 workforce demands and support Chinese and Singaporean investments in the country. 

 IV. Challenges and Future Prospects 

While promising, the collaboration faces hurdles such as aligning tripartite academic standards and ensuring sustainable funding. Vietnam may leverage government and corporate support, while APSB can access Belt and Road educational funds. 

Conclusion 

This cooperation is an innovative example of trilateral cooperation and provides a replicable model for regional educational integration. As Ms. Hoàng Thị Anh, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of The Asia Pacific School of Business (Vietnam), said, "This agreement not only unites the two universities, but also paves the way for deeper educational exchanges between China, Singapore and Vietnam, empowering future generations and promoting regional prosperity. This is a merit and achievement that will benefit generations to come."