On April 28, 2026, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trinh Thuy Anh, Principal of the UEH College of Technology and Design (CTD), represented the College’s leadership in an official visit and working session with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) under the framework of the “UEH 50 Years – 50 Partners in 5 Continents” initiative. This visit marked an important milestone in the internationalization strategy of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), while opening up new opportunities for meaningful collaboration in education and research between the two institutions.
As part of the UEH Global 50 program, the two institutions conducted a symbolic flag exchange ceremony, representing mutual trust, partnership, and a shared commitment to sustainable development. During the meeting, both parties discussed and agreed upon several strategic areas of cooperation, including faculty and student exchange programs, joint research initiatives, and academic contributions to the Resilience by Technology and Design – FutureScape Conference (RTD 2026).
In addition, the two institutions explored opportunities to co-organize international academic and creative activities, notably the International Projection Mapping Competition and ArtTech Fusion 2026, both scheduled to take place in 2026. These collaborative initiatives are expected to further strengthen academic connectivity, foster innovation, and enhance the global engagement of both universities.
In addition, during the working visit, CTD participated in the International Design Forum KL 2026, themed “Designing Intelligence for Creative Convergence,” organized by the School of The Arts, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). At the forum, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trinh Thuy Anh joined as a keynote speaker, sharing both academic perspectives and practical insights on fostering co-creation opportunities, with young generations positioned at the center of the rapidly evolving ArtTech landscape. Her presentation highlighted the transformative role of interdisciplinary collaboration between art, technology, and design in empowering youth to become active contributors to innovation and social progress.
The discussion emphasized the importance of nurturing creative ecosystems that encourage experimentation, inclusivity, and sustainable development. By placing emerging talents at the forefront of innovation, ArtTech can serve as a powerful catalyst for addressing contemporary societal challenges and shaping a more resilient, human-centered future. CTD’s participation in the forum further reaffirmed its commitment to advancing international academic dialogue and strengthening global networks in the fields of technology, design, and creative industries.
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is one of Malaysia’s leading research universities, renowned for its strengths in interdisciplinary education and research, particularly in science, technology, arts, and design. Guided by a strong commitment to sustainability, innovation, and global engagement, USM has established itself as a key contributor to the advancement of higher education and research across Southeast Asia. Its emphasis on cross-disciplinary collaboration and real-world impact aligns closely with the vision of future-ready universities in an increasingly interconnected world.
The collaboration between UEH – College of Technology and Design (CTD) and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) marks the beginning of a strategic and multidimensional partnership, opening new pathways for academic exchange, collaborative research, and professional development for faculty members and students from both institutions. Through the integration of diverse expertise, the sharing of academic resources, and the promotion of co-creation initiatives, the partnership seeks to advance innovation at the intersection of art, technology, design, and sustainability. It also reflects a shared commitment to empowering future generations with the knowledge, skills, and global perspectives needed to address emerging societal challenges.
More importantly, this partnership serves as a tangible demonstration of UEH’s internationalization strategy and its aspiration to strengthen global academic connectivity. By fostering meaningful collaboration between scholars, researchers, and creative practitioners, both institutions aim to generate impactful knowledge and cultivate an ecosystem where creativity, technology, and human-centered innovation can thrive.
Looking ahead, the establishment of formal cooperation with Universiti Sains Malaysia is expected to provide a strong foundation for the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) and the College of Technology and Design (CTD) to further expand their international network of partners, enhance educational quality, accelerate research excellence, and elevate their academic standing on the global stage. Through strategic alliances with distinguished institutions such as USM, UEH and CTD continue to reaffirm their commitment to becoming a globally connected, innovation-driven university, contributing to sustainable development and shaping the future of education, technology, and creative industries.
Tuyet Le (Choi Jin-Ri)
