UEH and Linacre College, University of Oxford (UK) foster bilateral cooperation in education and research

14 Nov, 2025

In the context of the strongly promoted educational cooperation between Vietnam and the United Kingdom following the upgrade of their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) hosted a reception and working session with Linacre College, University of Oxford, to expand opportunities for academic cooperation, research, and knowledge exchange between the two institutions.

On November 12, 2025, at UEH Campus A, a delegation from Linacre College, University of Oxford (UK), visited and worked with UEH to discuss strategic visions and directions for bilateral cooperation in education and research.

The working session was honored by the presence of Mr. William Lawrenson, Deputy Consul General of the United Kingdom in Ho Chi Minh City, who accompanied the delegation to promote educational cooperation between the two nations as the UK actively expands its transnational partnerships and academic exchanges in Vietnam.

Representing Linacre College were Prof. Nick Leimu-Brown – Principal of Linacre College, University of Oxford, and Mr. David Seale – Development Director of Linacre College, University of Oxford.

Welcoming the delegation from UEH were: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung – UEH Executive Vice President; Dr. Dinh Cong Khai – Vice President of UEH; Dr. Tran Thi Tuan Anh – Vice Rector of the UEH College of Economics, Law and Government (CELG); Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Khanh Nam – Head of the Department of Research - Development and Global Engagement; Dr. Dinh Thi Thu Hong – Head of the Department of Training; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Duong Phuong Thao – Deputy Head of the Department of Research - Development and Global Engagement; and Ms. Le Thi Hanh An, M.A. – Deputy Head of the Department of Communications and Partnerships.

An overview of the working session with Linacre College, University of Oxford, at UEH

During the meeting, the two sides discussed an overview of their strategic visions, strengths, and orientations for sustainable development in education and scientific research.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung – UEH Executive Vice President, shared: "UEH always aims to become a multidisciplinary university with the capacity for deep integration into the global knowledge network. We highly value the prestige and academic tradition of the University of Oxford, especially Linacre College, which is home to many distinguished scientists. We hope this partnership will open up numerous opportunities for learning, research, and innovation for both sides."

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung spoke at the working session

Representing Linacre College, Prof. Nick Leimu-Brown, Principal of Linacre College, stated: "We are highly impressed with UEH's dynamic development and strong internationalization orientation. Linacre looks forward to close collaboration with UEH in postgraduate training, research exchange, joint research projects, and co-organizing academic and cultural activities."

Prof. Nick Leimu-Brown, Principal of Linacre College, shared his insights.

In the academic exchange portion of the meeting, UEH and Linacre focused on discussing potential areas of cooperation, including:

Developing joint research groups in development economics, public policy, sustainable finance, green economy, and digital transformation;
Co-supervising PhD candidates and master's students, promoting international publications and academic exchange;
Organizing bilateral scientific conferences and seminars to connect young researchers from both institutions;
Participating in international projects on university governance, innovation, and sustainable development;
Expanding opportunities for faculty and student exchanges through short-term study programs and joint training initiatives;

The two sides engaged in a professional discussion and propose areas for cooperation

UEH and Linacre College, University of Oxford, agreed to move towards signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in the near future to formalize the areas of cooperation and expand research and training programs. At the conclusion of the meeting, representatives from both sides and the UK Deputy Consul General exchanged commemorative gifts, took photos, and affirmed their commitment to future collaboration in education and research.

This event marks a significant milestone in UEH's internationalization journey, not only opening direct cooperation opportunities between UEH and Linacre College but also contributing to the enhancement of educational exchange activities between Vietnam and the UK – particularly as the UK is intensifying transnational educational cooperation, developing English language programs, enhancing teacher capacity, and expanding scholarship opportunities for Vietnamese students.