Undergraduate On October 27, 2026, Can Tho University (CTU) and the University of Phayao (Thailand) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), opening up opportunities to strengthen academic exchange, leverage their respective areas of expertise, and promote collaboration in education and scientific research. The agreement helps expand the universities’ international partnership networks and lays the foundation for gradually developing collaborative relations in line with each institution’s strategic priorities and development needs. The meeting and signing ceremony were co-chaired by Prof. Dr. Tran Ngoc Hai - Acting Director of CTU, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Supakorn Pongbangpho - President of the University of Phayao, with representatives of relevant units from both universities also in attendance.
The signing ceremony and working session took place at the CTU’s Administration Building
The MoU provides a basis for CTU and the University of Phayao to continue discussions, identify priority areas, and develop collaborative activities that align with their respective strengths and areas of expertise. As higher education increasingly emphasizes internationalization and closer integration between education and research, expanding partnerships creates opportunities for the two universities to share experiences, leverage academic resources, and explore avenues for collaboration with practical value.
In his remarks, Prof. Dr. Tran Ngoc Hai highlighted CTU’s strengths in multidisciplinary education, encompassing a wide range of fields, from agriculture, aquaculture, engineering, information technology, and economics to health sciences and traditional scientific disciplines. This broad academic foundation enables CTU to expand collaboration with international higher education institutions across various fields. With regard to Thailand, CTU’s partnerships with universities and institutes in the country have developed over many years, involving nearly 30 partner institutions and more than 40 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). Notably, this cooperation has extended beyond formal written agreements to include concrete activities such as faculty and student exchanges and mutual recognition of academic credits. Cultural similarities, comparable living conditions, and geographical proximity also facilitate exchange programs for faculty members and students.
Prof. Dr. Tran Ngoc Hai noted that CTU welcomes thousands of Thai students each year to participate in short- and long-term study programs and experiential learning activities. At the same time, the University provides opportunities for its students to study in Thailand, engage in academic and cultural exchanges, and gain exposure to international learning environments
For the University of Phayao, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Supakorn Pongbangpho provided an overview of the university’s development, academic strengths, and cooperation priorities. She also expressed his appreciation for the longstanding friendship and cooperation between higher education institutions in Vietnam and Thailand. Building on these established ties, the University of Phayao looks forward to further strengthening solidarity, leveraging complementary strengths, and expanding collaboration in education, scientific research, and academic exchange. These efforts are expected to lay the groundwork for a deeper and more substantive partnership that meets the development needs of both institutions and contributes positively to educational cooperation between the two countries.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Supakorn Pongbangpho expressed his hope that the two universities would continue discussions, identify priority areas, and gradually implement appropriate collaborative activities, with a view to building a stable and long-term partnership
Representatives of the two universities exchanged views and discussed areas of potential cooperation during the working session
Under the MoU, CTU and the University of Phayao will promote academic exchange programs and expand opportunities for faculty members, staff, and students to participate in exchanges related to teaching, research, and study. The two universities also aim to undertake joint research activities that align with their respective strengths, needs, and development priorities; exchange academic materials and learning resources to support education and research; and collaborate in organizing academic programs and other relevant professional activities. Through these initiatives, the universities seek to make effective use of their resources, broaden opportunities for academic interaction and knowledge sharing, and gradually deepen their partnership to deliver tangible benefits for teaching and research at both universities.
CTU and the University of Phayao signed a MoU, opening up opportunities to strengthen academic exchange and promote collaboration in education and scientific research
CTU and the University of Phayao have complementary strengths and research potential in several fields, including health sciences, agriculture, biotechnology, engineering, information technology, and environmental science. Combined with their shared commitment to innovation and sustainable development, these strengths provide a solid foundation for exchanging expertise, advancing interdisciplinary research, and exploring solutions to practical challenges. Identifying priority areas and making effective use of each university’s resources will help translate cooperation priorities into concrete activities.
Commemorative photo
The establishment of a partnership with the University of Phayao further reflects CTU’s proactive approach to international integration, aligning domestic and international resources with the University’s development needs. Building on this foundation, the two universities have further opportunities to leverage their respective strengths, promote academic exchange, and implement collaborative activities in education and scientific research. These efforts will help foster a sustainable partnership, enhance the quality of higher education, and promote knowledge sharing across the region.
(Website Editorial Board)
