Revitalizing the University-Research Institute-Industry Cooperation Model through a Quadripartite Partnership

On November 19, Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH), the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM), and the University of Science and Technology (UST) to strengthen academic and research cooperation among the institutions through student exchanges, participation in joint research, and the implementation of collaborative training programs.

HUST, KITECH, KIMM, and UST are long-standing partners. The gathering of these four entities, along with managers, researchers, and experts from South Korea and HUST, made this signing event particularly special.

Assoc. Prof. Huynh Quyet Thang, President of Hanoi University of Science and Technology, emphasized: "From HUST's perspective, we hope this partnership will not only create pathways for our students and young researchers to enhance their research capabilities through the KITECH–UST and KIMM–UST programs but also serve as a foundation for larger joint research projects, co-supervision of theses, co-authorship of scientific publications, and other joint initiatives."
  HUST aims to revitalize the university-research institute-industry cooperation model with a longer-term, balanced vision that aligns with the interests of all parties. The HUST President expressed his belief that these beneficial models can contribute to academic development and innovation activities encouraged and supported by both governments.

The quadripartite cooperation will focus on key areas, including postgraduate training, joint supervision, student and faculty exchange, participation in joint research, and implementation of collaborative training programs. These activities contribute to developing high-quality human resources and creating scientific products that contribute to the long-term development of both Vietnam and South Korea.

At the ceremony, Dr. Sang Mok Lee, President of KITECH, affirmed: "Through this collaboration with HUST, we aim to nurture more outstanding talents and further promote academic exchange and joint research activities between the two units. I sincerely hope that today's signing ceremony will be a solid foundation for the strong development of the four universities and research institutes and deepen the friendship between South Korea and Vietnam."
  Dr. Seog Hyeon Ryu, President of KIMM, shared: "HUST is one of the leading science and technology universities in Vietnam. Since our first collaborations, we have achieved many excellent results. Today's cooperation is a milestone marking the development of our relationship to a new height."
  Also at the ceremony, Dr. Dae Im Kang, President of UST, stated: "HUST talents have contributed to the development of our two institutions in particular and both nations in general. I see many potential collaborations that we can develop together. Today's MoU marks the beginning of a new chapter in deeper, more effective, and more impactful cooperation between us."
  The four-party cooperation is built on a long and rich history. In 2001, HUST and KITECH collaborated for the first time by establishing the KITECH–HUST Center, co-managed by a Director from KITECH and a Vice Director appointed by HUST. This was one of the earliest and most successful university-research institute cooperation models between Vietnam and South Korea.

In 2006, HUST and KIMM signed the first MoU on academic exchange. Both sides have supported exchange, research, and educational cooperation activities for nearly two decades.

On this occasion, for the first time, HUST, KITECH, KIMM, and UST tightened their partnership in a quadripartite MoU: An alliance between two leading South Korean research institutes and two leading educational institutions from Vietnam and South Korea. This cooperation opens new opportunities for postgraduate training, research collaboration, talent development, and integration between universities and research institutes.
  In the 2025-2030 period, HUST aims to continue developing into an excellent institution for training, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. HUST strives to become a gathering place for elite individuals, creative knowledge, and open cooperation, led by a spirit of autonomy, digital intelligence, and a desire to serve the country. The following five pillars of excellence define HUST's identity and guide its sustainable development, based on the philosophy of Converging Excellence: Excellence in People, Excellence in Knowledge and Technology, Excellence in Cooperation, Excellence in Value, and Excellence in Governance.

The signing ceremony took place in the context of the two countries promoting their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with South Korean enterprises continuing to expand investment in Vietnam, especially in high-tech industries, creating a strong demand for skilled engineers and deeper cooperation between universities, research institutes, and businesses.
  On the same day, at Conference Room C2, Assoc. Prof. Huynh Đang Chinh – Vice President of Hanoi University of Science and Technology, chaired the Seminar on Research Cooperation and Postgraduate Training between HUST and the institutes KITECH, KIMM, and UST (South Korea).

The seminar was organized to introduce key research areas of KITECH and KIMM, as well as UST's admission roadmap to HUST students, creating opportunities to explore scientific research pathways and strengthen academic cooperation between HUST and South Korean national research institutes and universities.
  The seminar proceeded energetically with presentations from representatives of KITECH, KIMM, and UST. Additionally, a HUST alumnus currently studying at UST shared their journey at KITECH while enrolled at UST.

The seminar was a valuable forum for South Korean and Vietnamese researchers to exchange ideas, share study and research experiences, and support HUST students wishing to exchange, study abroad, or work overseas.