On the evening of August 19, 2026, leaders of key academic units at the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) held an online meeting with a high-level delegation from the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UMass Lowell, USA). Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in February 2026, the meeting focused on discussing specific directions and opportunities for collaboration in education, scientific research, faculty exchange, and international learning experiences.

From the Signing of the MOU to Concrete Steps Toward Collaboration

On February 9, 2026, UEH and the University of Massachusetts Lowell officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at UEH’s Campus A. This marked an important milestone, laying the foundation for expanding collaboration between the two universities in education, scientific research, academic exchange, and knowledge transfer.

UEH and the University of Massachusetts Lowell (USA) sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

Building on the MOU, the online meeting served as a follow-up step to translate the agreed directions for cooperation into specific programs and activities that leverage the respective strengths of both institutions. The participation of academic, research, and international relations units from both universities also created an opportunity to discuss potential areas of cooperation in a practical, multidisciplinary, and implementable manner.

Leaders of Key Academic Units Join the Discussion

Representing UEH, the meeting was attended by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Phong Nguyen, Rector of the UEH College of Business (COB); Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trinh Thuy Anh, Rector of the UEH College of Technology and Design (CTD) and Dean of the School of Communication Design; Dr. Tran Thi Tuan Anh, Vice Rector of the UEH College of Economics, Law and Government (CELG) and Dean of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics; Dr. Ho Quoc Thong, Vice Dean of the School of Economics, CELG; Dr. Ho Minh Thang, Vice Director of the Institute of Languages and International Studies and Program Director at the School of Foreign Languages; and Ms. Thai Thu Phuong, Specialist at the Research, Development and Global Engagement Board.

Representing the Institute of Business Research (IBR) were Prof. Vo Xuan Vinh, Director of the Institute of Business Research (IBR); Ms. Tran Thanh Thao, MA, and Mr. Le Tran Tuan Anh, MA, specialists at IBR.

Representing the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UMass Lowell), the U.S. delegation included Mr. John Feudo, Vice Chancellor for Development and Global Engagement; Prof. Nancy Ludwig, Dean of Graduate, Online and Professional Studies; Prof. Yi Yang, Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Research; Dr. Shahram Haydari, Assistant Dean for Graduate Admissions; Mr. Michael Belcher, Senior Director of International Admissions and Strategic Partnerships; and Ms. Fern MacKinnon, Director of International Experiences and Study Abroad.

The meeting brought together leaders and representatives from both institutions

Toward Substantive and Diverse Collaborative Programs

During the meeting, the two sides discussed a range of potential areas for collaboration, with a particular focus on graduate education programs, online learning programs, international learning experiences, and study abroad opportunities for students and learners.

The representatives also discussed opportunities for faculty exchange, strengthening academic connections, and implementing interdisciplinary research activities between UEH’s member colleges, academic and research units and their counterparts at UMass Lowell.

These discussions open up diverse and flexible opportunities for cooperation, ranging from the development of academic programs and enhancement of international learning experiences to strengthening research collaboration and professional exchange among faculty members of the two universities.

Article by: Nhu Y – Institute of Business Research