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Bavarian universities strengthen partnerships in Vietnam 

19.01.2026, Press Release :

Under the patronage of Markus Blume, Bavarian Minister of State for Science and the Arts, eight Bavarian technical universities/universities of applied sciences visited the Vietnamese-German University (VGU) in Ho Chi Minh City to discuss opportunities for cooperation, double degrees, and current developments. The focus was on studying and teaching, applied research, and transfer. HNU also signed a double degree agreement in the Bachelor's program in Digital Management and International Entrepreneurship (BDE) with the Vietnamese partner institution.

The delegation trip, which was initiated by HNU President Prof. Dr. Uta M. Feser and organized on the Bavarian side by the HNU, was attended by representatives of the East Bavarian Technical University of Amberg-Weiden, the University of Applied Sciences (HaW) Ansbach, HaW Coburg, Deggendorf Institute of Technology, HaW Hof, HaW Landshut, and Rosenheim Technical University. On behalf of VGU, President Prof. Dr. René Thiele led the discussions together with Dr. Hà Thúc Viên, Vice President for Academic Affairs. Other representatives from the faculties of Economics and Management and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Thanh Duong, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, as well as the team from the International Office facilitated an intensive exchange.

Trip paves new ways for German-Vietnamese university cooperation

The two-day meeting offered both the VGU—the first Vietnamese state university based on the German university model—and the Bavarian guests detailed insights into the respective institutional frameworks and highlighted the potential for increased cooperation. “International cooperation does not happen on paper, but through personal exchange,” emphasizes Prof. Dr. Uta M. Feser. “With our delegation trip, we are strengthening trust between the universities, pooling our strengths, and shaping internationalization as a strategic joint task.” Prof. Dr. René Thiele was delighted with the intensive discussions: “We have a strong international partner network and want to develop it further strategically. By signing the double degree agreement with HNU and engaging in intensive exchanges with the universities in the delegation, we are now able to substantially expand our network in Bavaria as well.” In addition to exploring concrete opportunities for cooperation, the use of and changes brought about by artificial intelligence were also on the agenda: HNU Prof. Dr. Klaus Lang, Director of the Institute for Digital Transformation, gave a presentation on the transformative power of AI in higher education.

Focus on economic relations: exchange with the German Chamber of Foreign Trade

The delegation also visited the German House in Ho Chi Minh City, where they were welcomed by Consul General Andrea Maria Sühl, Chief Representative of the AHK Peter Kompalla, and CEO and General Director of the German House Elmar Dutt. The reception by Consul General Andrea Maria Sühl, the Chief Representative of the AHK, Peter Kompalla, and the CEO and General Director of the German House, Elmar Dutt, underscored the strong presence of Germany and Bavaria in Vietnam and their importance as reliable partners for economic and location development. The exchange focused on Vietnam's economic development and importance in the region, as well as the economic conditions for German and Bavarian companies in Vietnam.

HNU and VGU sign first double degree agreement

The conclusion of the first double degree agreement between VGU and a Bavarian university was a highlight of the delegation's trip: HNU President Feser and VGU President Thiele signed a cooperation agreement on site for the B.A. program in Digital Management and International Entrepreneurship (BDE). The program will start in the winter semester of 2026/27 and will strengthen international networking among students and teachers and the joint design of teaching formats.

Contact
Prof. Dr. Uta M. Feser