The visit took place as Viet Nam–New Zealand relations continue to advance under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with education, science and technology, innovation, and human resource development among the key areas of bilateral cooperation.
One of the highlights of the visit was HUMG’s participation in the Viet Nam – New Zealand Higher Education and Skills Forum 2026, hosted at Auckland University of Technology (AUT). The Forum was held as part of the State visit to New Zealand by General Secretary and President To Lam, who attended and delivered remarks at the event.
Delegates posed for a group photo at the Viet Nam – New Zealand Higher Education and Skills Forum 2026.
Bringing together government representatives, leaders of higher education and vocational education institutions, and businesses from both countries, the Forum focused on cooperation in education, research, innovation, and human resource development. Through its participation, HUMG showcased its strengths in education and research while strengthening connections with New Zealand partners.
The HUMG delegation posed for a photo with Minister of Education and Training Hoang Minh Son and Minister of Science and Technology Vu Hai Quan at the Forum.
Beyond the Forum, meetings with Auckland University of Technology (AUT) and Massey University identified specific avenues for cooperation in research, academic exchange, and education, aligned with HUMG’s academic strengths.
At Auckland University of Technology (AUT), the HUMG delegation met with Prof. Tek Tjing Lie, Head of the School of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences, together with AUT professors and researchers. Building on complementary areas of expertise and connections with Vietnamese professors and researchers at AUT, the two sides focused their discussions on research collaboration and closer links between research groups. They also agreed to advance the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) as a framework for future joint activities.
The HUMG delegation posed for a photo with Prof. Tek Tjing Lie, faculty members, and Vietnamese students at Auckland University of Technology (AUT).
The discussions also identified several concrete next steps. AUT plans to visit HUMG, with the programme expected to include a research seminar, discussions between research groups, and exchanges on potential collaboration in HUMG’s gas hydrate research programme. The two universities also aim to organise academic activities for students and provide information on study, research, and scholarship opportunities at AUT.
At Massey University, the HUMG delegation met with Prof. Tere McGonagle-Daly, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Students and Global Engagement, and other Massey University representatives. The programme also brought together Can Tho University (CTU) and Nguyen Tat Thanh University (NTTU), further strengthening Massey’s engagement with Vietnamese higher education institutions.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen The Vinh and Prof. Tere McGonagle-Daly, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Massey University, exchanged commemorative gifts during the meeting.
For HUMG, the discussions identified specific areas for cooperation in interdisciplinary research, education, and academic exchange. During the session with the School of Built Environment, attended by Prof. Eziaku Rasheed and other faculty members and experts, the two sides identified complementary strengths in construction, geology, surveying, and sustainable development, providing a strong foundation for interdisciplinary research with both academic depth and practical relevance.
The two universities also agreed to work towards signing an MOU, promote faculty and student exchanges, and expand opportunities for both in-person and online learning. Massey’s blended learning model, which combines online learning with classroom discussion and the participation of experts and industry professionals, also provides opportunities for the two universities to share experience and explore further cooperation in education.
HUMG representatives and members of the School of Built Environment, Massey University, participated in a working session.
The visit to New Zealand marks a further step in strengthening HUMG’s engagement with education and research partners in the country. Participation in the Forum during the State visit, together with the specific areas of cooperation identified with AUT and Massey University, provides a foundation for HUMG to broaden its international network, develop deeper partnerships, and strengthen its presence in international academic and research networks.