University of Phayao Strengthens ASEAN Partnerships
Advancing Joint Curriculum Development and International Research in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Associate Professor Supakorn Pongbangpho, Ph.D., President of the University of Phayao, led a delegation of university executives on an official visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam during 3–4 December 2025. The mission aimed to advance international academic and research collaboration with the University of Architecture Ho Chi Minh City (UAH) and the Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City (IUH), as well as to participate in the ASAIHL 2025 Conference.
The delegation included:
Associate Professor Torpong Kreetachat, Ph.D., Dean of the School of Energy and Environment
Assistant Professor Amares Thepma, Ph.D., Dean of the School of Architecture and Fine Arts
Assistant Professor Prakobsiri Pakdeepinit, Ph.D., Dean of the School of Business Administration and Communication Arts
Associate Professor Ruksit Suttipong, Ph.D., Dean of the School of Education
Associate Professor Phanintra Teeranon, Ph.D., Assistant to the President
This mission has fostered new avenues of collaboration across various academic fields, including environmental energy, architecture, fine arts, design, tourism, and education.
The meeting with the University of Architecture Ho Chi Minh City (UAH) was held at the Executive Board Meeting Room at the 196 Pasteur Campus, where the delegation was welcomed by key UAH executives, including:
Assoc. Prof. Pham Trong Thuat, Chair of the Executive Board
Dr. Hoang Bac An, President of the Institute Council
along with deans from five faculties.
Discussions focused on student and faculty exchange programs, joint research in urban design, curriculum development in architecture, design, fine arts, and education, as well as collaborative workshop initiatives between the two institutions.
The delegation also held meetings with executives of the Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City (IUH), including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dam Sao Mai, Vice President, together with leaders from three faculties, with the aim of strengthening curriculum development and research collaboration.
This visit represents a significant milestone for the University of Phayao in expanding its ASEAN academic network, enhancing scholarly capacity, and promoting innovation-driven research—key steps toward elevating educational quality and preparing graduates for the global stage.
Following the institutional meetings, the President and the executive team participated in the annual conference of the Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning (ASAIHL), held at the New World Hotel. The conference highlighted critical global issues, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Global Citizenship, and welcomed more than 300 participants from member universities.
Ho Chi Minh City is currently undergoing major administrative restructuring, consolidating 68 provinces into 34 and abolishing district-level governance, while prioritizing the development of the semiconductor industry and a highly skilled workforce.
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