The University of Technology and VNG Corporation: Nurturing a Dynamic Trio Partnership.

National University-Enterprise Collaboration for Innovation

Today marks a significant step forward in Vietnam’s pursuit of scientific and technological advancement, innovation, and national digital transformation. The event witnessed the attendance of prominent figures: Nguyen Van Nen, Politburo member and Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee; Tran Luu Quang, member of the Party Central Committee, Director of the Central Committee for Policy – Strategy, and Deputy Head of the Steering Committee for the Development of Science, Technology, and Innovation and Digital Transformation; representatives from provinces and cities; and delegates from domestic and international businesses and the scientific community.

Mr. Tran Luu Quang delivers a speech at the event.

Mr. Tran Luu Quang commended the collaboration model of the three pillars: the government, academia, and enterprises, implemented by the National University of Ho Chi Minh City, asserting that this is the only path to Vietnam’s development. To foster this collaboration, local leaders need to be bolder and more confident, adhering to the Resolutions and flexibly applying the regulations without shirking or passing the buck regarding the rights that the Central Committee has delegated.

Mr. Quang also frankly acknowledged the challenges ahead, given the complex administrative procedures and mechanism-related obstacles. He emphasized the need for local governments to take the initiative and be flexible in reducing red tape to create a breakthrough in implementation. This collaboration deserves a unique approach, much like how fire trucks, ambulances, and BRT services are given priority, to forge a strong and effective linkage where all parties achieve their intended goals. Additionally, enterprises should take the lead in collaborating, investing, sharing resources, and providing guidance on training to establish a well-coordinated and efficient mechanism. A dedicated fund should also be established to promptly support the implementation of efficient models.

During the program, the National University of Ho Chi Minh City signed cooperation agreements with ten enterprises, including VNG, ACB, and Cottecons, to unify the implementation of a collaborative framework across six priority areas: Developing high-quality human resources, Promoting research and technology transfer, Applying digital transformation, Encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship, Ensuring sustainable development and social responsibility, and Formulating policies and coordination mechanisms among the three pillars.

In addition to the general collaborative framework, enterprises also announced specific cooperation initiatives based on their unique needs and areas of expertise.

Notably, VNG committed to collaborating with the National University of Ho Chi Minh City and its member universities to train at least 1,000 high-quality students through joint programs. They also plan to provide VND 25 billion in support for research and development activities over the next three years.

VNG representative signing a cooperation agreement with the National University of Ho Chi Minh City.

Furthermore, VNG will launch initiatives to promote entrepreneurship and the commercialization of scientific and technological initiatives. The company will establish an Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at its headquarters, providing workspace and GPU computing resources for research groups from universities or independent external teams, similar to a co-working space model. These initiatives by VNG aim to facilitate the publication of research results in reputable international scientific journals and provide opportunities to present at leading AI conferences, elevating Vietnam’s position on the global scientific research map.

Speaking at the event, Ms. Tran Xuan Ngoc Thao, Director of Human Resources and Communications at VNG, shared: “Based on our practical experience, VNG believes that extensive collaboration among the government, academia, and enterprises is not just a policy orientation but an inevitable trend and a fundamental solution to the challenge of high-quality human resources and the promotion of national innovation.”

VNG representative signing a cooperation agreement with the National University of Ho Chi Minh City.

Currently, VNG employs nearly 1,000 people out of a total of over 3,200 employees who are alumni of the National University of Ho Chi Minh City. Notably, many of them hold critical positions in the fields of Engineering, Product Development, and Data. These figures highlight the importance and effectiveness of substantial collaboration between enterprises and academia, especially as Vietnam aims to leverage science, technology, and innovation as a breakthrough for growth.