16.2.3. Identify and engage with local stakeholders

The University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) has promulgated and implemented comprehensive policies for local and community cooperation within the strategic framework of “Serving the Community – Connecting Knowledge with Practice.” These policies are manifested through systematic processes for identifying, approaching, and maintaining regular collaboration with external stakeholders, including:​

+ Local governments (People’s Committees of provinces, cities, districts);

+ Policy-making agencies, central ministries and sectors;

+ Professional agencies, associations, enterprises, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs);

+ Research organizations and partner universities domestically and internationally.

UEH conducts stakeholder identification based on socio-economic development needs, regional development strategies, and national directives such as Resolution 57-NQ/TW (promulgated on December 22, 2024) of the Politburo, focusing on breakthrough development in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation. From this foundation, the university establishes formal cooperation channels through the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), coordination programs, and research-consulting-training projects.

Signing Comprehensive Cooperation Agreements with Local Regions

UEH continuously expands its strategic cooperation system with provinces and cities, aiming to connect knowledge and practice in policy formulation.

+ UEH signs comprehensive strategic cooperation agreement with the People’s Committee of Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province through 2025 and for the period 2025-2030

On September 5, 2024, the official signing ceremony took place between UEH and the People’s Committee of Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province

+ UEH strengthens cooperation with Central Highlands provinces toward sustainable development

Through cooperation programs with Central Highlands provinces, UEH not only contributes to improving human resource quality but also accompanies these provinces in addressing practical challenges

Furthermore, during the period 2022-2024, the university also signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with the People’s Committee of Kien Giang Province (2022), the People’s Committee of Dong Thap Province (2022), the People’s Committee of Long An Province (2022), the People’s Committee of District 7 (2023), the People’s Committee of Dong Nai Province (2023), the People’s Committee of Khanh Hoa Province (2023), the People’s Committee of Tay Ninh Province (2024), and the People’s Committee of Thu Duc City (2024). UEH’s cooperation with localities is consistently directed toward three main pillars:

+ Cooperation to support localities in developing strategic plans and proposing solutions for socio-economic governance oriented toward sustainable development and inclusive growth;

+ Cooperation in training, capacity building, and enhancing the quality of human resources and strategic leadership to serve socio-economic development requirements in the new context, ensuring equal access to education and professional advancement;

+ Cooperation in research and consulting, particularly on current trend issues such as sustainable development, green economy – circular economy, digital economy – sharing economy, science – technology – innovation, regional development and linkage, and governance reform.

To ensure MOUs are translated into practice, substantive implementation, and effective deployment, UEH has organized working delegations led by the UEH Board of Management to conduct on-site visits, engage in detailed discussions, and develop annual implementation plans for each activity. These strategic cooperation agreements demonstrate UEH’s strong commitment to contributing to the sustainable development of localities while promoting transparency and accountable institutions. Simultaneously, these cooperation activities have marked UEH’s pioneering role in connecting knowledge and practice, delivering practical value to the community and fostering inclusive societies.

Cooperation in Human Resource Development and Training of Officials and Leaders for Local Sustainable Development

UEH has implemented numerous high-quality capacity-building programs, focusing on (1) enhancing leadership and management capacity for strategic-level officials, promoting competitiveness and sustainable development in the context of global economic integration and non-discriminatory public policy; (2) developing professional skills for department-level managers or equivalent positions in strategic fields, equipping them with skills to address challenges in modern governance and promote justice for all.​

The highlight of these capacity-building programs is the modern teaching methodology, combining theory, case study research, and practical discussions, enabling participants to grasp and apply knowledge to reality effectively while promoting accountable institutions. The teaching staff consists of leading experts from UEH, with extensive practical experience and notable academic contributions in education and governance. These training programs not only deliver modern knowledge but also provide practical solutions aligned with the specific characteristics and needs of each locality, supporting inclusive decision-making processes.

In 2024, UEH collaborated with Kien Giang, Dong Nai, Tay Ninh, Binh Thuan provinces, and Ho Chi Minh City to organize intensive training programs, attracting participation from hundreds of local government officials, contributing to creating high-quality human resources to serve socio-economic development and strengthen the rule of law. Specifically:

+ The “Capacity Building for Officials with International Working Skills” program for leaders of Departments/Bureaus/Sectors and districts, cities in Kien Giang Province and the “Enhancing Leadership, Executive, and Management Capacity” program for deputy-level leaders and managers of Departments/Bureaus/Sectors and districts, cities in Dong Nai Province with the objective of enhancing leadership, governance, and sustainable socio-economic development capacity.

Training programs in Kien Giang and Dong Nai

+ Training programs in Tay Ninh with four training courses related to land pricing decision-making for Land Price Appraisal Councils at all levels, investment project appraisal capacity, and financial-accounting work for account holders, chief accountants, and accounting personnel at public service units established in the province, enhancing transparency in public finance.

+ Training programs in Binh Thuan on “Enhancing Leadership, Executive, and Management Capacity” with highlights including a practical field visit to Thu Duc City People’s Committee to learn about digital transformation experience, creating a foundation for sustainable development and local modernization while promoting accountable institutions; and the “Logistics, Export, and Agricultural Product Supply Chain Management” program provided comprehensive knowledge on risk management, export processes, and agricultural product branding, along with a field trip to Lam Dong to access sustainable supply chain models that support peaceful societies and economic equity.

Training program in Binh Thuan

+ At the end of 2024, UEH also organized a Training Program on “Innovative Leadership and Change Management in the Public Sector” for leaders and planned officials of District 3. The program focused on analyzing the innovation ecosystem, creative leadership roles, and principles of positive change management while promoting non-violence in administrative reform; simultaneously, it shared international lessons on administrative reform, smart city development, and digital economy development. The training course provided a solid foundation for leaders to effectively manage change, promote organizational innovation in the public sector, and foster sustainable development while strengthening justice and the rule of law.

District 3 trainees at the Opening Ceremony of the Innovative Leadership and Change Management in the Public Sector Program 

Cooperation in Research, Policy Review, and Consulting for Local and National Development

In 2024, in preparation for the 14th National Congress of the Party, UEH organized the National Scientific Conference on “Contributing Socio-Economic Development Guidelines for Vietnam in the 2025-2030 Period”. The conference received over 80 papers, of which 5 outstanding papers were selected for presentation, serving as an important scientific forum for UEH to contribute opinions and propose policies for the 14th National Party Congress documents, demonstrating commitment to accompanying the nation’s key strategies.

The National Scientific Conference on “Contributing Socio-Economic Development Guidelines for Vietnam in the 2025-2030 Period”

In parallel, UEH established the Institute for Regional Development Research and Consulting (IRDRC) based on upgrading the Institute for Development Economics Research, with the mission of accompanying localities in developing strategic plans and sustainable regional linkages while promoting equity and justice. Immediately after its launch, the Institute organized the National Scientific Conference “Drivers of Socio-Economic Development in the Southeast Region: Potential and Challenges,” gathering over 100 delegates from departments, sectors, and major universities, contributing many important policy recommendations for Southeast regional development.

Panoramic view of the National Scientific Conference on “Drivers of Socio-Economic Development in the Southeast Region: Potential and Challenges” 

Ho Chi Minh City Economic Report: Recovery and Ready for a New Era – a scientific research publication jointly implemented by UEH and the Ho Chi Minh City Statistics Department. This is a useful tool for leaders in the process of developing and executing socio-economic development policies for the City, enhancing transparency and accountability. Simultaneously, it is also an important reference source for investors and domestic and foreign enterprises to obtain additional information for investment orientation and market expansion in their business development strategy in Ho Chi Minh City.

The talk “Ho Chi Minh City Economic Report: Recovery and Ready for a New Era” 

National Scientific Talk “Policies to Promote Science, Technology, Innovation, and Digital Transformation in Localities to Implement Resolution 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo”, with participation from representatives of the Ministry of Science and Technology, leaders of provinces and cities in the Southeast, Central Highlands, and Central Coast regions, along with research institutes and universities.

National Scientific Talk “Policies to Promote Science, Technology, Innovation, and Digital Transformation in Localities to Implement Resolution 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo”

National Scientific Conference “Economics, Law, Management, and Sustainable Development under the Impact of the 2024 Land Law” at Vinh Long Campus jointly discussed the impact of the 2024 Land Law on economics, law, state governance, and sustainable development.

National Scientific Conference “Economics, Law, Management, and Sustainable Development under the Impact of the 2024 Land Law” 

Within the framework of the national-level science and technology project “Digital Economy Development: Policy Orientation and Solutions” (code KX.04.22/21-25), UEH organized a series of scientific conferences in Hanoi, Vinh, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City. Research results from the project will provide scientific and modern evidence, supporting the Central Theoretical Council and relevant agencies in developing guiding documents to promote the digital economy toward 2030, with a vision to 2045.

Scientific Conferences under project KX.04.22/21-25

In July 2024, UEH also coordinated with the People’s Committee of Thu Duc City to organize the Conference “Digital Economy – Driving Force for Thu Duc City Development” with the participation of nearly 500 officials, civil servants, and public employees of Thu Duc City. At the conference, the Institute for Smart Cities and Management (ISCM) and the Institute for Regional Development Research and Consulting (IRDRC) shared content on digital economy, international experience in digital transformation, the roadmap for digital economic development in Vietnam, and the model for measuring the digital economy’s contribution to GRDP in Ho Chi Minh City.

Cooperation in International Research, Training, Academic Exchange, and Business-Expert Networking

UEH not only promotes applied research serving local development but also expands international cooperation, creating a dynamic academic environment connecting the research community and businesses. Through international conferences and academic exchange programs, UEH contributes to disseminating knowledge, promoting interdisciplinary cooperation, and developing innovative solutions serving the community.​

On November 21-22, 2024, UEH School of Business organized the International Conference on Business Theories & Practices (iCOB 2024). The event created a forum for scholars and experts in various business fields to share the latest research results, exchange interdisciplinary ideas, and simultaneously connect the research community, experts, and businesses in knowledge transfer activities and practical research projects

The international conference iCOB 2024 attracted over 180 research papers from researchers and scholars from domestic and foreign universities and research institutes in countries such as Australia, Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Switzerland, Poland, and others

The EU4Sustainability project – the first project under UEH’s Jean Monnet Actions, funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ program. In Vietnam, UEH is proud to be one of fewer than 10 educational institutions nationwide to receive funding from Jean Monnet Actions.

The EU4Sustainability project has compiled and taught 7 courses for undergraduate and graduate students on the theme of sustainable development

In 2024, UEH executed 12 consulting and transfer contracts signed between UEH and external partners; 82 research projects were evaluated and accepted and 10 state-level projects were registered, reflecting the university’s research capacity and policy contribution to society while promoting transparency and accountability. Notably, 1,297 student scientific research projects were completed, of which 689 projects won awards, demonstrating the widespread spirit of research and academic cooperation throughout the UEH community.

Discussion with representatives of the French Development Agency (AFD) on UEH’s sustainable development strategy and cooperation opportunities in the future. Both parties agreed to coordinate in implementing conferences, research, and thematic programs in 2024-2025, while jointly building a Southeast Asian partner network connecting universities, financial institutions, and development agencies.

AFD representatives visited and explored facilities at UEH Campus B – 279 Nguyen Tri Phuong, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City

The Talk “Development and Use of Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence” organized by CELG UEH in cooperation with the Institute for Policy and Media Development Studies (IPS).

The Talk “Development and Use of Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence” on November 6, 2024

Accompanying Businesses and Localities in Supporting and Promoting Education for Future Knowledge Generations

In 2024, the “Giving to UEH Program” – a community project with partners, businesses, organizations, and individuals accompanying UEH on the journey to empower and develop future knowledge generations – created practical values across multiple dimensions:

+ The “Nurturing Talent” Scholarship: With over 63 billion VND in scholarships, including nearly 8 billion VND from partner contributions and over 55 billion VND from UEH’s budget, the program has given wings to thousands of disadvantaged students to develop their talents and pursue their educational dreams.

Representatives of KEB Hana Bank leadership and UEH faculty members took commemorative photos with 25 students receiving KEB Hana Bank 

+ Reaching International Standards: Nearly 200 million VND was mobilized to invite prestigious international experts to participate in teaching, research, and experience sharing, while enhancing teaching quality and UEH’s physical facilities, contributing to elevating the university’s academic brand on the international stage.

+ Disseminating Knowledge: Over 13 billion VND was contributed to support academic activities, organize scientific conferences, and promote student activities, creating a solid foundation for knowledge development and creativity.

+ Sustainable Actions: Over 1.5 billion VND was used for community activities; 42 scientific research projects related to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); 127 student scientific research projects and projects on developing new ideas; 02 community service projects (UEH Global Learning; UEH Green Campus).

The series of partnership and networking activities with businesses, prominently including UEH Sharing – Career Fair – Internship and Employment Festival in Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta region, created opportunities for students to access reputable employers.

UEH Sharing – Career Fair brought over 7,000 job opportunities with the participation of nearly 200 enterprises

Along with this, UEH strengthened cooperation with businesses and professional associations through the “Connecting Training with Practice” policy, aiming to bring academic knowledge into reality, meeting labor market needs and sustainable development goals. In 2024, UEH collaborated with 3,436 businesses accompanying the Enterprise Semester program, participating in projects, courses, and practical theses, ensuring equal access to practical education. 4,031 students participated in the Enterprise Semester; 2,186 students participated in enterprise visits; along with 30 career orientation and soft skills programs for over 19,700 students. In addition, UEH also implemented training programs according to business needs with a total cooperation value of over 4.5 billion VND, contributing to improving human resource capacity and promoting innovation in businesses.

Summarizing 2024, UEH achieved many remarkable accomplishments with the community connection, knowledge dissemination, and sustainable action program, specifically:

+ With 68 MOUs signed, 635 activities with business units, 6,084 job positions for students, UEH continues to affirm its role in improving training quality, bringing practical value to students and corporate staff.

+ With the mission of fulfilling UEH’s responsibility in training, research, consulting, and policy review, contributing to the country’s sustainable development, UEH organized 58 domestic conferences and talks; 22 national and international conferences, thematic reports on current issues; 82 research projects were evaluated and accepted, 10 state-level research projects were registered; 1,297 student scientific research projects with 689 projects winning awards; 481 research papers published in international journals; 15 instances of sharing creative and development spaces.

+ Through cooperation categories such as Internships, Enterprise Semester, Practical Visits, Expert Sharing, and Training According to Business Needs, UEH together with businesses and partners brought positive values promoting equity, accountability, and non-discrimination: 3,436 businesses participated in Enterprise Semester, participating in business projects in courses and theses; 4,031 students participated in Enterprise Semester; 1,147 students participated in enterprise visit tours; 30 extracurricular career orientation programs, soft skills training for over 19,700 students; Over 4.5 billion VND from training programs according to Business Needs; 11 E-newsletter issues updating information and sharing knowledge with over 500 Businesses and Partners.

In summary, UEH’s stakeholder identification and cooperation policy directly contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 4, SDG 8, SDG 11, SDG 17. Through a systematic policy framework, procedures, and professional cooperation practices, UEH demonstrates its role as a university oriented toward serving the community and sustainable development, contributing to enhancing institutional capacity, governance, and the socio-economic development of Vietnam.

Open related links:

1. UEH signs comprehensive strategic cooperation agreement with the People’s Committee of Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province through 2025 and for the period 2025-2030 – https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/ueh-signing-a-comprehensive-strategic-memorandum-of-understanding-with-the-peoples-committee-of-ba-ria-vung-tau-province-until-2025-and-for-the-period-of-2025-2030-72462

2. UEH strengthens cooperation with Central Highlands provinces toward sustainable development – https://ueh.edu.vn/cuoc-song-ueh/tin-tuc/ueh-tang-cuong-hop-tac-voi-cac-tinh-tay-nguyen-huong-toi-phat-trien-ben-vung-73236

3. The “Capacity Building for Officials with International Working Skills” program for leaders of Departments/Bureaus/Sectors and districts, cities in Kien Giang Province – https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/closing-ceremony-of-the-fostering-program-for-leaders-and-managers-having-skills-to-work-in-international-environments-in-kien-giang-province-in-2023-2024-71438

4. The “Enhancing Leadership, Executive, and Management Capacity” program for deputy-level leaders and managers of Departments/Bureaus/Sectors and districts, cities in Dong Nai Province – https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/opening-ceremony-of-the-fostering-course-on-leadership-and-management-capacity-for-leaders-and-managers-of-dong-nai-province-72484

5. Training programs in Tay Ninh – https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/ueh-fulfilling-our-mission-of-serving-the-community-towards-a-sustainable-future-73388

6. Training programs in Binh Thuan on “Enhancing Leadership, Executive, and Management Capacity” – https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/ueh-fulfilling-our-mission-of-serving-the-community-towards-a-sustainable-future-73388

7. UEH also organized a Training Program on “Innovative Leadership and Change Management in the Public Sector” for leaders and planned officials of District 3 – https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/opening-ceremony-of-the-2024-training-program-on-innovation-leadership-and-change-management-in-the-public-sector-in-district-3-73206

8. National Scientific Conference on “Contributing Socio-Economic Development Guidelines for Vietnam in the 2025-2030 Period” – https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/national-conference-on-contribution-to-vietnam-s-socio-economic-development-strategy-for-the-period-2025-2030-73129

9. Institute for Regional Development Research and Consulting (IRDRC) – https://irdrc.ueh.edu.vn/

10. National Scientific Conference “Drivers of Socio-Economic Development in the Southeast Region: Potential and Challenges” – https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/national-conference-socio-economic-development-dynamics-in-the-southeast-region-potentials-and-challenges-59961

11. Ho Chi Minh City Economic Report: Recovery and Ready for a New Era – https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/launching-ho-chi-minh-city-economic-report-recovery-and-readiness-for-a-new-era-73257

12. National Scientific Talk “Policies to Promote Science, Technology, Innovation, and Digital Transformation in Localities to Implement Resolution 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo” – https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/national-seminar-policies-to-promote-science-technology-innovation-and-digital-transformation-in-localities-to-implement-resolution-57-nq-tw-dated-december-22-2024-of-the-politburo-on-breakthroughs-in-science-technology-innovation-and-national-digital-transformation-73804

13. National Scientific Conference “Economics, Law, Management, and Sustainable Development under the Impact of the 2024 Land Law” – https://ueh.edu.vn/cuoc-song-ueh/tin-tuc/hoi-thao-khoa-hoc-quoc-gia-kinh-te-luat-quan-ly-va-phat-trien-ben-vung-duoi-tac-dong-cua-luat-dat-dai-2024-tai-phan-hieu-vinh-long-ueh-71984?app=true&app=true

14. UEH organized a series of scientific conferences in Hanoi, Vinh, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City – https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/research-contribution-for-all-73382

15. Conference “Digital Economy – Driving Force for Thu Duc City Development” – https://www.ueh.edu.vn/en/news/thu-duc-city-peoples-committee-and-ueh-jointly-organized-the-conference-on-digital-economy-driving-force-for-thu-duc-city-development-72245

16. International Conference on Business Theories & Practices (iCOB 2024) – https://ueh.edu.vn/en/event/call-for-papers-international-conference-of-business-theories-practices-i-cob-71782

17. The EU4Sustainability project – https://www.eu4sustainability.com/

18. Discussion with representatives of the French Development Agency (AFD) on UEH’s sustainable development strategy and cooperation opportunities in the future – https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/working-session-between-university-of-economics-ho-chi-minh-city-ueh-and-the-representative-of-french-development-agency-afd-on-ueh-sustainable-strategy-and-cooperation-opportunities-73014

19. The Talk “Development and Use of Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence” – https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/ueh-celg-in-collaboration-with-the-institute-for-policy-studies-and-media-development-ips-organizing-the-seminar-developing-and-using-trustworthy-artificial-intelligence-72939

20. UEH Sharing – Career Fair – https://www.ueh.edu.vn/en/news/[ueh-sharing-career-fair-2024]-a-seminar-and-workshop-series-sharing-and-spreading-multidisciplinary-knowledge-to-businesses-and-leaders-71612

21. UEH achieved many remarkable accomplishments with the community connection, knowledge dissemination, and sustainable action program – https://books.ueh.edu.vn/bao-cao-chuong-trinh-ket-noi-cong-dong-lan-toa-tri-thuc-hanh-dong-ben-vung/