JOHOR BAHRU, Sept 29 – A delegation from the Faculty of Computing at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) recently went on a six-day trip to Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT) in Vietnam. The group included four lecturers, including the Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Computing, Prof. Dayang Norhayati Abang Jawawi, Ts. Dr. Johanna Ahmad, Ts. Dr. Goh Eg Su and Dr. Noorhidayah Zakaria, as well as one administrative staff member, Nizamra Masdar, and 33 students from the Bachelor in Software Engineering and Bachelor in Graphics Multimedia programs, along with two fast-track PhD students.
The trip began with a warm welcome in Vietnam, followed by a visit to HCMUT, where the group was received with open arms. The delegation was introduced to the university’s mission and vision and learned about Vietnam’s education system. They also had an engaging campus tour, which included state-of-the-art labs and student facilities.
During the visit, the delegation participated in a diverse academic program. They attended lectures on intriguing subjects such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cybersecurity. Engaging in hands-on workshops, they collaborated with Vietnamese students on ongoing projects, fostering creativity and teamwork. In addition to academics, the group immersed themselves in the vibrant culture of Ho Chi Minh City, exploring historical sites and savouring local cuisine.
During our visit, we had the opportunity to explore Vietnam’s rapidly growing tech industry by visiting local tech companies and research centres, including VNG Corporation. Our discussions with industry experts sparked innovative ideas and underscored the importance of international partnerships in technology. VNG, a Vietnamese technology company established in 2004, specializes in digital content, online entertainment, social networking, and e-commerce. Its main focus areas include online games, platforms, digital payments, and cloud services. VNG is known for developing products such as Zalo, ZaloPay, Zing MP3, and 123phim. As our visit came to an end, we reflected on the valuable experiences and new connections we made during our time at HCMUT.
We are grateful for the opportunity to strengthen academic connections between the Faculty of Computing at UTM and HCMUT. Our visit enhanced academic ties and left us with lasting memories of cultural exploration and collaboration. We would like to sincerely thank Prof. Quan Thanh Tho, the Dean of the Faculty of Computer Science and Engineering at HCMUT, and Prof. Thịnh Trần Ngọc, the Deputy Dean, for their warm hospitality during our visit. We also want to thank all the staff at HCMUT for their support and professionalism. The chance to explore potential collaborations between HCMUT and UTM was invaluable, and we truly appreciate the opportunity to build stronger academic ties. We look forward to furthering our cooperation in the future.