On October 11th, 2018, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vo Van Thang – Rector of An Giang University attended the Tenth University Presidents’ Forum WTA (World Technopolis Association) co-organised by Eastern International University and Chungnam National University (Korea) in Binh Duong.
WTA (World Technopolis Association) is a multilateral international organization created in 1998 with the purpose to connect the advancement of science and technology with local development, to achieve a shared development through cooperation and exchanges among science cities. WTA currently has 105 members from 47 countries and regions. This year Forum also remarked the 20th Foundation Anniversary of WTA. “University Presidents’ Forum” WTA 2018 is a summit of university leaders worldwide to discuss the roles of universities as a core element for regional innovation ecosystems. Attending the Forum were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Huynh Thanh Dat – Member of the Central Party Committee and President of Vietnam National University in Ho Chi Minh City; leaders of departments of Binh Duong province, Rectors and Vice Rectors of 19 universities of Vietnam, Korean, The United States, Australia, Japan, and other countries.



Dr. Nguyen Van Phuc – Rector of Eastern International University, co-chair of the Forum stated that in the Three Agencies (Government – Enterprises – Universities), the roles of universities and contacts with local authorities were of high importance. With the theme of Smart Co-Prosperity Strategies between University and City Government, the forum offered chances for university leaders to share experience and discuss the strategies for better integration into the system of universities.
The University Presidents presented their concerns in order to enhance the cooperation strategies between universities and local government for shared prosperity (especially the strategies to attract investment, talented human resource, development of science and technology transfer) and innovations in higher education for better adjustment to rapid changes as the results of Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Leaders from 19 universities signed the MOU as the foundation for bilateral and multilateral partnerships. The universities agreed on cooperation in lecturers and students exchange programs, research projects, workshops, seminars, academic information exchange programs, cultural exchange, and publications,...To date, An Giang University has signed MOU with further 16 domestic and international universities in addition to the MOU with Griffith University, Hanbat National University, and University of Science – Vietnam National University in Ho Chi Minh City.




This year Forum was a great opportunity for the universities to identify their roles in the local development and for the university leaders to share experience to enhance research capacity and cooperation in education and other fields nationwide and worldwide.


Chau Thi Da - Anh Thu
Photos: Chau Thi Da – External Relations Office
Translated by Chi Do Na