HaUI and Leon Guinto Memorial College sign MoU to strengthen educational cooperation

On September 17, Hanoi University of Industry (HaUI) welcomed a delegation from Leon Guinto Memorial College (LGMC), the Philippines, for a working session. The two sides discussed potential cooperation in education and academic exchange and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), laying the groundwork for closer collaboration in the years ahead.

Overview of the event

The 23 LGMC students currently studying at HaUI represent the first connection between the two institutions. Building on this foundation, HaUI and LGMC aim to expand two-way exchanges of students and faculty, along with a wider range of academic activities.

Assoc. Prof. Pham Van Dong, Vice President of HaUI, speaks at the event

Assoc. Prof. Pham Van Dong, Vice President of HaUI, stated that 2026 marks the first year HaUI has welcomed students from LGMC for study at the university. In addition to providing support for tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses, HaUI places strong emphasis on helping international students adapt to a new environment, overcome language barriers, and integrate into academic life at the university.

HaUI expects to welcome more students from the Philippines in the coming years and expand study opportunities across a wider range of academic disciplines. These efforts form part of HaUI's broader commitment to strengthening international cooperation and creating a more diverse and inclusive learning environment for international students.

Mr. Nestor Del Mundo Parafina, Chairman of the Board of LGMC, expresses expectations for future cooperation.

Building on the experience of the students currently studying at HaUI, the partnership between the two institutions is expected to expand in both scale and scope. The LGMC leadership expressed the expectation that between 50 and 100 students could enroll at HaUI in the coming year. Mr. Nestor Del Mundo Parafina, Chairman of the Board of LGMC, also expressed his interest in promoting two-way student mobility, creating opportunities for HaUI students to study, engage in academic and cultural exchanges, and gain practical experience in the Philippines.

The two sides also discussed potential cooperation in short-term programs, semester exchanges, industry visits, language and cultural exchange activities, and faculty mobility. LGMC's interest in robotics, automation, and HaUI's technical education environment further opened up potential opportunities for cooperation in engineering and technology.

Assoc. Prof. Pham Van Dong, Vice President of HaUI, and Mr. Nestor Del Mundo Parafina, Chairman of the Board of LGMC, sign the Memorandum of Understanding

At the meeting, HaUI and LGMC signed a Memorandum of Understanding, providing a framework for the two institutions to translate the areas of mutual interest discussed into specific cooperation activities in the coming period.

Josie Verdan Albos, a student from the Philippines, shares her experience of studying and living at HaUI

The partnership between the two institutions is also reflected in the experiences of Filipino students currently studying at HaUI. Josie Verdan Albos, an LGMC alumna and current HaUI student, shared her experience of adjusting to life away from home, overcoming initial language and cultural challenges, and becoming increasingly familiar with her new academic environment through interactions with Vietnamese friends, support from lecturers, and everyday life at HaUI. "At first, being far from home was challenging, but over time, Vietnam has become a place where we feel connected and comfortable,” Josie shared.

The presence of Filipino students at HaUI contributes to the university’s efforts to foster an open and multicultural academic environment. Their experiences also help strengthen connections between HaUI and educational institutions in the Philippines, creating a foundation for broader student exchanges and academic cooperation.

The partnership with LGMC further provides opportunities for HaUI to introduce its academic programs, educational strengths, and learning environment to prospective students in the Philippines. Moving forward, the two institutions will continue to explore opportunities for student and faculty exchange, academic collaboration, and other forms of educational cooperation, contributing to stronger connections between the two institutions and creating more opportunities for students in both countries.