Dean of CTU SoE Dr. Huynh Anh Huy (left) and WU President Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong (right) at the MoU signing ceremony at Chorpradu Chamber
Walailak University's School of Science (WU SCI) has partnered with Can Tho University's School of Education (CTU SoE) in Vietnam to cultivate professional teachers. The signing ceremony for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) took place today at the Chorpradu Chamber of WU Hospital.
The MoU, effective for five years, aims to promote collaboration in teaching and research, as well as student and staff exchanges and joint activities. The MoU was signed by WU President Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, CTU Rector Associate Professor Dr. Tran Trung Tinh, and Vice Rector Dr. Le Van Lam. Signing the MoU as witnesses were Dean of WU SCI Associate Professor Dr. Mullica Jaroensutasinee and Dean of CTU SoE Dr. Huynh Anh Huy who led the delegation to Walailak University.
On this occasion, President Sombat Thamrongthanyawong warmly welcomed the CTU professors and students, expressing gratitude for their participation. He shared updates on WU’s transformation over the past decade during its “era of change,” which is steering the university toward becoming a world-class institution.
“Walailak University began an era of change in 2016. By 2022, the results were evident. From being ranked in the 1501+ worldwide by Times Higher Education in 2022, we have now advanced to the 1201+ and are ranked sixth in Thailand,” he noted. “This year, the university also received the 2023 Outstanding Award for Internationally High-Caliber Research from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation.”
President Sombat also expressed enthusiasm for collaborative research and extended an invitation for future engagements with CTU, saying, “We would love to welcome your professors here and send our students to your university.”
Dr. Huynh Anh Huy, Dean of CTU SoE, shared insights about CTU and its achievements. He highlighted that CTU is Vietnam's second-largest university by land area, with approximately 45,000 students. Emphasizing the importance of English skills for students to thrive in today’s world, he noted that this focus aligns well with WU’s goals. He expressed confidence that this partnership would foster meaningful contributions to education and research benefiting both countries.
Associate Professor Dr. Mullica Jaroensutasinee, Dean of WU SCI, shared that the collaboration between the two institutions initially developed from a connection with a professor in the SCI Education Program's Math Department.
“Following the MoU signing, we can send our students to Vietnam for Cooperative Education, and our professors can collaborate on research with CTU,” she said. “In the future, our students will have the opportunity to practice teaching in Vietnam, and likewise, CTU students can come to Thailand to practice teaching in Thai schools.”
During their stay at WU from November 10-13, the CTU delegation participated in a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) workshop led by U.S. board-certified teacher and STEM educator Dr. June Teisan. They also toured the WU campus, visiting smart classrooms, a sports complex, and the 25-meter-high Bota Sky Tower in the Botanic Park.
To close the ceremony, CTU students, beautifully dressed in the Áo dài national attire, performed a Vietnamese dance to celebrate the bond between the two institutions, marking a memorable conclusion to the collaboration ceremony.
Collaboration discussion between WU and CTU at Chorpradu Chamber
CTU students performed a Vietnamese dance in Áo dài national attire to close the MoU signing ceremony.
Welcoming event for CTU delegates at the Honor Hall of WU Hospital