Enhancing standing, attracting global talent

From February 23-27, Vietnam officially takes part in the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education Conference and Exhibition - Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) 2026. The event is one of the world’s reputable education gatherings, drawing around 2,500 delegates from more than 65 countries.

A notable highlight is that, for the first time, Vietnam is organizing the Vietnam Pavilion as a national exhibition, marking an important step forward in its international education integration process.

In remarks to Newspaper of Industry and Trade, Nguyen Thu Thuy, Director of the Department of International Cooperation under the Ministry of Education and Training, said: “Vietnam’s first-ever organization of the Vietnam Pavilion at APAIE carries significant meaning. Previously, Vietnamese higher education institutions mainly participated as individual entities. This time, Vietnam appears in its capacity as a nation, affirming an official and well-structured presence on the regional education map, thereby reinforcing the role of higher education in particular, and education in general, as a key driver of socio-economic development.”

According to Thuy, the move concretizes major Party and State orientations, including Conclusion No. 91-KL/TW of the Politburo on continuing the implementation of Resolution No. 29-NQ/TW on fundamental and comprehensive reform of education and training; Resolution No. 59-NQ/TW on international integration in the new context; Resolution No. 71-NQ/TW dated August 22, 2025 on breakthrough development of education and training; and Decision No. 1600/QĐ-TTg dated December 19, 2024 approving the Scheme on International Integration in Education and Training to 2030.

Through this event, the Ministry of Education and Training aims to convey the message that Vietnamese higher education is a dynamic ecosystem focused on quality and ready to partner with global stakeholders. Participation in APAIE 2026 also reflects Vietnam’s determination to proactively and deeply integrate into the global education space while enhancing competitiveness and international standing.

According to the Department of International Cooperation, participation in APAIE 2026 is guided by several key objectives.

The first objective is to enhance positioning. Vietnam’s education sector seeks to strengthen its presence at major education forums alongside countries such as China, Thailand and Malaysia, thereby promoting a professional national image.

The second objective is to attract resources and investment. The event provides opportunities to engage with investors and leading global universities, fostering cooperation in training, research and appropriate forms of international educational presence in line with Vietnamese regulations.

The third objective is to expand international enrollment. Vietnam is gradually becoming an attractive study destination for international students thanks to its stable environment, improving training quality and reasonable costs. English-taught programs will be introduced to attract more international students.

Another strategic objective is to draw outstanding experts, lecturers, administrators and scientists from around the world to work in Vietnam. Current incentive mechanisms for experts and scientists, as well as support for innovation and technology transfer, are contributing to strengthening the competitiveness of Vietnam’s higher education and attracting high-quality international talent.

Showcasing Vietnam’s higher education landscape

The Vietnam Education Exhibition at APAIE 2026 gathers 17 representative higher education institutions and educational organizations. The diversity of the delegation is a key highlight.

The group of major universities and key training institutions includes Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, known for multidisciplinary training and scientific research; the Academy of Finance; and University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, recognized for strengths in economics and finance.

The technical and technology institutions include Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (VNU-HCM), Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education, Hanoi University of Mining and Geology, and Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HUTECH).

The group of international universities and joint international models includes RMIT University Vietnam, VinUniversity, Fulbright University Vietnam, Vietnam Japan University, Vietnam Germany University, Asian Institute of Technology, and University of Science and Technology of Hanoi.

Other reputable public and private institutions participating include Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, Phenikaa University, and Van Lang University.

Participating institutions represent diverse models and training fields, ranging from research universities and applied institutions to internationally oriented universities. This combination offers a comprehensive picture of a diverse and highly integrated higher education system in Vietnam.

During the five-day event, the Vietnamese delegation will focus on three main groups of activities.

The first group involves participation in specialized seminars, where representatives will present and share Vietnam’s new policies and regulations on attracting foreign investment and establishing higher education branches.

The second group centers on partnership building. Universities will directly engage with international partners to sign agreements on student and faculty exchange as well as research cooperation.

The third group focuses on direct promotion, with the operation of the Vietnam Pavilion serving as the central platform to introduce Vietnam’s educational potential to thousands of delegates.

The Ministry of Education and Training believes that, with thorough preparation, Vietnam will leave a strong impression at APAIE 2026, opening a new chapter in the country’s international education integration.