On May 21, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HUTECH) participated in the Partners Workshop for the 2025 World Friends Korea Volunteer Program organized by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in Hanoi.
HUTECH joined the 2025 WFK KOICA Partners Workshop
This annual workshop serves as an important platform to review the past year’s collaborative efforts and discuss future plans for receiving Korean volunteers. For HUTECH in particular, it was a valuable opportunity to assess the effectiveness of the program, share practical experiences, and align development strategies with real-world needs. Through its participation, HUTECH not only reaffirmed its role as a strategic partner of KOICA but also expanded access to international resources, improved teaching quality, promoted cultural exchange, and advanced its educational internationalization efforts
The workshop brought together experts and representatives from across the country
Representing HUTECH at the conference were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Xuan Lam – Vice Chairman of the University Board of Directors; Dr. Bui Phan Anh Thu – Dean of the Faculty of Korean Studies; Ms. Khuong Thi Thanh – Vice Dean; and Ms. Thai Minh Phuong – Vice Director of the Vietnam-Korea Institute of Technology. From KOICA, attendees included Mr. Lee Byung Hwa – Country Director of KOICA Vietnam; Ms. Han Mira – Deputy Country Director; and Mr. Hwang San Deok and Ms. Hwang Ga Young – WFK Volunteer Program Managers. The workshop also welcomed representatives from over 10 other universities and partner organizations across Vietnam.
HUTECH representatives emphasized the university’s role as a committed partner and its efforts to expand international cooperation
During the event, delegates reflected on the progress made in the partnership between KOICA and host institutions over the past year, acknowledging the practical contributions of the KOICA volunteer program. At HUTECH, the program has significantly supported academic activities, particularly through the placement of volunteers in Korean language teaching roles. These volunteers have helped foster a multicultural learning environment, inspired student interest, and broadened their international exposure. They have worked alongside faculty members to deliver lessons, organize workshops, and facilitate cultural exchange activities—introducing students to modern learning methods and valuable real-world experiences. Additionally, KOICA has provided educational materials and teaching aids, contributing to improved facilities and enhanced academic quality within HUTECH’s Faculty of Korean Studies.
Delegates reviewed and acknowledged the meaningful connections fostered over the past year
The conference also included discussions on future cooperation strategies. HUTECH’s representatives shared both the advantages and challenges faced during program implementation, proposed solutions for improving effectiveness, and expressed a strong interest in expanding the volunteer intake to better meet the increasingly diverse learning needs of the university’s students.
HUTECH shared thoughtful insights and expressed enthusiasm for potential innovations in the future
HUTECH’s proactive and engaged presence at the conference once again underscored its role in the international partnership network. The event marked another step forward in enhancing academic quality and opening up valuable opportunities for students to learn, connect, and thrive—on their journey toward becoming global citizens.
News: Hồng Loan
Photo: Faculty of Korean Studies
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