International collaboration data gathering for SDG

LHU–ASU–Cintana Comprehensive Partnership 

Based at Lac Hong University (LHU), this initiative represents a comprehensive strategic collaboration between LHU, Arizona State University (ASU), and Cintana Education, officially established on March 12, 2025. This partnership marks a significant milestone in LHU’s journey toward international integration, embodying the university’s LHU 2.0 vision to enhance educational quality, research capacity, and global engagement.

The initiative fulfills its mission and objectives, both at the regional and international levels, through:

(a) Research – advancing joint research projects in education innovation, science, and technology;
(b) Education & Training – developing modern learning models, digital competency frameworks, and global-ready programs;
(c) Workshops & Training Courses – organizing academic exchanges, seminars, and capacity-building programs for faculty and students; and
(d) Outreach & Networking Activities – promoting collaboration, community engagement, and sustainable partnerships across borders.

Partners/Networking:
The partnership connects LHU with an extensive international network of academic and industry collaborators, including:

• Over 30 university partners across 28 countries, forming part of the Cintana Alliance led by Arizona State University (ASU).

• ABU Asia-Pacific Robot Contest 2025

• 

  Participation in international events such as the ABU Asia-Pacific Robot Contest 2025 and Vietnam Robocon 2024, demonstrating LHU’s strong commitment to innovation and applied technology development.

• LHU’s robotics teams are also engaged in data collection, model development, and robotic system implementation, contributing to research, creativity, and practical applications in automation and engineering education.

• Lac Hong University attends workshop on "Digital Competency Framework for Students: International Experience and Vietnamese Practice"

On the morning of July 11, 2025, a delegation from Lac Hong University (LHU) participated in the national seminar titled "Implementing the Digital Competency Framework for Students – International Experiences and Vietnamese Practice," organized by the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) at RMIT University Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City.

Proactively Fostering Digital Competency

The workshop aimed to implement Circular No. 02/2024/TT-BGDĐT on the Digital Competency Framework for learners. The event attracted over 200 higher education institutions nationwide, attending both in-person at RMIT University and online via a virtual meeting platform, demonstrating a widespread commitment to digital transformation in education.

LHU's delegation included representatives from the Office of Educational Testing and Quality Assurance and the Office of Academic Affairs. The delegation members actively engaged in discussions, provided input, and exchanged knowledge, learning from leading institutions in the implementation of the Digital Competency Framework.

During the workshop, delegates heard presentations from RMIT University Melbourne (Australia) on integrating AI into developing digital competencies for learners. They also gained practical insights from prestigious Vietnamese universities such such as Ho Chi Minh City Open University, University of Social Sciences and Humanities (VNU Hanoi), and Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, alongside models for enhancing digital skills through micro-credential courses from the GIZ organization.

Fostering Knowledge Exchange – Towards Sustainable Development

Participating in this seminar aligns with LHU’s strategic direction to embrace innovation in higher education and equip students with essential 21st-century skills. These competencies are vital for navigating the rapidly evolving digital economy and preparing students for future career landscapes.

Digital Transformation - Technology Development

1. DIGI:Đổi Consortium

The “DIGI:Đổi” (also known as Digi:Change) Project is an international consortium funded by the British Council in Vietnam. The initiative aims to promote digital transformation in higher education through international cooperation, training, knowledge sharing, and the application of digital technologies.

Full Project Title:
“DIGI:Đổi – Digital Transformation Joint Venture in Higher Education in Vietnam.”

Key Objectives and Activities:

• Develop a “digital transformation hub model” for higher education institutions, emphasizing inclusion, mental well-being, and a net-zero orientation.

• Implement project-based assignments connecting lecturers and students, and organize Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) projects to enhance global engagement.

• Build a national-level framework and roadmap for the digital transformation of Vietnamese universities.

Achievement:

The Center of Information and Resources has been making continuous efforts in gathering and analyzing data to support innovation-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

LHU was honored with a Certificate of Achievement – University Award for Digital Transformation (Technology Development).
This award recognizes technology development initiatives related to digital transformation that have had a positive impact on both staff and students across the institution.

2. STIC program

Introduction to STIC:
The Science, Technology, and Innovation Cooperation Program (STIC) is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs and implemented by Arizona State University (ASU). The program aims to strengthen cooperation in science, technology, and innovation between the United States and Southeast Asian countries.

Main Objectives:
STIC focuses on promoting research collaboration, technology transfer, and talent development—particularly in areas such as sustainable energy, smart healthcare, artificial intelligence, environmental protection, and social sciences.

Vietnam’s Role:
Through STIC, Vietnam has opportunities to connect with the international science and technology network, enhance research capacity, apply advanced technologies, and develop high-quality human resources.

LHU’s Contribution:
Lac Hong University (LHU) plays an active role as a host institution for educational events introducing the STIC project to students, lecturers, and staff. The University encourages participation in innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology-oriented activities under the Program.

Achievement:
MPharm. Nguyen Thi Tuyet Nhung among 8 Seed Grant Winners at the 2023 STIC Conference
MPharm. Nguyen Thi Tuyet Nhung, a lecturer in the Department of Analytical Chemistry and Drug Quality Control, Faculty of Pharmacy at LHU, was named one of eight winners of the STIC Seed Grant Award worth USD 12,500.

Participants in the Program received online training courses focusing on three key areas: Science and Technology (S&T), Entrepreneurship and Innovation (E&I), and Professional Certificate Programs. Among hundreds of applicants, 70 participants who successfully completed both S&T and E&I tracks were sponsored to attend the STIC Annual Conference. From these, the top 8 projects were awarded funding of USD 12,500 each to implement their ideas.

With her project “Research on Herbal Medicine for Liver Cancer Treatment,” MPharm. Nguyen Thi Tuyet Nhung excelled and received the Seed Grant Award. She shared that it took her nearly two months to complete the STIC courses and challenges before being selected among the top 70 projects funded to attend the conference.

STIC program

Sources:

Lac Hong University. (2023). MPharm. Nguyen Thi Tuyet Nhung among 8 Seed Grant Winners at 2023 STIC conference. https://lhu.edu.vn/327/43686/MPharm-Nguyen-Thi-Tuyet-Nhung-among-8-Seed-Grant-Winners-at-2023-STIC-conference.html