International Seminar: How has overseas study contributed to the development of ASEAN universities?

Hanoi, August 8, 2023 – a joint event organized by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Vietnam Japan University to introduce research results of JICA Ogata Sadako Research Institute for Peace and Development on the impact of studying abroad on the development of ASEAN universities.

Mr. SUGANO Yuichi – Chief Representative of JICA Vietnam Office gave the opening remark of the Conference.

This study is based on extensive data collected from approximately 3,300 questionnaires and more than 100 interviews conducted between 2019 and 2022, subject to faculty members from the top 10 universities in four ASEAN countries: Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam. In Vietnam, a research team led by Professor Kuroda Kazuo, Waseda University – a collaborator of JICA Research Institute and Dr Jung Hyun Ryu, lecturer of Vietnam Japan University, surveyed at Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) and Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST).

Professor Kuroda Kazuo, Waseda University

According to the presentation, in each of the surveyed countries, it was found that faculty members’ overseas study positively impacted their activities in education, research, social contributions, and university administration. Furthermore, the impact of studying abroad was particularly notable in international educational and research activities compared to domestic ones. Additionally, as higher education in the target countries developed, the impact of studying abroad has also decreased in some respects

In the context of Vietnam, the research revealed that foreign language acquisition through studying abroad holds particular significance compared to other countries. Moreover, it is worth noting that Japan is not only a destination for international students but also has many different features, such as the fact that international students still maintain a relationship after studying abroad with their instructors, teachers and students. Japanese universities have a policy to promote academic cooperation with former international students after studying abroad.

Based on these findings, Dr Kayashima Nobuko, Senior Research Advisor of JICA Research Institute – Project Leader – pointed out that the importance of studying abroad is shifting from “Transfer of knowledge and technology from advanced countries” to “an entry point for international academic networking”, in line with the development trend of higher education. The doctor highlighted the increasing academic and human exchanges within the ASEAN region and emphasized Vietnam plays a crucial role as both a source and a destination for international students.

Dr Kayashima Nobuko, Senior Research Advisor of JICA Research Institute – Project Leader

Dr. Jung Hyun Ryu’s presentation on research results in Vietnam revealed that despite some challenges, such as reintegration and disconnection upon returning from studying abroad, it has been confirmed that studying abroad has a positive impact on education, research, social contribution, and the development of higher education in Vietnam.

Dr. Jung Hyun Ryu – Lecturer of the Master’s Program in Global Leadership, JICA expert

In addition to presenting the findings of the JICA Ogata Sadako Research Institute for Peace and Development,Professor Pham Hong Tung, Director of the Master’s Program in Global Leadership, shared his journey of navigating and adapting to two different academic cultures in Germany and Vietnam.

In addition, the seminar also received comments from two guests Assoc.Prof.Dr. Tran Dinh Phong, Vice-Rector of the University of Science and Technology of Hanoi (USTH) and Dr. Phung Lan Huong, Head of the External Cooperation Department, Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST), and lecturers and researchers were present at the seminar on study abroad opportunities as well as advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad impact in the research and teaching process of lecturers and staff at the University of Vietnam.

Professor Pham Hong Tung, Director of the Master’s Program in Global Leadership

Dr. Phung Lan Huong, Head of the External Cooperation Department, Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST)

Assoc.Prof.Dr. Tran Dinh Phong, Vice-Rector of the University of Science and Technology of Hanoi (USTH)