On 10 April 2026, VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS) and the Viet Nam Institute for Advanced Study in Mathematics (VIASM) entered into a strategic partnership agreement concerning mathematics education and research. This event represents a significant milestone in strengthening the links between higher education institutions and specialised research institutes, aiming to foster an advanced academic environment that aligns with international standards.

The signing ceremony was attended by Associate Professor Trần Lê Quan, President of HCMUS; representatives from the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science; heads of functional departments; alumni of the Mathematics Talent Bachelor’s Programme; leaders of mathematics units from various universities; and the Senior Leadership Teams of specialised high schools across Ho Chi Minh City.

Representing VIASM were Associate Professor Lê Minh Hà, Managing Director; Dr Trịnh Thị Thúy Giang, Deputy Director; and members of the VIASM Scientific Council, including Professor Nguyễn Xuân Hùng and Associate Professor Trần Vũ Khanh. The event also welcomed representatives from the Viet Nam  Innovation of Education Foundation (VIEF), the primary benefactor supporting the development of mathematics at the Institute from 2026.

The partnership is built upon the respective strengths of both institutions, focusing on the joint delivery of the Mathematics Talent Bachelor’s Programme. This curriculum has been approved by Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City and has been successfully delivered by HCMUS for over two decades. Starting from the 2026–2027 academic year, the involvement of VIASM will provide additional academic resources, expert faculty, and intensive research activities, thereby enhancing the quality of mathematical sciences education in Viet Nam .

These collaborative efforts form part of a broader series of initiatives within the VIASM Mathematical Research Program (VMRP), funded by the Viet Nam Innovation of Education Foundation (VIEF).

A central feature of this partnership is the introduction of the Sigma Scholarship scheme, which offers three levels of support. The premier Sigma Gold scholarship covers 100% of tuition fees and provides a monthly stipend of up to 15 million VND. To secure this prestigious award, students must succeed in a personal interview conducted by Professor Ngô Bảo Châu. The Sigma Silver scholarship provides 100% tuition coverage alongside a 7.5 million VND monthly stipend, while the Sigma Bronze scholarship covers the full tuition fees as per University regulations. Furthermore, Professor Ngô Bảo Châu and VIASM will lead a cohort of Vietnamese mathematicians from across the globe to deliver advanced and specialised lecture series for students within the programme.

In addition to financial assistance, students will be granted opportunities to attend workshops, conferences, summer schools, and internship programmes both domestically and abroad. Undergraduates will receive mentorship in scientific research and are encouraged to publish their findings in reputable academic journals. The programme also emphasises academic outreach, aiming to cultivate a generation of scholars who possess both professional excellence and social responsibility.

The agreement extends beyond student support to encompass the professional development of academic staff and the creation of scholarly resources. Initiatives include the modernisation of pedagogical methods, enhanced research supervision, the authorship of textbooks and specialised monographs, and the expansion of the teaching assistant network to ensure rigorous standards in both foundational and advanced modules.

 

Delegates discussing the collaborative aspects of undergraduate education while exploring future extensions into high school and postgraduate levels.

The partnership agreement shall remain in effect for four years. A joint steering committee will oversee the coordination of activities to ensure that the collaboration remains effective, synchronised, and sustainable. Speaking on behalf of the two organisations, Associate Professor Trần Lê Quan (President of HCMUS) and Associate Professor Lê Minh Hà (Managing Director of VIASM) affirmed that integrating education with research is an essential progression in contemporary higher education. Such synergy fosters a sophisticated academic culture and provides the high-calibre human capital necessary for the advancement of science, technology, and the knowledge economy.

The formalisation of this strategic alliance between HCMUS and VIASM does more than simply create new pathways for mathematical study and research; the partnership demonstrates a profound commitment to building a high-quality academic ecosystem that binds together education, research, and innovation. This foundation is expected to play a crucial role in developing highly skilled scientific personnel to meet the demands of national development and global integration in the coming era.