On 4 November, VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS) held a signing ceremony for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Quality Assurance and Testing Centre 3 (QUATEST 3), with the aim of strengthening collaboration in education, human resource development and professional capacity-building in the fields of standards, metrology and quality.

The ceremony was attended, on behalf of HCMUS, by Assoc. Prof. Trần Lê Quan, President; Prof. Ngô Đại Nghiệp, Head of the Office of External Relations; Assoc. Prof. Trương Hải Nhung, Dean of the Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology; Dr Cao Minh Đại, Vice Dean of the Faculty, together with lecturers and staff members. Representing QUATEST 3 were Mr Trần Quốc Dũng, Director of QUATEST 3; Mr Mai Văn Sủng, Director of the Centre for Training and Quality Consultancy; and other Centre staff.

Speaking on behalf of QUATEST 3, Mr Trần Quốc Dũng, Director of QUATEST 3, reflected on the relationship already established between the two institutions, noting that many QUATEST 3 employees were HCMUS graduates. He expressed the hope that the signing of the MoU would further strengthen the relationship and pave the way for broader and deeper collaboration in the years ahead.

During the meeting, representatives of both institutions discussed areas of cooperation in education and human resource development. Under the proposed arrangements, HCMUS and QUATEST 3 will work together to provide training and introduce suitably qualified graduates to meet the Centre’s recruitment needs, while expanding opportunities for QUATEST 3 staff to pursue postgraduate studies.

The two institutions also agreed to strengthen support for practical training by providing HCMUS students and postgraduate students with opportunities for workplace placements, access to practical training equipment, and joint supervision of graduation projects and dissertations. In addition, the development and delivery of undergraduate training programmes, alongside short-term professional training courses, will help students gain greater exposure to professional practice and prepare graduates to meet the needs of society.

 

In response to practical industry needs, the two institutions also explored the possibility of developing specialist courses and training programmes in quality testing, the proficient operation of machinery and equipment, and inspection and certification. Such initiatives would give students further opportunities to acquire professional skills and become better prepared for employment upon graduation, while reducing the need for additional training by employers.

Beyond education and training, HCMUS and QUATEST 3 plan to collaborate on seminars, lectures and academic activities to enhance the scientific and professional expertise of technical staff, while promoting cooperation between specialist units in analytical and experimental work. Both institutions expect lecturers, researchers and staff members to engage in more practical collaborative activities, aligned with professional needs and delivering tangible benefits to both parties.

Following agreement on the proposed areas of cooperation, representatives of the leadership of HCMUS and QUATEST 3 proceeded with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement provides a framework for both institutions to build on their respective strengths, resources and expertise, strengthen links between university education and professional practice, and advance collaboration in education, research and human resource development in the fields of standards, metrology and quality.