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USU and VNU Hanoi Forge Strategic Partnership: A Cross-Border Collaboration on History and Education

Published At

25 February 2026

Published By

Rahmad Eko Febrianto

MEDAN, INDONESIA – Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) continues to expand its global footprint by strengthening ties with one of Southeast Asia’s most prestigious institutions, Vietnam National University (VNU) Hanoi.

The Director for the Directorate of Internationalization and Global Partnership USU, Prof. Dr. Eng. Himsar Ambarita, officially received the visit of Pham Van Thuy, Ph.D., the Deputy Head of the Department of World History at VNU University of Social Sciences and Humanities (USSH) (24/02/2026). The meeting, which was led by the Chair of the USU Academic Senate, Prof. Dr. Drs. Budi Agustono, M.S, served as a vital platform to discuss the progress of the "Equity Project," a collaborative academic initiative dedicated to co-authoring a historical book exploring the shared narratives of Indonesia and Vietnam.

A Partnership of National Significance

Vietnam National University, Hanoi, holds a distinguished status as an institution reporting directly to the Prime Minister of Vietnam. As a multidisciplinary powerhouse, VNU operates through several key member universities, including the University of Science, the University of Engineering and Technology, the University of Economics and Business, and the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (USSH). This collaboration is expected to bridge USU with VNU’s diverse ecosystem, opening doors for wide-ranging academic synergy.

Beyond the book project, Prof. Himsar Ambarita and Dr. Pham Van Thuy discussed a broader roadmap for sustainable cooperation. Future initiatives proposed include joint research and publications, student and faculty exchange programs, and the organization of joint international conferences. These programs are designed to enhance mobility and provide a global platform for scholars from both nations to present groundbreaking research.

Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This international partnership is a concrete step by USU in supporting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The collaboration directly contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education) by enhancing the quality of higher education through international curriculum development and world-class research resources.

Furthermore, by fostering deep cultural bridges and mutual understanding through the study of shared history, this initiative aligns with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). Most importantly, it exemplifies SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), specifically strengthening "South-South" cooperation and international partnerships between leading ASEAN universities.

"This meeting marks a significant milestone for USU in fostering meaningful international collaborations. By working with VNU Hanoi, we are not only documenting history but also creating new opportunities for innovation and academic excellence," said Prof. Himsar Ambarita.

Through this collaboration, USU reaffirms its commitment to its vision as a "Global University" while contributing significantly to the achievement of the SDGs in Indonesia and the Southeast Asian region.