The delegates from the Thai Nguyen University (TNU), one of the partner universities of the Laguna State Polytechnic University (LSPU) in Vietnam, expressed their intent to continue wider collaboration opportunities with LSPU and offered scholarship opportunities for Filipino students specializing in information technology, May 23.

Dr. Hoang Van Hung, President of TNU, together with other representatives of the institution, visited the LSPU-San Pablo City Campus (LSPU-SPCC) to sit down with Dr. Mario R. Briones, President of LSPU, and other university officials to go over the areas of collaboration that the two higher education institutions (HEIs) may venture into such as faculty and student exchange programs, training programs, and research project collaboration. 

Dr. Vu Duc Thai, Vice Rector of TNU-University of Information and Communication Technology (ICTU), also shared their offering of the Bachelor Program in International Information Technology, wherein one (1) Filipino student may get a scholarship of 100% tuition for the whole program. Other aspirants may also avail of the opportunity to get an enrolment scholarship equivalent to 50% tuition for the first semester. This also covers free standard slots in a dormitory. 

TNU has been one of the longest international partners of LSPU, with the latter offering the Intensive English Language Program in 2006 and the Master of Arts in English program in 2007. Through the years, the collaboration between TNU and LSPU has covered exchange programs, language training programs, internships, credit transfer programs, and international conferences, among others. 

Last year, the two universities inked the renewal of their memorandum of understanding (MOU). 

TNU is a public university in Vietnam and one of the three regional universities in the country. It is an umbrella organization composed of seven (7) specialized universities and several centers. 

During the meeting, representatives from TNU-ICTU and LSPU-College of Computer Studies (CCS) had a separate conference to go over the specific areas for academic and research ventures. 

TNU delegates and LSPU officials were welcomed by the cultural song and dance performances by the LSPU-SPCC Choir and Sarit Kultura Dance Troupe before the program proper. 

At the Conference Hall, President Mario Briones welcomed the TNU delegates, followed by the message of response by President Hoang Van Hung. The participants of the two institutions were presented by Dr. Nimfa Dimaculangan and Mr. Tran Luu Hung Male for LSPU and TNU, respectively. Ms. Julie Ann Bagasbas served as the lady of the ceremonies.