Implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding Between the Academy of Public Administration and Governance and Khon Kaen University: The APAG Campus in Ho Chi Minh City Holds Working Session with the College of Public Affairs and Policy

Attending the working session, on the side of the College of Public Affairs and Policy (COPA), Khon Kaen University, Thailand, were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sirisak Laochankham, Dean; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Grichawat Lowatcharin, Vice Dean in charge of Academic Affairs, Scientific Research, and Foreign Affairs; Dr. Narongdet Mahasirikul, Vice Dean in charge of Administration and Network Development; and Ms. Kewaree Sangsawang, International Relations Officer. On the side of the Academy of Public Administration and Governance were Ms. Pham Thi Quynh Hoa, Acting Director of the Scientific Management and International Cooperation Department; the Board of Directors of the Campus in Ho Chi Minh City; leaders of departments and organizations under the Campus, along with representatives of staff and faculty members.

Building on the points agreed upon at the online meeting on July 23, 2026, the working session at the Campus focused on discussing concrete implementation options, in the immediate term for student exchange programs, faculty exchanges, joint scientific research, and connecting academic activities between the two training institutions.

At the working session, leaders of the APAG Campus in Ho Chi Minh City provided an overview of the Campus's formation and development process, functions, tasks, training scale, and development orientations in the new phase, as well as outstanding achievements in training, executive education, scientific research, and international cooperation. Simultaneously, both sides shared information regarding organizational models, training programs, development directions, and strengths of each institution, thereby creating a foundation for expanding cooperation in the coming time.

In an open and collaborative spirit, both sides focused on discussing the implementation of the signed MoU between APAG and Khon Kaen University, prioritizing the establishment of exchange programs for students, trainees, and faculty members; strengthening joint scientific research; co-organizing academic conferences and seminars; sharing experience in education and executive training in public administration, public governance, local governance, economic management, culture, and the application of artificial intelligence in public governance, along with other areas of mutual interest.

One of the prioritized contents for implementation is the student exchange program scheduled for September 2026. This initiative was agreed upon in principle by leadership during the online working session on July 23, 2026, and was further detailed at the Campus to develop organizational plans, academic content, and coordination mechanisms. The program offers APAG students opportunities to experience an international learning environment, enhance cultural and academic exchanges, and deepen practical knowledge in public governance, local administration, economics, and culture.

Both sides also discussed a roadmap for implementing the faculty exchange program, under which APAG faculty members may teach in English at COPA, while COPA faculty participate in teaching, research, and academic exchanges at the Academy. This is a concrete step toward realizing the orientation of strengthening international academic connectivity agreed upon by both sides' leaders, contributing to advancing international integration, enhancing professional capacity, and expanding the academic cooperation network between the two institutions.

Speaking at the working session, leadership of the APAG Campus in Ho Chi Minh City highly valued the cooperative relationship between the Academy and Khon Kaen University, affirming that the Campus will actively coordinate with the Scientific Management and International Cooperation Department and relevant functional units of the Academy to effectively implement the contents agreed upon by both sides' leaders, prioritizing student and faculty exchange programs and academic cooperation activities, thereby contributing to the effective implementation of the Academy's policy on internationalizing training, scientific research, and executive education activities.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sirisak Laochankham, Dean of the College of Public Affairs and Policy (COPA), Thailand, expressed appreciation for the warm reception by the APAG Campus, while highly valuing the cooperative potential and specific implementation orientations agreed upon by both sides. The Dean expressed his desire for both sides to promptly launch student and faculty exchange programs, along with scientific research and academic activities, thereby gradually operationalizing the Memorandum of Understanding and creating a foundation for a long-term, substantive, and effective partnership between the two institutions.

At the conclusion of the working session, leaders of the APAG Campus in Ho Chi Minh City and the College of Public Affairs and Policy (COPA), Khon Kaen University, agreed to maintain regular exchanges to effectively implement the signed Memorandum of Understanding between APAG and Khon Kaen University step by step. Following the online meeting between leaders of both sides on July 23, 2026, the working session at the Campus marks a transition from strategic alignment to operational execution at the specialized unit level, contributing to concrete progress under the MoU. The rapid implementation of cooperative commitments demonstrates the determination of both sides to build a substantive, long-term, and effective partnership, initially focusing on student and faculty exchanges, scientific research, academic activities, and knowledge sharing in public administration and governance. Through these efforts, both institutions contribute to enhancing training quality, promoting internationalization across Academy activities, expanding academic networks, and strengthening educational cooperation between Vietnam and Thailand.