Promoting Training and Research Cooperation between the Academy of Public Administration and Governance and Khon Kaen University, Thailand

Attending the session, from the College of Local Administration, Khon Kaen University, were: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sirisak Laochankham, Dean; representatives of the International Cooperation Office; and members of the working delegation.

From the Academy of Public Administration and Governance, there were: Dr. Bui Phuong Dinh, Vice President of the Academy (Chair of the session); representatives of the leadership of the Faculty of Administrative Science; leadership of the Scientific Management and International Cooperation Department; and relevant officials and lecturers.

In his welcoming remarks to the Thai delegation, Dr. Bui Phuong Dinh provided an overview of the formation and development of the Academy of Public Administration and Governance, a national-level institution for training and fostering cadres, civil servants, and public employees for all levels of government from central to local. The Vice President emphasized traditional training fields such as Public Management, Law, Archival Science, and Office Administration, while also sharing potential new training programs such as Human Resource Management, Tourism and Travel Service Management, Cultural Management, and English Language. In the spirit of integration, the Academy identifies local governance as an area that needs to be approached from inter-regional, regional, and international perspectives, consistent with the context of the ASEAN Community.

On behalf of the delegation, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sirisak Laochankham expressed his impression of the development orientation and academic prestige of the Academy of Public Administration and Governance; at the same time, he affirmed that the Academy is a partner with significant potential for long-term cooperation. The Thai representative proposed strengthening cooperation in public management training programs; exchanging staff and experts; expanding student exchanges between the two units; inviting APAG experts to serve as peer reviewers of PhD training programs; submitting articles to scientific journals; and attending regional public governance forums. In particular, the College of Local Administration, Khon Kaen University expressed its desire for the Academy to participate in sharing Vietnam's public administrative reform experiences at international academic events.

Exchanging views on the partner's proposals, Dr. Bui Phuong Dinh affirmed that the Academy fully supports the expansion of in-depth cooperation, focusing initially on academic exchange, coordinating comparative research on administrative reform, and creating opportunities for students and lecturers to participate in short-term exchange programs. Both parties agreed to step-by-step implement specific cooperation activities starting from 2026, heading towards the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-Thailand diplomatic relations; while simultaneously proceeding towards signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to serve as a basis for developing sustainable cooperative relations in the future.

The working session took place in an open, trusting, and constructive atmosphere, with many practical exchanges reflecting the shared determination of both sides to strengthen academic connections, share experiences, and jointly contribute to the development of public administration within the ASEAN region.