Vietnam seeks partnerships at APAIE 2026

THE HANOI TIMES — Vietnam is seeking partnerships while joining in the 2026 APAIE, one of the world’s largest international education forums, taking place in Hong Kong (China).

Running until February 27, the event will give Vietnam the chance to attract foreign investment and expand partnerships as it raises its profile as a regional education hub, said Dr. Nguyen Thu Thuy, Director of the Higher Education Department under the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET).

"Vietnam has not previously maintained an official national presence at major international education exhibitions, a factor that experts say has limited the country’s ability to attract international students, foster cooperation and draw foreign investment into the sector," said Thuy.

She emphasized that this is a timely opportunity for Vietnam to actively approach foreign education investors and strategic partners.

The director noted that Vietnam sees strong potential to attract international students and foreign capital, but needs more proactive and systematic promotion to turn opportunities into concrete results.

Specifically, Vietnamese delegation has set up a national education pavilion at APAIE 2026, present its policies on foreign investment in education, including the establishment of overseas university branch campuses in Vietnam, hold meetings with reputable education institutions and organizations from the Asia-Pacific region to expand partnership.

According to Thuy, Vietnam also aims to use APAIE 2026 to promote English-taught programs, expand academic exchanges and position itself as a quality, safe and reliable study destination.

It also hopes participation will encourage its universities to become members of APAIE, laying the groundwork for the country to potentially host the conference in the future.

During the event, Vietnamese representatives are expected to participate in thematic seminars covering cross-border education, internationalization strategies and the operation of foreign campuses; present policies on attracting investment in education and hold bilateral meetings with international partners.

“Vietnam’s key message at the APAIE 2026 is to showcase a dynamic higher education system that prioritizes training quality, research development and deeper international integration,” stressed the director.

First held in South Korea 30 years ago, the APAIE Conference and Exhibition is one of the four largest global gatherings on international education, alongside the NAFSA Annual Conference and Expo of the US, European Association for International Education (EAIE) of Europe and Australian International Education Consortium (AIEC) of Australia.

It typically draws around 2,500 delegates from more than 65 countries and territories, including university leaders, government officials, education organizations and service providers.