ICTU and KNU (Republic of Korea) signed Memorandum of Understanding on operating the Global Initiative Center for Exchange (GIC-E)
On 16 September, 2025, ICTU and Kyungpook National University (KNU, Republic of Korea) officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the operation of the Global Initiative Center for Exchange (GIC-E) and held the inauguration ceremony of the GIC-E Center at ICTU. This marks the first GIC-E center established by KNU at a partner institution abroad, affirming ICTU as a trusted choice among nearly 500 international partners of KNU.
Representing ICTU at the signing ceremony were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phung Trung Nghia – Rector, Dr. Do Dinh Cuong – Vice Rector, together with leaders of Division of Science – Technology & International Cooperation and Institute of International Education. From KNU, participants included Prof. Lee Shi Chul – Vice President, Prof. Dongkyun Kim – Director of the Center for IT and Cyber Security, Prof. Yang Seung-Yeop – Deputy Director of Academic Affairs, and Prof. Yi Hak – Deputy Director of International Cooperation.
The MoU was built on mutual consensus with the goal of attracting outstanding Vietnamese students and expanding cooperation in educational exchange. Both institutions agreed to implement key initiatives, including: supporting Vietnamese students to access Korean language programs and special admission tracks at KNU; collaborating in communication and promotion activities, conferences, short-term training courses, and cultural exchange programs; ensuring close coordination in twinning degree programs through the development of learning pathways, academic management, and comprehensive student support; as well as expanding other areas of collaboration, such as educational exchanges and joint project implementation. The agreement is valid for five years and will be automatically renewed for one year unless otherwise terminated, underscoring the commitment of ICTU and KNU to long-term and sustainable cooperation.
GIC-E Center at ICTU Expected to Serve as a Bridge for International Learning Opportunities
The GIC-E Center at ICTU is expected to become an important bridge, offering students opportunities to access advanced training programs, experience an international learning environment, and enhance global integration competencies. This milestone affirms ICTU’s credibility and position in the strategy of international educational integration while strengthening the close partnership between Vietnam and the Republic of Korea.
Currently, Kyungpook National University ranks third globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. With this reputation, KNU selected ICTU as the site of its first overseas GIC-E Center, opening up international learning opportunities for Vietnamese students and confirming ICTU as a strategic partner in KNU’s global network. This cooperation contributes to elevating ICTU’s standing in the process of international integration.