The faculty exchange program between Tra Vinh University (TVU) and partner universities in the Philippines aims to provide opportunities for university staff to enhance their expertise skills and foster international cooperation. The International Education Institute (IEI) is designated by TVU to implement short-term exchange programs for faculty members, which have received positive feedback from TVU staff. From July 16 to 26, 2023, two faculty members, Dr. Tran Thi Ngoc Bich – Deputy Director of the Institute of Environmental Science and Technology, and Dr. Nguyen Hong Ung – Lecturer of the School of Agriculture and Aquaculture, participated in a short-term exchange trip at The University of Eastern Philippines (UEP).
During their stay, TVU researchers engaged in fruitful discussions with UEP researchers through four workshops focusing on research experiences and issues of mutual concern between Vietnam and the Philippines. The workshops covered topics such as pest management for perennial crops, climate change and food safety, saltwater intrusion, agricultural conversion in coastal areas, and effective approaches to engage farmers, along with discussions with staff, lecturers, and students at UEP. At the workshops, UEP researchers also presented their findings on various topics, including efficient mangrove exploitation, sustainable crab farming in climate-adaptive mangroves, the impact of greenhouse gases on climate change and human actions, biotechnology and its applications in the environment, and other related matters.
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In addition, the research teams from TVU and UEP visited and conducted academic exchanges with officials and faculty members from various departments, institutes, and centers within UEP. They carried out on-site surveys at UEP’s farms, hydroponic vegetable cultivation models, aquaponics systems in households, integrated agroforestry and aquaculture models, mangrove ecosystems, water treatment along the Catubig River for domestic use, and erosion control models along the river using native plant species in the Catarman province area.
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The activities have significantly contributed to the development and sharing of research skills among the participating faculty members from both TVU and UEP, especially the effectiveness in inspiring and motivating UEP students in their research pursuits. These interactions have also opened up opportunities for further collaborations between the two universities, particularly in faculty and student exchange programs across various fields in the future. As a result, researchers from TVU and UEP will keep on discussing and implementing collaborative programs involving faculty and student exchanges, establishing project teams, developing in-depth research topics, organizing workshops, and publishing international papers.
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The program has achieved tangible outcomes, providing numerous development opportunities and laying the foundation for long-term international cooperation, especially with strategic partners in the Philippines. This aligns with one of the crucial objectives of the development strategy of TVU.
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The successful implementation of the program has brought forth valuable and positive results for the involved faculty members from both universities. Moreover, it has further strengthened the positive and cordial relationship between Tra Vinh University and the University of Eastern Philippines in the future.
Ngoc Bich (IEST) – Phuong Thuy (IEI)
