Prof. Dr. Dato Zainal, Chairman of ASEAN Learning Network speaks at a workshop on “Innovation and Sustainable Entrepreneurship” that opened on Wednesday in HCM City. Photo courtesy of UEH

HCM CITY — ASEAN Learning Network members exchanged ideas and knowledge for sustainable economic development at a workshop that opened in HCM City on Wednesday.

With the theme “Innovation and Sustainable Entrepreneurship”, the workshop, within the framework of the Annual Meeting of ASEAN Learning Network, is an opportunity for all members to exchange and transfer advanced technology and experience.

Experts from diverse fields such as education, business, and governance also discussed various aspects of innovation and its application to society and higher education to further develop sustainable economic development. 

This year, the meeting was jointly held by the University of Economics HCM City and the Banking University HCM City.

Through the connection with the ASEAN Learning Network, the University of Economics HCM City has expanded international learning opportunities, access to advanced educational technology, and a global international experience environment for students and faculty.

“The world today is facing many challenges. We must address the sustainability agenda to deliver improvements in efficiency and resource productivity,” said Prof. Sử Đình Thành, President of the University of Economics HCM City.

“Together with the public and private sectors, non-governmental and intergovernmental organisations, scientists, engineers, and academics are responsible for building a better life and safety for society through the application of knowledge to convert resources into products and services without compromising the ability of future generations to cope with their needs,” he said.

All nine members of the network and international students will participate in a project titled “Sustainable entrepreneurship for economic development” (SEED) that will provide cross-cultural experiences, develop language skills, soft skills, and comprehensive learning opportunities for students.

The programme also creates a link among schools in the network, public agencies, and local businesses to carry out research projects and support to solve problems of residential communities and traditional villages in the region.

The ASEAN Learning Network was launched in February 2009 with an aim to collaborate to further a context-based approach to management teaching, research, and practice-training in Asia. — VNS