Delegates take part in the UK-Việt Nam EmpowerTNE Network launching ceremony. Photos courtesy of organisers

HÀ NỘI — The Việt Nam–UK Transnational Education Development Project (EmpowerTNE) network has been officially launched, marking a new chapter in educational cooperation between the two countries and strengthening their growing partnership in transnational education.

The launch was one of the key events under the UK–ASEAN Future Education Roadshow, organised by the British Embassy in collaboration with the British Business Association in Việt Nam (BritCharm). The event, held from November 10 to 12, brought together representatives from local and international management agencies, universities, businesses and educational organisations.

The establishment of the network followed the recent upgrade of relations between Việt Nam and the UK to a comprehensive strategic partnership, with education, science, technology, innovation and digital transformation identified as key pillars of national cooperation.

Both sides agreed to promote academic exchanges, encourage the development of joint programmes and strengthen English proficiency across the education system.

The EmpowerTNE Network will act as a bridge connecting policy, academia and resources, establishing a regular coordination mechanism among management agencies, Vietnamese and UK universities and international organisations. It also aims to standardise and enhance the quality of transnational education (TNE) in accordance with international best practices.

Phenikaa University will serve as the coordinator in the first year of operation, with Associate Professor Dr Nguyễn Phú Khánh, Deputy General Director of Phenikaa University, elected as Chairman of the network, which comprises 12 member institutions across Việt Nam.

Associate Professor Dr Nguyễn Phú Khánh, Deputy General Director of Phenikaa University, speaks at the event.

“The UK–Việt Nam EmpowerTNE Network is a platform connecting partners in the UK and Việt Nam to improve the quality of training and learning experiences,” said Khánh.

“As coordinator, we are committed to working closely with the British Council, the Ministry of Education and Training, member schools and the community operating in the TNE field so that the network's operational plan is implemented smoothly, bringing practical value to learners, lecturers and participating institutions.”

British Council Director James Shipton said the initiative to establish the UK-Việt Nam EmpowerTNE Network was one of the British Council’s efforts under the TNE Strategy 2025-27.

It aimed to build a strong TNE community to help improve the quality of education, increase equitable access for Vietnamese students to study for UK degrees and strengthen cooperation with partners for mutual benefit.

He said he looked forward to seeing the network grow with the active participation of Vietnamese and UK educational institutions. — VNS