Khon Kaen University’s Faculty of Economics forges a key partnership with the Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam to enhance international research networks and regional economic development.
On 4 February 2026, Associate Professor Suthin Wianwiwat, Dean of the Faculty of Economics, Khon Kaen University (KKU), met with Dr. Nguyen Thi Minh Phuong, Dean of the Faculty of International Economics at the Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam (DAV) in Hanoi, Socialist Republic of Viet Nam. The meeting focused on discussing concrete and sustainable academic collaboration between the two institutions.
The visit was initiated by the Faculty of Economics, KKU, with the objectives of establishing long-term academic cooperation, promoting student, faculty, and researcher exchange, jointly developing international curricula and academic activities, and building research networks centred on ASEAN economics and the Mekong sub-region. This collaboration aims to elevate education and research quality to international standards in a sustainable manner.
Associate Professor Suthin Wianwiwat, Dean of the Faculty of Economics, Khon Kaen University, stated, “The opportunity to meet and discuss with Dr. Nguyen Thi Minh Phuong, Dean of the Faculty of International Economics at the Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam, marks a significant step in establishing academic cooperation between our two institutions. The Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam is a leading academic institution with expertise in international economics and international relations, which aligns perfectly with the strengths and development direction of the KKU Faculty of Economics, particularly in the areas of ASEAN economics and development within the Mekong sub-region.”
The Dean further remarked, “Thailand and Viet Nam have close economic and social ties, both as members of ASEAN and as countries within the Mekong region. Academic collaboration between our two institutions will contribute to generating knowledge and innovation beneficial for the economic and social development of both nations and the wider region. I am confident that this cooperation will lead to concrete and sustainable outcomes, including student and faculty exchange, joint curriculum development, organisation of international academic activities, and collaborative research.”
During the discussion, both parties exchanged views on multi-dimensional forms of cooperation, including: student and faculty exchange, to provide opportunities for academic staff and students to gain learning and working experience in an international context; joint curriculum and course development, tailored to the demands of the labour market and regional development; organisation of international seminars and events, to serve as a platform for knowledge exchange and academic networking; and collaborative research on international economics, ASEAN economy, and Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) development, to generate knowledge that informs policy and advancement.
Dr. Nguyen Thi Minh Phuong, Dean of the Faculty of International Economics at the Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam, commented, “We are delighted and honoured to welcome the Dean and delegation from Khon Kaen University. The Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam is highly interested in establishing collaboration with leading academic institutions in the region, particularly Khon Kaen University, which is a premier Thai university with expertise in education and research concerning the GMS. This cooperation will help enhance mutual understanding and create new knowledge beneficial for the development of both countries and the ASEAN region. We are committed to fostering this collaboration into concrete outcomes as quickly as possible.”
Dr. Nguyen Thi Minh Phuong added, “The Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam has extensive experience in organising international programmes and hosting students from many countries. We warmly welcome students and faculty from Khon Kaen University, and likewise look forward to sending our students and academics to KKU. Such exchanges will broaden perspectives and deepen cultural and academic understanding. We are also highly interested in joint research on ASEAN economic integration and Mekong cooperation.”
The Faculty of Economics, Khon Kaen University, anticipates that this cooperation will serve as a vital mechanism for elevating teaching and research to international standards, while simultaneously strengthening the cooperative network between Thailand and Viet Nam for the mutual benefit of students, faculty members, and the broader society. This visit represents a crucial step in building the relationship and academic cooperation between the KKU Faculty of Economics and the Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam, leading to sustainable development in education, research, and international networking for the maximum benefit of students, faculty members, the institution, and society across the ASEAN and Mekong regions.
The public is invited to follow the progress of the collaboration between the Faculty of Economics, Khon Kaen University, and the Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam through the Faculty’s communication channels. For those interested in further information regarding opportunities for academic exchange or collaboration, please contact the International Relations and Corporate Communications Unit, Faculty of Economics, Khon Kaen University.
