Tuesday 5 March 2019 4:55pm
Otago's Deputy Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement) Professor Helen Nicholson (left) and Vietnam National University Dean, School of Medicine Professor Dang Van Phuoc sign a Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions at the University's Council Chamber yesterday. Photo: Sharron Bennett.
The University yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Vietnam National University (VNU) during an official event held in the University's Council Chamber.
The MOU will form the basis for the development of further agreements – such as that planned for VNU pharmacy students to complete their studies at Otago – and sets the groundwork for future academic exchanges.
"We are looking forward to working with staff and students from the university, both undergraduates, and in the future postgraduate students."
VNU representatives at the signing were the Dean, School of Medicine Professor Dang Van Phuoc, Vice-Dean, School of Medicine Associate Professor Le Minh Tri, Vice-Head Department of Academic and Student Affairs Nguyen Tuan Kiet, and Vice-Head of Department of Science Technology and International Relations Le Xuan Loc.
Representing Otago were Deputy Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement) Professor Helen Nicholson, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Health Sciences) Professor Paul Brunton, Dean of the School of Pharmacy Professor Carlo Marra, and Associate Dean (Internationalisation) School of Pharmacy Associate Professor Joel Tyndall.
Associate Professor Tyndall says the MOU was initiated following discussions between VNU Pharmacy School leaders and Professor Nicholson last year. It follows a similar agreement between the University and the International Medical University in Kuala Lumpur signed in 2002.
“We are looking forward to working with staff and students from the university, both undergraduates, and in the future postgraduate students,” Associate Professor Tyndall says.