Vanuatu PM visits Vietnam’s Nha Trang University to boost education, training cooperation

During the school visit, PM Napat praised the practical outcomes of cooperation between Nha Trang University and Vanuatu partners in recent years and reaffirmed his commitment to further promoting joint programs with the university.

The PM also aired his support for expanding education and training ties in various fields between the university and Vanuatu, a South Pacific island nation.

He expressed his hope that cooperation between Vanuatu and Nha Trang University would be further promoted in a comprehensive manner, including the expanded intake of Vanuatu students, stronger training and exchange programs for lecturers and staff, and the establishment of joint research groups.

Napat and his entourage also toured the dormitory housing Vanuatu students to learn about their living conditions, daily life, and academic experience.

Jean Gabriel Nakou, head of the Vanuatu student group and a mechanical engineering major at the university, said that while Vietnamese is a new and challenging language, Vanuatu students are making strong efforts to prepare for specialized programs taught entirely in Vietnamese.

Despite occasional difficulties, he added, the dedication and patience of lecturers at Nha Trang University have helped the students make steady progress.

Khong Trung Thang, secretary of the university’s Party Committee, said the university is a multidisciplinary, application-oriented institution closely aligned with the needs of Vietnam’s marine-based economy.

He noted that its strengths in training and research include marine science and technology, fisheries, environmental studies, food technology, engineering and technology, tourism, as well as economics and management.

“With a development strategy focused on interdisciplinarity, sustainability, and internationalization, the university is gradually realizing its goal of becoming one of Southeast Asia’s leading institutions for training and research in several key fields related to the marine and fisheries sectors,” Thang said.

He expressed hope that cooperation with Vanuatu partners would continue to expand, particularly in student training and exchange programs, staff and faculty exchanges, expert support, as well as joint scientific research and knowledge transfer.

Thang said he was confident that such cooperation would become increasingly substantive and effective, contributing to human resource development, knowledge advancement, and sustainable growth for both sides.

In 2025, Nha Trang University admitted 12 Vanuatu students in its 67th intake for the 2025–29 academic period.

The students are enrolled in key disciplines related to marine studies, mechanical engineering, electrical and electronics engineering, biotechnology and environmental technology, food technology and construction.