On 22 September 2022, the University of Public Service (UPS) and Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City – University of Science (VNUHCM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding. UPS was represented by Dr Gergely Deli, rector of UPS, Dr Boglárka Koller, vice-rector for international affairs and Dr Tibor Bíró, dean of the Faculty of Water Sciences. From the side of VNUHCM, the president and associate professor of the university, Tran Le Quan and the dean of the Faculty of Environment, prof Dao Nguyen Khoi, presented the Vietnamese point of view. The Vietnamese institution is among the 400 best global universities in Asia and the four best global universities in Vietnam.
The event started with a short welcome speech by Szilvia Szojka, consul general of Hungary in Ho Chi Minh City. The respected heads of institutions on both sides were also offered the opportunity to express their thoughts. Dr Deli highlighted the complex educational programme fulfilled by the four faculties of UPS, which offers not only training and education for professional military officers, police officers and civil servants but natural sciences also occupying a prominent place. The modern issues of water and water diplomacy are the centre of attention not only institutionally but also globally. Dr Deli also highlighted that Asia is so advanced in innovation, technology and science that opening toward the East is a crucial interest of Europe, including Hungary. Vietnamese leadership of VNUHCM agreed with all aspects of the speech and the proposed areas of cooperation. The memorandum itself aims to tighten the technical and scientific cooperation between East and West. Besides a technical standpoint, the memorandum was also established to support and encourage direct contact and cooperation between our faculties, administrative staff, departments and research institutions due to standard education programs, research activities, publications and conferences.
Particular recognition and thanks are owed to the Consulate General of Hungary in Ho Chi Minh City, especially to Ms Szilvia Szojka. Without them, this important memorandum would not have come into existence.