Overview of the working session
Representing the University of Social Sciences and Humanities were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Thanh Nam (Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee, Vice Chairman of the University Council, Head of the Training Department), Dr. Pham Hoang Hung (Head of the Cooperation and Development Department), along with lecturers and students from the Thai Studies Department, Faculty of Oriental Studies.
On behalf of the delegation, Professor Phrakrusutheejariyawat Pagdenog expressed his pleasure at visiting the university at the beginning of the new year 2024 and thanked the university for the very warm welcome. Mahamakut Buddhist University is one of the two large, long-standing Buddhist universities in Thailand, with many branches, including the Isan branch. The university offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in social sciences: religion, political science, psychology, and sociology. Currently, the university has many international students such as students from Laos, Cambodia, and China, but not yet Vietnamese students.
Therefore, in the future, we expect to see more Vietnamese students and trainees studying at the university, especially in the Thai language major. During this visit, Mahamakut Buddhist University, Isan Campus, also hopes to establish a close cooperative relationship with the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in student and teacher exchanges for Thai and Vietnamese languages, and scholarship programs. Representatives from Mahamakut Buddhist University also shared that each year the university will award scholarships to two Vietnamese university graduates to pursue postgraduate studies in Thailand (the scholarship includes free accommodation and tuition fees).
Professor Phrakrusutheejariyawat Pagdenog introduced the scale, training programs, and scholarship programs for international students.
On behalf of the Board of Directors of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Thanh Nam welcomed the Board of Directors, lecturers, and students of Mahamakut Isan Buddhist University, the first international guests to visit in the new year of the Year of the Dragon, friends who bring much joy and good fortune in a year full of tasks. Introducing the University, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Thanh Nam emphasized: The University of Social Sciences and Humanities has a long tradition in Vietnam, established by President Ho Chi Minh in 1945, shortly after the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. The University of Social Sciences and Humanities is one of the core members of the Vietnam National University, Hanoi. Currently, the Vietnam National University, Hanoi is a leading university in Vietnam, highly ranked globally, with some disciplines in the top 400, and the University of Social Sciences and Humanities is proud to be an important member contributing to that achievement. Currently, the university has over 10,000 students enrolled in 27 undergraduate programs, 36 master's programs, and 30 doctoral programs. The two universities share some similar programs, so the opportunities for cooperation are vast and extend beyond just Thai language training.
Associate Professor Bui Thanh Nam expressed the university's joy in welcoming international delegations to visit at the beginning of the new year.
Associate Professor Bui Thanh Nam fully agrees with the proposals of the Mahamakut Buddhist University's Board of Directors. Expanding international cooperation is also a strategic direction for the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in the current context of integration. The information shared by the University today is very useful, especially the very good news about scholarships for students studying Thai language and pursuing postgraduate studies.
All training programs include practical internships abroad, so cooperating with Mahamakut Buddhist University will provide more reputable opportunities for students of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities to study, exchange ideas, and gain practical experience.
The University of Social Sciences and Humanities is the only institution in Vietnam that offers a three-level program in Religious Studies: Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees. The two sides can collaborate on organizing scientific conferences on topics of mutual interest. In its 2024 plan, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities will organize a conference on religion and beliefs, and we hope that scientists and lecturers from your university will participate. Furthermore, the two sides can expand cooperation into other fields: psychology, political science, sociology, social work, etc.
Professor Phramaha Suphachai Bootraked expressed his joy and emotion at returning to his old home where he taught nearly 20 years ago, but this time in a role connecting the two schools for collaboration.
During the meeting, many lecturers and students from Mahamakut Isan Buddhist University expressed interest in the training programs offered by the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, and the students were particularly interested in extracurricular clubs and community service activities.
Professor Phramaha Suphachai Bootraked is very interested in the volunteer activities of the university's students.
Associate Professor Bui Thanh Nam shared: Currently, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities has nearly 30 clubs: charitable activities, arts, sports, academics, etc., attracting thousands of students. Notable examples include the Blood Donation Club, the Student Volunteer Club, the MC Club, the Media Club, the Football Club, etc., which are very active. Therefore, a large number of students at the university are equipped with professional knowledge while developing skills and interests through extracurricular activities and directly participating in charitable activities to help children and people in disadvantaged areas, vulnerable groups, and those who have suffered particularly during the summer break.
In addition, many of our academic programs provide students with opportunities to develop their professional knowledge by directly participating in community support activities: social work students help vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals; psychology students participate in organizations that provide therapy for autistic children, etc.
Concluding the meeting, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Thanh Nam expressed his sincere gratitude to Mahamakut Isan Buddhist University for their interest in visiting the university and providing a wealth of useful information for the faculty and students. To ensure effective cooperation between the two institutions, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Thanh Nam proposed that following today's meeting, the two sides sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on several specific areas: faculty and student exchange; scholarships for students and trainees; opening short-term training courses and mutual credit recognition; coordinating international scientific conferences; and supporting faculty and scientists in publishing internationally in the scientific journals of both universities. Regarding scholarships from Mahamakut Isan Buddhist University, the university will widely disseminate official information to students once it becomes available.
At the end of the meeting, both sides exchanged gifts and took commemorative photos.
USSH Hanoi Forum 2026