13th Conference of Rectors of Member Universities of the Francophone University Organization AUF

The opening session of the Conference took place on the morning of May 7, 2019.

The conference is one of the largest regional forums on higher education and research. Attendees included Professor Jean-Paul de Gaudemar, Director General of AUF; Deputy Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Van Phuc; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Huynh Thanh Dat - Director of VNU-HCM; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Dien - President of CONFRASIE, Vice Rector of the University of Economics and Law, along with many leaders in charge of higher education from various countries.

This session is themed “University-Business Dialogue: Challenges and Social Responsibilities of Higher Education” and includes four thematic panel discussions on the following topics:

• Training programs and socio-economic needs.
• Research and knowledge transfer within the Francophone university community.
• Developing a culture and practices of entrepreneurship.
• University governance and the challenges to social responsibility.

The CONFRASIE President's message on this year's conference theme states: The contemporary world presents both opportunities and challenges for universities. Today, universities face increasingly fierce competition, as students have more favorable conditions than before to choose where to study, especially thanks to the use of resources resulting from the application of scientific and technological achievements. To alleviate this competitive pressure, universities must implement a series of measures, most notably improving the quality of education and research.

Such improvements can only be effectively achieved when the university itself improves through innovation and an internal quality assurance system. CONFRASIE assumes the role of organizing, managing, and coordinating interaction and action among its members, as well as among members and other institutions and organizations, to achieve these goals.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Dien - President of CONFRASIE, Vice Rector of the University of Economics and Law

The conference also included the signing ceremony of a framework cooperation agreement between CONFRASIE and the Conference of French University Presidents (CPU), in the presence of ministers, deputy ministers, and officials from participating member countries.

The Conference of Rectors of Francophone Universities (AUF) in the Asia-Pacific region (CONFRASIE) was officially established in 1999, with a plenary session held every two years. This forum brings together numerous leaders of higher education and research institutions from dozens of Asia-Pacific countries to exchange and discuss common issues of higher education in the region. The CONFRASIE Conference of Francophone Rectors contributes to identifying and developing the potential of the expert network of member institutions and building strategic directions for higher education and research. From its initial 50 members, CONFRASIE has grown significantly to 88 members, comprising higher education and research institutions in 11 countries.

Here are some other photos from the conference.

Professor Pham Quang Minh, Rector, at the exhibition booth introducing the member schools participating in the Conference.

Professor Pham Quang Minh, Rector, delivered a speech at the thematic session "University Governance and Challenges for Social Responsibility".