Advancing Internationalization and Educational Quality under the EU-Funded BEST Project

Angkor University was honored to participate in the Cambodia National Dialogue on Internationalization and Access to General Education, convened on 17–18 November 2025 in Phnom Penh. Organized under the leadership of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS) and supported by the European Union (EU), the Dialogue served as a significant platform for stakeholders to examine key policy directions and reinforce collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing the quality, relevance, and global connectivity of Cambodia’s education system.

The University’s engagement in this national forum reaffirms its unwavering commitment to advancing higher education internationalization as part of its institutional development strategy. Central to this strategy are two major milestones:

• The University’s designation as a semi-international institution in 2024, and
• The targeted achievement of full international standards by 2030.

These milestones signal the University’s determination to elevate its academic programs, research capacity, governance mechanisms, and global partnerships in alignment with internationally recognized frameworks.

Angkor University places strong emphasis on preparing students to become globally competent professionals. The University actively encourages students to pursue international study, exchange, and training opportunities that enhance academic achievement, practical skills, and cross-cultural understanding.

In particular, the Erasmus+ Scholarship Programme, funded by the European Union, provides outstanding opportunities for Angkor University students to participate in mobility programs, undertake studies abroad, and gain exposure to international learning environments.

Angkor University’s participation in the Cambodia National Dialogue 2025 underscores its dedication to contributing to national educational development while accelerating its own trajectory toward international recognition. With the continued support of the EU-funded BEST Project, the University remains committed to strengthening institutional capacity, deepening global engagement, and expanding high-quality learning opportunities for its academic community.

Through these efforts, Angkor University reaffirms its role as a forward-looking institution committed to excellence, innovation, and meaningful contributions to Cambodia’s higher education landscape.

On November 12th, 2025, the Cambodia-Asia Polytechnic Institute (CAPI) and Angkor University (AU) actively participated in the EU-Cambodia University Dialogue held in Phnom Penh, organized by the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA).

The event brought together over 300 participants, including representatives from 55 European universities and approximately 15 universities from Cambodia, fostering a platform for academic collaboration, knowledge exchange, and discussion on higher education development.

During the dialogue, the management teams of CAPI and AU had the opportunity to meet with the European Union Ambassador to Cambodia, engaging in meaningful discussions about ongoing and future academic initiatives. Both institutions also share on the BEST Project, highlighting achievements and the impact of the project on enhancing internationalization, research, and teaching capacities in Cambodian universities. The event provided a valuable platform to strengthen EU-Cambodia academic partnerships and explore potential opportunities for collaborative research, student mobility, and capacity-building programs.

 

Angkor University

Piraeus, Greece – The delegation from 15+ member universities attended the Closing Ceremony and Certificate Presentation of the 7th International Staff Week under the BEST Project at the University of Piraeus, Greece, marking the successful conclusion of the meaningful international training program.

All the delegations actively participated in over 20 academic sessions and specialized workshops covering diverse topics, including:

• European Education Policy- Modern development trends
• International Research Collaboration- Building sustainable partnerships
• COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning)- International online teaching methods
• AI in Higher Education- Applying artificial intelligence to teaching and management
• European Student Card- Towards flexibility and integration
• Diversity and Social Inclusion – Building an equitable education environment
• Smart and Sustainable Cities- The role of universities

Notably, the delegations had the opportunity to exchange ideas and learn from leading experts from UNESCO, the European Commission, Erasmus+ Associations, and representatives from universities in Poland, Germany, Cyprus, Uganda, Kenya, and Armenia.

At the Closing Ceremony Professor Spyridon Roukanas acknowledged the enthusiastic participation of all international delegates and emphasized the importance of building sustainable cooperation networks among universities. He particularly praised the learning spirit and active contributions of the all delegations during discussion sessions.

Upon returning to home countries, members of the Project will organize internal sharing sessions to disseminate the knowledge and experience gained, while building a specific roadmap to:

– Develop COIL programs with international partners

– Apply AI to management and teaching

– Enhance the capacity of faculty and administrative staff

– Expand Erasmus+ cooperation activities

– Increase international student and faculty exchanges

The 7th International Staff Week was not only an academic event but also a cultural bridge, creating a solid foundation for long-term cooperation among project member universities and leading European universities, enhancing the international inclusion plan. 

Piraeus, Greece – October 24, 2025 – Within the framework of the 7th International Cooperation Week, Ho Chi Minh City Banking University (HUB) and Piraeus University, Greece officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on cultural, academic and scientific cooperation, marking an important milestone in HUB’s internationalization strategy.

The signing ceremony took place solemnly with the presence of senior leaders of both sides:

From HUB:

– Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Duc Trung – Rector

– Dr. Luong Thi Thu Thuy – Vice President in charge of SaigonISB International Training Institute

– Dr. Tran Hai Van – Vice President of SaigonISB International Training Institute

Representatives of Piraeus University:

– Professor Michael E. Sfakianakis – Rector

– Professor Spyridon Roukanas – Vice President in charge of academic and administrative affairs, institutional coordinator of Erasmus+

– Dr. Christina Kontogoulidou – Head of International Relations and European Programmes

According to the signed Memorandum of Understanding, the two sides commit to promoting comprehensive cooperation in the following areas: Academic and cultural exchanges; Scientific research cooperation; Co-organizing international seminars, workshops and conferences; participating in short-term and summer training programs; development of COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) programs

The MOU also includes an agreement to participate in Erasmus+ KA171 International Mobility projects, exchange students and staff within the Erasmus+ framework and cooperation in European university alliances

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Prof. Michael E. Sfakianakis, Rector of the University of Piraeus, shared: “We are delighted to welcome HUB – a dynamic and visionary university from Vietnam – as our strategic partner. With 87 years of experience in higher education and being an Erasmus+ coordinator with a network of more than 300 global partner schools, we believe that this cooperation will bring great value to both parties, especially in the context of digital education and AI applications that are developing strongly.”

Assoc.Prof.Dr. Nguyen Duc Trung, Rector of HUB, also emphasized: “This is an important step forward in HUB’s internationalization strategy. Piraeus University is not only a leading university in Europe but also has strengths in fields that coincide with HUB’s development orientation such as economics, finance, banking, information technology and AI. This cooperation agreement opens up many opportunities for HUB students, lecturers and staff to access a world-class academic environment, while creating conditions for the two schools to cooperate in research and educational development.”

University of Piraeus (UNIPI) was founded in 1938 and is one of the most prestigious public universities in Greece with outstanding achievements:

• Top 3% of the best universities in the world

Top 1 in Greece in economics, finance, technology

•  International Network:

– Erasmus+ Institutional Coordinator

– Cooperation with more than 300 global universities

– Member of the EUonAIR Alliance for AI in Education

•  UNESCO Recognition:

– UNESCO Professorship on “Creative Cities in Motion: Urban Sustainable Mobility and Utilization of Cultural Resources”

•  The school has more than 20,000 students; 9 faculties with 30+ training programs and 50+ specialized research laboratories

The signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding with Piraeus University is not only an outstanding achievement of the working trip at the 7th International Cooperation Week but also a testament to HUB’s continuous efforts in building a high-quality international partnership network.

With this agreement, HUB has officially entered the European education ecosystem, opening up countless opportunities for the student and lecturer community to access the most advanced educational standards, while affirming HUB’s position on the international higher education map.

On October 20, 2025, the official opening of the 7th International Staff Week was held by the University of Piraeus in Greece

Established in 1938, the University of Piraeus is one of Greece’s leading public universities, ranked in the top 3% of universities worldwide. As an Institutional Coordinator for Erasmus+ with a network of over 300 partner universities globally, it holds a UNESCO Chair on “Creative Cities in Motion” and is a member of the EUonAIR European University Alliance on Artificial Intelligence.

The university is located in Piraeus – Greece’s largest port city with over 2,500 years of history, serving as a crucial gateway between East and West and the departure point to famous Greek islands. This strategic location combined with modern facilities makes Piraeus an ideal venue for large-scale international events.

Event Scale and Scope:

The program, taking place from October 20-27, 2025, is a major international event featuring:

• 20+ academic sessions and specialized workshops
• Speakers from multiple continents: Europe (Greece, Poland, Germany, Cyprus), Asia (Vietnam, Armenia), Africa (Uganda, Kenya)
• Participating organizations: UNESCO, European Commission, Erasmus+ Associations
• Diverse topics: EU Education Policy, AI in Education, International Research Collaboration, COIL, Social Inclusion

The program focuses on activities of Working Groups 3, 4, and 6 of BEST project, providing the HUB delegation with valuable opportunities to learn from international experiences and expand cooperation networks with European partners.

The delegation from Ho Chi Minh University of Banking (HUB), led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Duc Trung – Rector, attended the Opening Ceremony of the International week and the annual meeting under the BEST Project (Boosting Excellence in Second Tier HEIs) held at the University of Piraeus, Greece – an initiative co-funded by the European Union aimed at enhancing the quality of higher education. Accompanying the delegation were Dr. Luong Thi Thu Thuy – Acting Director of Saigon International School of Business (SaigonISB) and Dr. Tran Hai Van – Vice Director of SaigonISB. The presence of senior leadership demonstrates HUB’s strong commitment to promoting international cooperation and enhancing training quality.

There was attendance from the HUB delegation alongside high-level leaders from the project’s member universities, as well as representatives from the local governors. 

Professor Michail E. Sfakianakis- Rector of the University of Piraeus, delivered the opening address, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in improving higher education quality.

Ms. Andriana Zarakeli-Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Piraeus for Extroversion, Tourism and European Projects, shared insights on the role of local government in supporting continental-scale educational initiatives.

Professor Spyridon Roukanas- Vice-Rector for Academic and Administrative Affairs and Institutional Coordinator of Erasmus+ at the University of Piraeus, presented the project activities and implementation plans.

The BEST Project is part of the Erasmus+ program aimed at strengthening the capacity and quality of higher education institutions across Europe. HUB’s participation in this training program demonstrates the university’s commitment to international integration, enhancing training and research quality, while affirming its position on the international stage.

Speaking at the ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Duc Trung shared: “This is an invaluable opportunity for HUB to learn best practices from European partners, especially in the field of international education. Participating in the program at the University of Piraeus – a leading institution with extensive experience in international cooperation and as an Erasmus+ coordinator – will provide us with a comprehensive view of European education standards. We look forward to building sustainable cooperative relationships that will contribute to enhancing HUB’s training quality and international standing.”

With the participation of a leadership team with deep expertise in international education, HUB expects to gain valuable knowledge and experience while establishing strategic connections with leading universities and prestigious international organizations such as UNESCO and the European Commission, contributing significantly to the university’s development strategy in the coming period.

The program serves not only as a knowledge-sharing platform but also creates a vibrant international networking forum, contributing to the development of global higher education and building a world-class higher education space.

From June 16 to 18, 2025, the top management team of Angkor University actively participated in a significant mobility training program held in Brussels, Belgium, as part of the Erasmus+ Program 2024–2027 funded by the European Union. This prestigious program focuses on advancing the quality of higher education through international collaboration, academic innovation, and strategic capacity building. The training sessions, which brought together academic leaders from multiple countries, centered on key themes such as internationalization strategies, strengthening institutional cooperation, and expanding global partnerships. Angkor University’s delegation engaged in interactive workshops, panel discussions, and expert-led presentations that explored best practices in international university collaboration, student and faculty exchange programs, and transnational education frameworks.

A special highlight of the mission was a productive visit to the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in Belgium, where the university management had the honor of meeting with Cambodian diplomatic representatives. Discussions during this visit centered on enhancing Cambodia–EU educational relations, promoting student mobility, and strengthening the global presence of Cambodian higher education institutions.

Angkor University’s active involvement in the Erasmus+ training program reflects its strong commitment to educational excellence, regional integration, and its long-term vision of becoming a competitive institution in the global academic arena. This participation is expected to lay the groundwork for new cooperative agreements, elevate institutional capacity, and provide more international learning opportunities for students and staff. The university leadership returned with valuable insights, a renewed global outlook, and a clear roadmap for implementing effective internationalization policies at Angkor University.

 

#BESTproject update | Building the Future of International Education [Tiếng Việt bên dưới]

Our final day at the University of Rome Tor Vergata was centered on action and impact. Through interactive workshops and focused group discussions, university leaders from Vietnam and Cambodia worked collaboratively to transform shared knowledge into concrete strategies tailored for their institutions.

These working sessions reflect a strong commitment to building the internationalization capacity of Southeast Asian universities—drawing from European experience to inspire locally grounded innovation.

 Discover how we are shaping a more connected, future-ready education system.

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TỪ KIẾN THỨC ĐẾN HÀNH ĐỘNG

Cập nhật dự án BEST | Kiến tạo tương lai giáo dục quốc tế

Ngày làm việc cuối cùng tại Trường Đại học Rome Tor Vergata là dịp để các đại biểu tập trung thảo luận sâu và xây dựng giải pháp thực tiễn. Thông qua các buổi workshop tương tác và làm việc nhóm chuyên sâu, lãnh đạo các trường đại học đến từ Việt Nam và Campuchia đã cùng nhau cụ thể hóa những bài học thu nhận được thành các chiến lược hành động phù hợp với điều kiện từng trường.

Những phiên thảo luận này thể hiện cam kết mạnh mẽ trong việc nâng cao năng lực quốc tế hóa của các trường đại học Đông Nam Á — lấy cảm hứng từ mô hình châu Âu nhưng được điều chỉnh để phù hợp và bền vững tại địa phương.

Cùng khám phá cách chúng tôi đang định hình một hệ thống giáo dục kết nối hơn, sẵn sàng cho tương lai.

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BEHIND THE SCENES OF A GLOBAL CAMPUS

BESTproject update | Designing a World-Class Student Experience [Tiếng Việt bên dưới]

On the second day of the program, delegates from Vietnam and Cambodia explored the campus of the University of Rome Tor Vergata, gaining valuable insights into how an internationalized university ecosystem operates. From state-of-the-art library facilities to comprehensive student support services, the visit highlighted how the university ensures an inclusive and enriching experience for international students.

Meetings with departmental coordinators further demonstrated the university’s commitment to fostering a welcoming environment—an approach that participating institutions are keen to adapt and localize.

Tag a friend who aspires to study abroad or work in an international academic environment!

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KHÁM PHÁ MÔI TRƯỜNG ĐẠI HỌC QUỐC TẾ TỪ BÊN TRONG

Cập nhật dự án BEST | Xây dựng trải nghiệm học tập đẳng cấp cho sinh viên toàn cầu

Trong ngày làm việc thứ hai tại Trường Đại học Rome Tor Vergata, đoàn đại biểu từ Việt Nam và Campuchia đã có dịp tìm hiểu mô hình vận hành của một trường đại học quốc tế hiện đại. Từ thư viện với trang thiết bị tối tân đến hệ thống hỗ trợ sinh viên toàn diện, chuyến tham quan mang lại góc nhìn thực tế về cách mà trải nghiệm sinh viên được đầu tư và phát triển một cách bài bản.

Các buổi gặp gỡ cùng điều phối viên các khoa chuyên trách sinh viên quốc tế cũng giúp đoàn hiểu rõ hơn về cách nhà trường xây dựng môi trường học tập thân thiện, đa văn hóa — một mô hình mà các trường trong khu vực đang hướng tới để triển khai phù hợp với bối cảnh địa phương.

💬 Tag người bạn đang ấp ủ ước mơ du học hoặc mong muốn làm việc trong môi trường học thuật quốc tế nhé!

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