Strengthening Partnerships for Sustainable Development: LHU's Role in Regional NGO and Government Collaborations for SDG Policy

Lac Hong University (LHU) has actively strengthened relationships with regional NGOs and government bodies through its direct involvement in SDG-related policy development and implementation. The university contributes to identifying key challenges, formulating strategies, monitoring interventions, and promoting adaptive management across multiple sectors — particularly education, culture, innovation, social inclusion, and community development sectors.

National Collaborations

LHU plays a key role in government policy consultation and social partnership initiatives, supporting the realization of multiple SDGs—particularly Quality Education (SDG 4), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).

• Policy Consultation in Education Oversight:
  LHU provided expert input to the draft Guidelines for Inspection and Examination of the 2024 National High School Graduation Examination and contributed feedback to the draft circular on inspection in the education sector, helping to improve transparency and quality assurance mechanisms in national education management.

• Promoting Innovation and Entrepreneurship:
  The Dong Nai Young Entrepreneurs Association, in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology and LHU, organized the program “Investment Pitching for Start-up Projects 2024.”
  This initiative was part of the Dong Nai Innovation and Entrepreneurship Festival 2024 (August 27–30), which aimed to help award-winning start-up projects expand production, develop new products, and access funding opportunities.

• Educational Equity for International Students:
  LHU coordinates annually with the Dong Nai Department of Foreign Affairs to offer five full university scholarships to students of Vietnamese origin from Cambodia and Laos. The university provides one-year Vietnamese language training and free dormitory accommodation, contributing to educational inclusion for learners from low- and middle-income countries.

• Student Financial Aid and Social Policy Collaboration:
  LHU supports the implementation of government tuition and loan assistance programs by guiding students to obtain official confirmation letters for submission to the Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs in their localities. This close collaboration demonstrates the university’s strong partnership with both provincial and central government in achieving social equity goals.

• Foreign Language and Cultural Integration Programs:
  In partnership with the Dong Nai Department of Education and Training and Visang Education Vietnam, LHU implemented the Pilot Korean Language Program for high school students in Dong Nai. The program lasted three months and was completely tuition-free, promoting multilingual learning and intercultural understanding.

• Policy Input for Higher Education Quality Assurance:
  LHU has contributed to the national framework for quality accreditation and digital transformation in higher education, supporting reforms that ensure institutional accountability and educational excellence.

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  Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Tourism Development:

• LHU contributes to recording and preserving local heritage through the Dong Nai Tourism Presentation and Introduction Contest, jointly organized with the Vietnam Student Association, the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, and the Dong Nai Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.
  The contest encourages students to explore Dong Nai’s intangible cultural heritage—historical sites, festivals, folk arts, crafts, and cuisine—promoting community identity and sustainable cultural preservation.

International Collaborations

At the global level, LHU continues to engage in international forums and policy dialogues to advance SDG-aligned higher education practices and partnerships.

Workshop on Digital Competency Frameworks:

LHU co-organized the workshop “Implementation of the Digital Competency Framework for Students – International Experience and Vietnamese Practice”, focusing on applying global best practices to improve digital literacy in Vietnam.

• ASTID Forum Presentation:
  LHU participated in the Applying Science, Technology and Innovation for Sustainable Development (ASTID) conference, sharing models that integrate academic innovation and sustainable community growth.

• Dean’s Academy Summit 2025 (Dean 2.0):
  LHU joined 30 academic leaders from universities across Asia and the Middle East in the summit “The Power of Partnership: Collaboratively Navigating the Next Horizon in the Age of AI.”
  During the “Sharing Best Practices” session, LHU presented on “AUN-QA and ABET Accreditation: Pathways from Local Excellence to Global Recognition,” contributing practical insights into quality assurance and academic leadership.

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  ACE Conference 2025, Tempe, Arizona, USA:

  • From October 21–23, 2025, five LHU representatives will attend the ACE Conference “Shaping the Future of Education”, co-hosted by Arizona State University (ASU) and CINTANA Education.
    The conference gathers education and university leaders from the global CINTANA Alliance for discussions on:

• Academic leadership and innovation in the age of AI

• Online learning and growth mindset development

• Research and institutional capacity building
  Participants will also visit leading research centers such as the Biodesign Institute, NASA Mars Rover Lab, and Dreamscape VR Learning Lab, fostering cross-sectoral collaboration in higher education innovation.

Through its sustained engagement with government agencies, regional NGOs, and international academic networks, Lac Hong University continues to contribute to the management, monitoring, and reporting of SDG-related interventions.
LHU’s collaborative approach enables adaptive management and strengthens policy linkages across education, innovation, and cultural sustainability—demonstrating the university’s commitment to advancing the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.