Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Expressed High Hope on Strategic Partnership Between BUV and St. Hugh’s College Vientiane

This landmark collaboration aims to foster educational excellence and cultural exchange, strengthen the ties between the two institutions, and enhance opportunities for students in Vietnam and Laos. 

Strategic Partnership for Excellence 

In a significant stride towards enhancing educational cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, the Ambassador of the Lao Embassy to Vietnam, Madame Khamphao Ernthavanh, has graced the signing ceremony of a groundbreaking partnership between British University Vietnam (BUV) and St. Hugh’s College Vientiane in May 2024. This momentous occasion has marked the commencement of a collaborative journey aimed at fostering academic excellence and cultural exchange. 

Professor Rick Bennett, Deputy Vice Chancellor & Vice President, BUV and Mr David Bant, Dean & Managing Director, St. Hugh’s College Vientiane signed MOU. 

“In the long term, this collaboration presents a promising opportunity for both Lao and Vietnamese students. It encourages our youth to pursue education with renewed vigour, offering them a pathway to diverse international opportunities. We anticipate that this partnership will not only bolster educational standards but also strengthen the bonds between Vietnam and Laos, benefiting both governmental and private sectors. I eagerly anticipate the future successes that this alliance will bring”, The Ambassador of the Lao Embassy to Vietnam, Her Excellency Madame Khamphao Ernthavanh emphasised the importance of this strategic partnership.  

Madame Khamphao Ernthavanh emphasising the importance of the strategic partnership. 

In academic collaboration, the partnership between BUV and St. Hugh’s College Vientiane encompasses the provision of franchise BUV International Hospitality Management programme and articulation agreements for undergraduate and postgraduate levels, offering students access to a diverse range of academic offerings and expertise.  

Additionally, a strong emphasis is placed on student mobility, with plans for exchange programmes and cultural study trips to provide students with invaluable international experiences to enrich their educational journey.  

Furthermore, joint projects and research initiatives, including collaborative conferences, seminars, and workshops, serve as catalysts for innovation and knowledge-sharing, benefitting both the academic community and society at large.  

Complementing these endeavours are various value-added student activities such as competitions, events, guest lectures, and special lectures, aimed at enhancing students’ skills and knowledge to prepare them for successful careers.  

The partnership holds promise for numerous benefits, including enhanced learning experiences, increased opportunities for cross-cultural understanding, and professional development for both students and faculty. 

Empowering Future Leaders in Hospitality 

With the franchise of the International Hospitality Management programme, St. Hugh’s College Vientiane students now have a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a comprehensive curriculum designed to cultivate their expertise in various facets of the hospitality sector.  

Under the mentorship of seasoned faculty members and industry professionals, students will gain valuable insights into global hospitality trends, develop practical skills in hotel management, event planning, and tourism marketing, and engage in immersive learning experiences that prepare them for successful careers in hospitality management.  

This collaboration not only enriches St. Hugh’s College Vientiane’s academic offerings but also opens doors to exciting international opportunities for students seeking to pursue rewarding careers in the vibrant hospitality and tourism industry.  

The partnership between BUV and St. Hugh’s College Vientiane encompasses the provision of a franchise BUV International Hospitality Management programme. 

Professor Rick Bennett, BUV Deputy Vice Chancellor & Vice President, shared: “We aim to elevate the educational landscape of Vietnam and extend our support to Laos through this collaborative endeavour. With accreditation from our UK partner, we ensure our programmes’ quality and credibility while enhancing international academic standards. This partnership will foster a blend of cultures, providing students with invaluable opportunities for cross-cultural exchange.” 

“This programme will not only inspire our students but also pave the way for Lao high school students to embark on a journey toward a promising future in the field of hospitality management. While the hospitality industry in Laos is evolving and showing promising growth, it is evident that the education sector in this field requires further investment and development. By providing them with access to quality education and international opportunities, we aim to ignite their passion for learning and equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the global hospitality industry”, Ms Pathana Panyathip, Co-Founder and Board Chair, St. Hugh’s College Vientiane shared.  

The strategic partnership between BUV and St. Hugh’s College Vientiane not only strengthens educational ties between Vietnam and Laos but also highlights the growing importance of international collaboration in the field of higher education. This partnership sets a precedent for future engagements between institutions across borders by fostering academic excellence and cultural exchange. As globalisation continues to shape the landscape of higher education, initiatives like these demonstrate the value of collaboration in preparing students for success in an increasingly interconnected world.