BUV and NAEM Launch Collaborative Project to Bridge the Generative AI Divide in Higher Education Institutions

BUV and the National Academy of Education Management’s newly launched research project – marked by a recent MOU signing – aims to bridge knowledge gaps, support ethical AI adoption, and build long-term capacity for educators and institutions across the country. 

In recent years, the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence – particularly Generative AI – has begun to reshape the landscape of higher education globally. From enhancing personalised learning experiences to transforming administrative processes and academic research, AI technologies are offering both unprecedented opportunities and complex challenges. However, the adoption and understanding of these tools vary significantly across regions and institutions, leading to disparities in how Generative AI is applied in teaching and learning, as well as in the development of institutional guidelines and policies for responsible AI use. 

Recognising this critical need, British University Vietnam (BUV) and the National Academy of Education Management (NAEM) have officially partnered to address the challenges and opportunities of Generative AI in higher education. Marking this collaboration, the two institutions recently held a signing ceremony for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which formally launched the joint research project “Bridging the Generative AI Divide: Transforming Vietnam’s Higher Education Landscape.” 

The signing ceremony was attended by Prof. Rick Bennett, Deputy Vice Chancellor and Vice President of BUV, Dr. Phan Hong Duong, Vice Director of NAEM, along with representatives from both BUV and NAEM. 

Prof. Rick Bennett and Dr. Phan Hong Duong at the MOU signing ceremony, marking the official launch of the AI-focused collaboration between BUV and NAEM

The project co-led by Assoc. Prof. Mike Perkins, Head of Centre of Research and Innovation at BUV and Prof Phil Newton at Swansea University (UK), was awarded £80,000 from the International Science Partnership Fund (ISPF) through the British Council. This 24-month collaboration aims to assess the current understanding and needs of Vietnamese educators, students, and institutions regarding Generative AI, explore potential biases, and develop tailored guidance and policy frameworks to support the Vietnamese HE sectors in harnessing these transformative tools effectively. The group of researchers is also working with NAEM, looking to make a positive impact on Vietnam’s educational landscape.  

The signing ceremony marks the beginning of the data collection for the first phase of the research, which will be conducted across universities in Vietnam. 

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Professor Rick Bennett expressed his hope that the MOU would pave the way for to concrete joint actions and further collaboration on educational initiatives – especially in training and building capacity for the effective use of Generative AI among teachers and education managers in Vietnam. 

Dr. Phan Hong Duong emphasised the potential for long-term collaboration between NAEM and BUV beyond the current project. He noted that by combining the strengths and expertise of both institutions, future initiatives could be jointly developed to support innovation in education – particularly through academic exchanges and practical training programmes that advance the responsible use of Generative AI in school leadership and classroom teaching across Vietnam. 

The 24-month project will conduct focus groups with university stakeholders across North, Central, and South Vietnam to assess AI readiness and needs. 

Building on this shared commitment, Assoc. Prof. Mike Perkins expressed his enthusiasm for working with NAEM to better understand the needs of Vietnamese university stakeholders. “We are extremely pleased to be working with NAEM to understand the needs of Vietnamese University stakeholders. This will involve multiple focus groups around the country, speaking to university leaders, faculty, and students. NAEM’s expertise in connecting universities nationwide will be extremely beneficial here, and we very much look forward to deepening our relationship,” Assoc. Prof. Mike Perkins shared. 

This partnership sets the foundation for long-term transformation, empowering universities and educators across Vietnam to lead in the digital age. 

As a pioneering international university in Vietnam, BUV is dedicated to advancing national education reform through innovative and impactful research. The partnership with NAEM marks another strategic step in BUV’s mission to support the digital transformation of education and empower Vietnamese institutions to thrive in the era of Artificial Intelligence.