On November 2, 2023, Ghent University (Kingdom of Belgium) and the International University (Vietnam National University – Ho Chi Minh City) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for comprehensive cooperation in various areas. 

Attendants of the meeting included representatives from the Rector Board of Ghent University, representatives from the Vietnam National University – Ho Chi Minh City, representatives from the Rector Board of International University, representatives from Schools and Offices of International University.

Ghent University is the highest-ranked university in Europe and is ranked 84th in the list of the top 2,500 universities and research institutes worldwide in the World University Rankings system.

Ghent University has 11 departments with many majors and Food Technology is one of them. The Food Technology & Food Safety Department in Ghent University currently has an International Master program in Food Technology (IUPFOOD). There have been 10 students who graduated or are studying IUPFOOD from IUFT. IUFT has a Master program in Food Technology in English as well. Those Master programs in 2 universities lead to a collaboration between 2 Departments.

In the meeting, Prof. Koen Dewettinck, the Head of Food Structure and Function Group,  Department of Food Technology & Food Safety, Ghent University mentioned the collaboration between 2 Departments including:

  • Joint academic and scientific activities, such as research, conferences, seminars, symposia or lectures;
  • Exchange programs for Master students
  • Faculty and Staff capacity development
  • Credit transfer for postgraduate programs.
  • Other activities may be mutually agreed by the two Departments.

The collaboration aims to reach the following objectives:

  • Culinary art
  • Entrepreneurship (focus on gender equality)
  • Valorisation of by-product

In the near future, 2 Departments will sign a MOA to specify collaboration.

Let’s take a look at the photos below.

Representative of Ghent University

Representatives of National University – Ho Chi Minh City and International University

Professor. Rik Van de Walle – Rector of Ghent University – talks with partners

Dr. Ho Nhut Quang – Secretary of IU Party Committee, Chairman of the University Council delivered a welcome speech

Prof. Koen Dewettinck, the Head of Food Structure and Function Group, Department of Food Technology & Food Safety, Ghent University discussed and shared during the MOU signing ceremony

Assoc. Prof Nguyen Vu Hong Ha – Head of Food Technology Department discussed and shared during the MOU signing ceremony

Dr. Ho Nhut Quang and Prof. Rik Van de Walle signed a Memorandum of Understanding, laying the foundation for potential activities between the two school