On May 22, a delegation from Le Quy Don Technical University (LQDTU) in Vietnam, led by President Le Minh Thai, visited Korea Aerospace University (KAU) to discuss plans for implementing academic exchange and cooperation programs. The visit was arranged as a follow-up to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the two institutions in December of last year.

The meeting took place in the conference room of KAU’s main administration building and included welcoming remarks, introductions of both institutions, discussions on cooperation initiatives, and an exchange of commemorative gifts. The Vietnamese delegation consisted of President Le Minh Thai; Ngo Thanh Long, Director of Academic Affairs; Cao Hai Truong, Dean of the Faculty of Physics and Chemical Engineering; Nguyen Quoc Dinh, Director of the Vietnam–Japan International Cooperation Center for Science and Technology; and Nguyen Anh Tuan, Head of the Department of Aircraft Systems Design within the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering. Representing KAU were President Hee-Young Huh; Junseon Ahn, Dean of the College of AI Convergence; Sang-Woo Kim, Director of the Office of International Affairs; Soo-Hyun Park, Chair Professor of Aerospace Engineering; and Hae-Sung Yoon, Chair Professor of Mechanical Engineering.

During the meeting, President Le Minh Thai proposed three exchange programs: a short-term student exchange program lasting six to twelve months, a three-month visiting researcher program, and a one- to two-week training program for university administrative staff focusing on artificial intelligence and digital transformation. He also expressed interest in expanding research collaboration in areas such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), composite structures, rocket propulsion, space technology, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD).

President Hee-Young Huh remarked, “Vietnam is a young and dynamic country,” and added, “We look forward to actively promoting phased cooperation following this visit.” He suggested beginning with an administrative staff training program while organizing faculty exchange seminars in parallel, followed by deeper collaboration through joint supervision of master’s and doctoral students. He also noted that KAU’s short-term training programs, previously conducted with partner institutions in Uzbekistan and Laos, could be adapted to include visits to leading Korean defense and aerospace companies such as Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), Hanwha Aerospace, LIG Nex1, Korean Air, and Hyundai Rotem.

President Le Minh Thai responded, “I am pleased to have the opportunity to discuss the details of our cooperation in person following the signing of the MOU,” adding, “I hope both institutions will work together to establish a sustainable exchange system in the years ahead.”

Located in Hanoi, Le Quy Don Technical University is a national university specializing in engineering disciplines, including aerospace engineering and mechanical engineering. Building on its strong research capabilities in defense and industrial technologies, the university has been expanding its international partnerships. Since signing the MOU in December 2024, LQDTU and KAU have continued to strengthen their cooperative relationship.