In the context of digital transformation and innovation becoming national development pillars, on June 10, 2025, the VNU University of Science (VNU-HUS) officially signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with EnCity Urban Solution. This marks a new chapter in academia-industry collaboration, contributing to the realization of the objectives set out in Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW.
The MoU signifies the beginning of a comprehensive strategic partnership focused on urgent modern-day challenges: resource and environmental management, smart urban planning, and the application of big data in sustainable development.
Both parties agreed to implement extensive collaborative programs, including scientific research, high-quality human resource training, technology transfer, and practical application model development. These initiatives are aligned with Vietnam's breakthrough strategies in science, technology, and digital transformation for the new era.
Academia and Industry Collaborate to Transform Knowledge into Practical Solutions
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Prof. Dr. Le Thanh Son, Rector of VNU-HUS, affirmed: “Resolution 57 opens major opportunities for research institutions and tech enterprises to cooperate and create practical breakthroughs. The collaboration with EnCity Urban Solution—a globally experienced consultancy in spatial and urban development—is a strategic step toward applying academic knowledge to real-world urban planning and management.”
This agreement goes beyond a formal commitment, establishing a foundation for a series of concrete scientific activities: joint research, technology transfer, curriculum development, and connection with international resources. The two sides aim for a multidimensional, long-term cooperation model based on voluntariness, equality, and leveraging each party's unique strengths.
From the enterprise side, Mr. Nguyen Do Dung, CEO of EnCity Urban Solution, highly appreciated the academic qualifications and practical experience of VNU-HUS's faculty and experts. He shared: “We believe this partnership will not only help standardize our consulting processes but also contribute to transforming research findings into urban planning, design, and development solutions.”
EnCity Urban Solution committed to supporting education through student internships, participation in real-world projects, and connections with international expert networks. Notably, both parties will cooperate in sharing specialized data on urban planning, land management, and digital transformation—fields that are critical as the country pushes for smart and sustainable urban development. Additionally, smart agriculture development—a focus area of Enfarm (a spin-off of EnCity)—also offers a promising cooperation direction.
From Education to Knowledge Transfer: Shaping a New Academic–Industry Partnership Model
Within the signing framework, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Man Quang Huy, Head of the Department of Land Information Technology, Faculty of Geography, stated that the cooperation will focus on five pillars:
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Joint scientific research and knowledge transfer;
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Co-organization of academic and professional activities;
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Internship and fieldwork opportunities for students;
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Joint development of training programs and expert engagement;
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Support for accessing international resources in technology, data, and scholarships.
According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Thanh, Dean of the Faculty of Geography, the combination of the University's strong scientific foundation and EnCity’s practical, application-oriented approach will generate real added value. Areas such as land management, GIS, spatial data, and real estate—key strengths of the Faculty—will have new opportunities to extend beyond labs and influence urban development practices.
Dr. Thanh proposed that the company assign experts to join academic discussions and seminars with students to help connect theory with practice and inspire younger generations.
From an environmental science perspective, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Manh Khai, Dean of the Faculty of Environment, emphasized the strong alignment between EnCity/Enfarm's operations and the Faculty’s research directions—such as crop data analysis, land suitability assessment, and ecological spatial planning. This partnership opens the door for researchers to bring scientific products into real-world application while enhancing research quality for sustainable development.
This MoU signing between VNU-HUS and EnCity Urban Solution is not only a strategic move by the two entities but also reflects a broader trend of academia–industry integration in the modern context. It aims to commercialize and disseminate research outcomes and technological innovations, aligning with the goals of Resolution 57-NQ/TW.
Leaders of both institutions exchange commemorative gifts following the signing ceremony.