Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy participated in the 2026 Vietnam – New Zealand Higher and Skills Forum in Auckland, New Zealand

On August 13, 2026, at Auckland University of Technology (AUT), the 2026 Vietnam – New Zealand Higher and Skills Forum—themed "Shaping a Shared Future: Talent, Innovation, and Future Skills"—was co-organized by Vietnam and New Zealand. The event was attended by senior leaders and representatives from ministries, agencies, universities, colleges, and vocational training institutions of both nations. The delegation from Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy was led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Tan, Vice Rector.

Educational cooperation contributes actively to strengthening the Vietnam – New Zealand Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Speaking at the Forum, General Secretary and President To Lam emphasized that the event was held at a particularly significant moment, as the Vietnam – New Zealand relationship enters a new, more extensive, and substantive phase of development. This marks a crucial milestone, creating a foundation and momentum for both countries to further expand cooperation, enhance the quality of connectivity, and deepen bilateral relations in the time ahead.

General Secretary and President To Lam stated that Vietnam regards human development as both a goal and a driving force for overall development. The Party and State of Vietnam consistently identify education and training as a top national priority; Science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation serve as strategic breakthroughs aimed at enhancing labor productivity, national competitiveness, and the quality of growth.

According to General Secretary and President To Lam, Vietnam and New Zealand share similar development visions, placing high importance on education, innovation, green development, sustainable development, and international integration.

General Secretary, President To Lam delivering speech at the forum

(Photo provided by the organizers)

New Zealand possesses extensive experience in building a high-quality, flexible, and learner-centered education system that is closely linked to research, innovation, and labor market demands.

To foster more substantive cooperation in higher and vocational education between Vietnam and New Zealand in the future, General Secretary and President To Lam proposed that both sides continue to expand exchanges involving students, lecturers, scientists, experts, and education administrators. Each lecturer, scientist, and student acts as an ambassador of knowledge and friendship, contributing to a relationship that is deep, enduring, and far-reaching.

Assoc.Prof. Nguyen Thi Thuy, Director of the Department of International Cooperation (Ministry of Education and Training), speaking at a discussion session with leaders of New Zealand universities

(Photo provided by the organizers)

Expanding partnerships in New Zealand – Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy aims to train high-quality human resources

The delegation from Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy, led by Vice Rector Assoc.Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Tan, included Assoc.Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Van (Head of the Department of Science and Technology), Dr. Phan Thi Luyen (Deputy Chief of the University Office), and Dr. Tran Nguyen Trong Phu, Assistant for External Relations at the Faculty of Medicine, actively participated in the Forum's activities and connected with health education partners in New Zealand, including Massey University, Victoria University of Wellington, the University of Otago, the University of Waikato, and Auckland University of Technology. These connections aim to expand international cooperation, meet human resource development needs, enhance training quality, and leverage the university's scientific, technological, and innovative potential.

The CTUMP’s delegation at the Vietnam – New Zealand

Higher Education and Skills Forum

Below are some photos of the delegation at the Forum: