Kuala Lumpur: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) is open to exploring collaborative opportunities with universities in Vietnam, including the potential introduction of double-degree programmes, the establishment of a Centre of Excellence, and the development of a joint university. Its acting vice-chancellor Prof Dr Abdul Halim Abdul Gafor said the university hopes to further strengthen ties between Malaysia and Vietnam through impactful collaborations in the field of higher education; partnerships that promise mutual benefits and lasting contributions to the societies of both countries.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Abdul Halim shared plans to develop a joint university in both Malaysia and Vietnam and expand the ASEAN Centre for Global Talent. Additionally, UKM aims to establish a Malaysia-Vietnam Collaborative Centre to focus on initiatives bolstering bilateral relations. These announcements were made during a public lecture by Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. The event also saw the presence of UKM's Royal Fellow Tunku Zain Al 'Abidin Tuanku Muhriz, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir, and UKM's board of directors chairman Prof Datuk Mohamad Abd Razak.

Prime Minister Chinh praised UKM for its dedication to liberal knowledge, diverse integration, and community connectivity. He emphasized that UKM is more than just a knowledge hub; it nurtures aspirations to serve, develops high-quality human capital, and cultivates citizens with a regional and global outlook. He extended his congratulations to the university and its students, acknowledging their role in leading the future.

Prime Minister Chinh further expressed appreciation for UKM's signing of Letters of Intent with Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam National University Hanoi. He highlighted that these agreements open up promising prospects for cooperation in education, scientific research, and training high-quality human resources.