From January 13 to 16, 2026, the Faculty of Economics and Management, Vietnam National University of Agriculture (VNUA) organized and supported a series of academic, cultural exchange, and field experience activities for a delegation of lecturers and students from the University of Tasmania (UTAS), Australia, as part of the UniGO 2026 Program. This program represents a significant international cooperation initiative, contributing to the promotion of academic exchange, enhancement of cultural understanding, and expansion of student connectivity between the two universities.
An Energetic Start with a Vibrant Academic Atmosphere
On the afternoon of January 13, 2026, the Faculty of Economics and Management, in collaboration with the Strong Research Group on Economic Linkages and Market Development, hosted the VNUA–ACIAR academic exchange seminar, welcoming the UTAS delegation.
Dr. Nguyen Huu Nhuan and Dr. Duong Nam Ha deliver the opening remarks of the academic exchange seminar.
In their speeches, Dr. Nguyen Huu Nhuan, representing the faculty leaders, and Dr. Duong Nam Ha, Head of the UTAS delegation, emphasized the significance of the UniGO program in integrating education, research, and practical experience in the agriculture–food sector, particularly in the context of globalization, urbanization, and digital transformation. The seminar served not only as a professional academic forum but also as a bridge fostering long-term collaboration between scholars, lecturers, and students from both countries.
The seminar focused on key contemporary topics, including:
· Market systems and food supply chains in the context of urbanization;
· The role of forest resources and forest-based foods in sustainable livelihoods;
· Digital technology applications in agricultural value chains for exports;
· Beef value chains and international research collaboration opportunities.
The presentations, delivered by lecturers from the Faculty of Economics and Management, VNUA, with support from the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), generated lively discussions and insightful questions from UTAS lecturers and students, reflecting an open, proactive, and highly interactive academic atmosphere.
Lecturers, researchers, and students from the Faculty of Economics and Management and the University of Tasmania (UTAS, Australia).
In the evening of that day, the UTAS students joined the VNUA Food Tour, experiencing vibrant street food culture and student life at VNUA. This activity offered memorable cultural insights and a deeper understanding of Vietnamese daily life in a friendly and welcoming environment.
Learning – Cultural Exchange – Creativity Experiences at VNUA
On January 14, 2026, the UTAS delegation enjoyed a full day of academic engagement and hands-on experiences at VNUA.
The delegation visited the VNUA Traditional House, learning about the university’s history, development, and remarkable achievements in education, scientific research, and technology transfer. They then visited the Center of Excellence and Innovation, which showcased research models, startup initiatives, and science–technology applications in agriculture and rural development.
The University of Tasmania delegation visits the Center of Excellence for Research and Innovation.
Besides that, the Vietnam–Tasmania student exchange session provided an open platform for students from both sides to share their academic environments, career aspirations, and cultural similarities and differences. This exchange continued on January 16, 2026, featuring traditional Vietnamese folk games, where VNUA students introduced the games and explained their cultural significance.
Student exchange and interaction between VNUA and UTAS students.
A highlight of the day was the Vietnamese cooking experience at the Food Lab, guided by lecturers from the Faculty of Food Technology, VNUA. UTAS students learned about the cultural meaning of traditional dishes and had the opportunity to prepare them firsthand, leaving a lasting impression.
UTAS students engage in hands-on preparation of traditional Vietnamese dishes.
Each activity formed a meaningful “piece” in the colorful mosaic of international exchange, clearly demonstrating VNUA’s role in building a multicultural, inclusive, and globally integrated learning environment.
Field Visits to Agricultural Models in Hung Yen Province
On January 15, 2026, the Faculty of Economics and Management organized field visits to beef cattle farms and floating fish cage systems in Tan Hung Commune, Hung Yen Province. UTAS lecturers and students explored household-level BBB beef cattle farming models in the Red River Delta. The stark contrast between these small-scale Vietnamese systems and large-scale Australian beef production helped students better understand farming flexibility and adaptation to market changes.
The UTAS delegation visits a beef cattle farming household and a floating fish cage aquaculture model in Hung Yen Province.
The visit to the floating fish cage farming system on the Luoc River operated by Quyet Thang Fruit and Aquaculture Cooperative provided additional insights into Vietnam’s agricultural development, highlighting how natural advantages were combined with modern technology to produce high-value commercial products for growing urban markets.
UTAS delegation visits the food supply system.
Later that day, the delegation visited Ecopark Ecological Urban Area (in Phung Cong commune, Hung Yen province) and Trau Quy Market (in Gia Lam commune, Hanoi), exploring the development of satellite urban zones and the diversity of food supply systems. Retail models ranging from supermarkets and mini-marts to convenience stores, fresh food shops, and traditional markets illustrated the dynamic food distribution networks serving emerging urban communities.
🌐 UniGO 2026 – A Short Journey with Lasting Impact
The four-day program was not only a journey of learning and cultural discovery but also a vivid demonstration of the effectiveness of international cooperation in higher education. UniGO 2026 successfully fostered global student engagement, strengthened academic exchange, enhanced cross-cultural understanding, and opened new avenues for future collaboration between VNUA and the University of Tasmania.