SEE Strengthens Global Talent Pipeline with Successful Visits to Three Leading Vietnamese Universities

From 11 to 12 September 2025, a delegation from the School of Energy and Environment (SEE) at City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) conducted a strategic outreach mission in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, Vietnam. The visit aimed to promote SEE’s interdisciplinary PhD programmes, engage emerging research talent, and deepen collaborative ties with three top institutions in the Vietnam National University (VNU) system.

Led by Prof. Benjamin Horton (Dean of SEE and Chair Professor of Earth Science), Prof. Theodora Nah (Associate Professor), and Prof. Fatwa Abdi (Associate Professor), the delegation visited:

• Ho Chi Minh University of Science (HCMUS)
• Ho Chi Minh University of Technology (HCMUT)
• Hanoi University of Science (HUS)

These universities maintain active Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with CityUHK and SEE, reflecting a shared commitment to academic exchange, joint research, and talent development.

During the PhD outreach sessions held at each university, the SEE delegation introduced the School’s background, highlighting its mission to address global sustainability challenges through interdisciplinary research and education. The team also presented SEE’s interdisciplinary research strengths, including climate science, environmental engineering, sustainable energy systems, and circular economy solutions, alongside its diverse faculty expertise and world-class research centres. Details of the PhD programmes were also shared, including entrance requirements, scholarship opportunities, and the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS). These sessions attracted over 80 participants across the three campuses, reflecting strong interest in advanced studies and international collaboration. The visit also opened doors for potential joint supervision, summer camp programmes, and collaborative research projects between SEE and the host institutions.

In addition to student recruitment, the trip served as a meaningful platform for advancing research collaboration. The SEE delegation held in-depth discussions with faculty members and research leaders at each university, exploring possibilities for joint research initiatives and collaborative projects in areas of mutual interest, reaffirming SEE’s dedication to cultivating long-term, impactful partnerships across Asia and highlighting Vietnam’s vibrant research ecosystem and strong interest in international collaboration.

This successful outreach mission to Vietnam marks a significant step forward in SEE’s ongoing efforts to expand its global academic footprint. By engaging with top-tier institutions, introducing its interdisciplinary PhD programmes, and exploring avenues for collaborative research, SEE continues to strengthen its role as a regional leader in sustainability-focused education and innovation. The enthusiastic response from students and faculty alike underscores the shared commitment between CityUHK and its Vietnamese partners to foster meaningful academic exchange and tackle global environmental challenges together. With strong foundations now in place, SEE looks forward to deepening these partnerships and welcoming future scholars from Vietnam into its vibrant research community.

Prof. Benjamin Horton from the SEE delegation presented souvenir to the HCMUT representative Prof. Nguyen Nhat Huy.

Prof. Theodora Nah and Prof. Fatwa Abdi from the SEE delegation presented souvenir to the HUS representative Dr. Le Huu Tuyen.

Prof. Theodora Nah and Prof. Fatwa Abdi from the SEE delegation
presented souvenir to the HCMUS representative Prof. Nguyen Trung Nhan.