EQuest Education Group, Phu Xuan University (PXU), and the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, marking an important step in the development direction of PXU to become an innovative university focused on STEM with international prestige.

The ceremony was attended by representatives from the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City; businesses and partners; along with leaders from the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), EQuest Education Group, and PXU.

Creating an international training model for strategic technology fields

According to the Memorandum of Understanding, the parties will establish the Institute of Emerging Technologies (IMT) at PXU.

The Institute will implement undergraduate programs leading to bachelor's degrees in the fields of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Industrial Systems Engineering, Robotics, Semiconductors, and other emerging technologies.

AIT will serve as an academic partner, supporting program development, ensuring academic quality, participating in teaching, developing faculty, and promoting international research collaboration.

According to the Memorandum of Understanding, graduates from PXU at the IMT will be able to transition to graduate programs at AIT with a shortened duration and preferential tuition fees.

The collaboration between EQuest, PXU, and AIT will expand access to high-quality international education in Vietnam while developing human resources for key sectors in the new development phase of the country.

This initiative aims to respond to the spirit of Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo, which calls for breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, digital transformation, and the development of high-quality human resources as important drivers to enhance national competitiveness and promote economic growth.

At the same time, this initiative also reflects the direction of the Vietnamese Government in encouraging the private sector to contribute more actively to innovation, digital transformation, STEM education, and the development of high-quality human resources.

As a member of EQuest, PXU aims to build a new university with international standards, closely connected with businesses and meeting the development needs of Vietnam's socio-economic landscape.

Statements from AIT and Phu Xuan University Leaders

Professor Pai-Chi Li, President of the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), stated:

AIT looks forward to collaborating with EQuest in establishing and developing the Institute of Emerging Technologies (IMT) at PXU. This will be the beginning of a long-term strategic partnership between EQuest, PXU, and AIT, laying the foundation for deeper academic connections, promoting joint research and innovation activities, and opening up the possibility of establishing an AIT university model in Vietnam in the future.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Dam Quang Minh, a member of the Board of Trustees of PXU, emphasized:

We believe that with this collaboration, Vietnam will have an internationally ranked university with a high position in the region and participate in the development of science and technology to meet the country's development needs. Collaboration with AIT is not only a connection between educational institutions but also a practical contribution to improving the quality of human resources, expanding access to international education, and promoting innovation in the Vietnamese education ecosystem.

Collaboration with one of Asia's leading technology organizations

Founded in 1959 in Bangkok, AIT is one of Asia's pioneering international organizations in advanced education in engineering, science, technology, management, research, and capacity development. Over the past six decades, AIT has contributed to training high-quality experts who play a crucial role in infrastructure development, industrialization, sustainable development, and economic growth in many Asian countries.

The legacy of building a team of technology leaders for Asia has laid the groundwork for the collaboration between AIT, EQuest, and PXU in establishing the Institute of Emerging Technologies in Vietnam.

Currently, AIT is headquartered in Bangkok (Thailand) and is training over 1,700 graduate students from more than 50 countries. The Institute offers over 40 academic programs and implements approximately 190 research and capacity development projects each year. AIT's academic community includes more than 160 faculty and researchers from over 20 countries. Notably, 19 AIT professors are recognized in the top 2% of the most influential scientists in the world according to Stanford University's ranking.

AIT also affirms its international position through contributions to sustainable development and global cooperation. In the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2026, AIT maintains its position in the top 101-200 universities worldwide and ranks in the top 50 in four categories related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In over 65 years of operation, AIT has trained more than 28,000 master's and doctoral graduates, attracting learners from over 100 countries. The Institute has built a global alumni network that includes ministers, deputy ministers, business leaders, scientists, university presidents, and many other reputable experts in the region. AIT also maintains extensive collaborations with leading international organizations such as the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), United Nations agencies, and many prestigious universities and research institutes worldwide.

In Vietnam, AIT has been present since 1993 through the AIT Center in Vietnam (AITCV), established under an agreement between the Vietnamese Government and AIT. AITCV has played an important role in postgraduate training and leadership capacity development in Vietnam. To date, AITCV has trained over 4,500 master's and doctoral students, including many senior leaders in the public sector, academia, and business.

AIT was initially established to address the shortage of engineers and technology experts in Asia during the industrialization period. Today, through IMT, AIT, EQuest, and PXU contribute to meeting Vietnam's growing human resource needs in the fields of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, high-tech manufacturing, robotics, and emerging technologies.

About the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT)

The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) is an international postgraduate educational organization. Established in 1959, AIT is one of Asia's pioneering organizations aimed at meeting the region's increasing demand for advanced training in engineering, science, technology, management, research, and capacity development. AIT's mission is to train a team of highly skilled professionals with a spirit of dedication, playing a leading role in the sustainable development of the region and the integration into the global economy.

About EQuest Education Group

EQuest Education Group is one of the largest private education groups in Vietnam, serving hundreds of thousands of learners across various fields, from K–12 education, higher education, vocational training, English language training to educational technology platforms. Founded in 2003, EQuest pursues the mission of providing world-class education at an affordable cost, contributing to supporting Vietnam on its journey to becoming a bilingual nation.

About Phu Xuan University

Established in 2003, Phu Xuan University (PXU) – a member of EQuest Education Group, is a private university in Vietnam, aiming to train human resources with professional competence, innovative thinking, and the ability to contribute positively to addressing social challenges, as well as the economic and scientific development of the country. PXU equips learners with a solid foundation of knowledge and professional skills while nurturing critical thinking, creativity, and a sense of social responsibility.

Through expanding its presence in North Cam River (Hai Phong) and collaborating with reputable international educational organizations such as AIT, PXU aims to build a STEM-oriented higher education model, connecting internationally, and contributing to Vietnam's goals in science, technology, innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable economic development.