From February 17 to 21, 2025, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education (HCMUTE) officially launched the project "Learning for Sustainable Future – Higher Education for Green Transition in Southeast Asia" (GreenEdAsia). This initiative aims to promote sustainable development through higher education in Southeast Asia by integrating green and environmentally friendly elements into academic programs. GreenEdAsia is part of the ERASMUS+ program, funded by the European Union with a total budget of €800,000.

The project is a collaborative effort between universities from Vietnam, Finland, Spain, and Thailand, including HCMUTE, Dong Thap University, Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK), University of Burgos (UBU), Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi (RMUTT), and Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna (RMUTL). Running until October 2027, the project positions HCMUTE as the lead institution, responsible for curriculum development and fostering international academic cooperation. GreenEdAsia marks a significant milestone in advancing the green transition in Southeast Asian higher education, laying the foundation for a modern and sustainable academic system.

The project "Learning for Sustainable Future – Higher Education for Green Transition in Southeast Asia" has been officially launched

Official Project Launch Ceremony
The launch event attracted key representatives from international organizations, government agencies, and academic institutions. The European Union Delegation to Vietnam was represented by Ms. Kristina Buende – Head of Cooperation, while the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training was represented by Dr. Tran Nam Tu – Deputy Director, Department of Science, Technology, and Environment. The Ho Chi Minh City Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment (HANE) also participated, with Mr. Nguyen Toan Thang – Vice Chairman

Distinguished leaders from partner universities
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ho Van Thong – President of Dong Thap University
Mr. Martti Majuri – Director of the Education Research Center, HAMK
The event also welcomed numerous researchers, experts, and business leaders in sustainable development.

Project Coordinators
The GreenEdAsia project is coordinated by a distinguished panel of experts, including:
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hoang An Quoc – Vice Dean of the Faculty of Vehicle and Energy Engineering, HCMUTE
Ms. Nguyen Anh Thu – Dong Thap University
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pracha Yeunyongkul – Assistant to the President, Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna (RMUTL)
Dr. Pakornkiat Sawetmethikul – Deputy Dean of the School of Technical Education, Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi (RMUTT)
Ms. Hanna Lindroos – RDI Designer (Research, Development, and Innovation Designer), EDU Research Center, Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK)
Prof. Dr. Elena Cristina Carrion Moneo – Faculty Of Economic And Business Sciences, University of Burgos (UBU)

HCMUTE Leadership Participation
Representing HCMUTE as the lead institution, the following key figures attended the event:
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Hieu Giang – President
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chau Dinh Thanh – Vice President
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Tan Dung – Dean of the Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, a Beneficiary unit of GreenEdAsia (Environmental Engineering and Sustainable Development Programme)
Dr. Nguyen Van Long Giang – Dean of the Faculty of Vehicle and Energy Engineering, also a Beneficiary unit of GreenEdAsia (Renewable energy Programme)
Mr. Pham Bach Duong – Head of International Affairs Office

  Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Hieu Giang - HCMUTE president delivered the opening speech at the ceremony
 
Ms. Kristina Buende - Head of Cooperation, EU Delegation to Vietnam delivered her speech via Zoom

 Dr. Tran Nam Tu – Deputy Director of the Department of Science, Technology, and Environment delivered his speech at the ceremony
 
Mr. Martti Majuri - Director of the EDU Research Center, Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK) in Finland delivered his speech online 
 
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hoang An Quoc – Vice Dean of the Faculty of Vehicle and Energy Engineering, HCMUTE - Project coordinator gave an  overview of the GreenEdAsia
 
Ms. Hanna Lindroos - Project coordinator at the ceremony
 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Elena Cristina Carrion Moneo -  Project coordinator at the ceremony
 
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pracha Yeuyongkul, RMUTL coordinator
 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Parkornkiat Sawetmethikul, RMUTL coordinator

Ms. Nguyen Thi Anh Thu, DThU coordinator

Ms.Nguyen Thi Thanh Uyen - Vice Director of Green Development and Investment Cooperation Center- GEDIC, Head of Green Action - HCMC Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment - HANE delivered her presentation

 
Dr. Paul Olivier – A leading expert in the circular economy delivered his presentation

Mr. Bui Thien Toan, Founder & Owner of S-Agro Corp delivered his presentation

A Catalyst for Green Transition in Higher Education
The GreenEdAsia project is expected to significantly impact the green transition in Southeast Asia, fostering international collaboration and advancing sustainability in higher education. By integrating green innovation into university curricula, the initiative will play a pivotal role in shaping a more sustainable academic and industrial future.