Moscow (VNA) – Vietnam has joined a new initiative linking leading universities across the Asia-Pacific, following the launch of the Russian-Asian Faculty (RAF) by Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU) in Vladivostok, Russia, on the sidelines of the 10th Eastern Economic Forum.

Associate Professor Dr Nguyen Van Long, Rector of the University of Foreign Language Studies under the University of Da Nang, represented Vietnam at the signing ceremony.

RAF is the first platform in Russia to consolidate joint academic programmes with universities from China, India, Vietnam, Thailand, and other Asia-Pacific nations into a single structure. The initiative aims to establish joint research institutes, launch double-degree programmes, and build specialised skills for working in both the Russian and Asian markets. Its training areas cover the humanities, economics, engineering and technology, with students studying under a linked model — spending some semesters at FEFU and others at partner universities across the region.

The project is part of Russia’s “Priority 2030” programme under the national project “Youth and Children.”

FEFU Rector Boris Korobets stated that the RAF initiative originated from successful partnerships with Chinese institutions, which demonstrated the effectiveness of such collaborations and established a solid foundation for future projects.

He noted that by 2027, FEFU aims to integrate at least 20 joint programmes with Asia-Pacific universities across all its schools and faculties.

At the ceremony, participants also exchanged previously signed memoranda of understanding, including agreements on joint programmes on international relations with East China Normal University and the University of Foreign Languages under Vietnam's University of Da Nang, international business and project management with Thailand’s National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), and future technical and technological programmes with Tezpur University of India.

Speaking to the Vietnam News Agency, Long welcomed the initiative, expressing hope that it will open up high-quality study opportunities for Vietnamese students. He said the University of Da Nang will draft a proposal to launch the programme in the 2026–2027 academic year. Under the plan, Vietnamese students will study the first two years in Vietnam and the following two years at participating RAF institutions, graduating with dual degrees.

The memoranda also envisage exploring further academic and scientific projects, as well as exchange programmes and joint events in the future.

ಞ NIDA Rector Tippavan Lorsuvannarat noted that Southeast Asian nations are showing dynamic post-pandemic economic recovery, creating favourable conditions for new educational initiatives and academic mobility. She added that cooperation with leading Asia-Pacific universities will allow RAF participants to integrate advanced international experience into education and management./.