UEF Signs MOU with Sunway University to Promote International Cooperation in the Hospitality Sector

With the aim of strengthening international cooperation and expanding learning opportunities for students in the hospitality sector, UEF officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Sunway University (Malaysia) on the morning of March 17. The event also featured an academic workshop titled "Enhancing Security and Travel Facilitation in ASEAN."

UEF partners with Sunway University, opening international learning opportunities for the hospitality sector.

The ceremony was attended by UEF representatives: Dr. Do Huu Nguyen Loc - Vice President; Dr. Ngo Minh Hai - Vice President; Prof. Dr. Eric Jose Olmedo Panal - Director of the UEF International Institute and Dean of the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management; Dr. Nguyen Vuong Hoai Thao - Vice Dean of the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management; and Ms. Nguyen Kim Thoa - Vice Director of the UEF International Institute.

Representing the partner institution was Assoc. Prof. Dr. Daniel Chong Ka Leong from the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Sunway University, who also served as the keynote speaker for the workshop.

MOU Signing Ceremony between the two universities.

During the program, representatives from both universities delivered welcoming remarks and emphasized the significance of establishing a strategic partnership in the context of globalized education. Prof. Dr. Eric Jose Olmedo Panal provided an overview of UEF's international training direction and its strengths in business and hospitality, committing to providing an international standard learning environment for students.

The MOU signing marks a significant step in expanding UEF’s international partner network, particularly within hospitality-related fields such as tourism, hotel, and restaurant management. This agreement opens practical opportunities for both students and faculty, including academic exchanges, joint training programs, international student exchanges, and access to the latest industry trends.

Immediately following the signing, the workshop “Enhancing Security and Travel Facilitation in ASEAN” took place vibrantly. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Daniel Chong Ka Leong shared in-depth perspectives on applying technology to enhance security and optimize tourism experiences within the ASEAN region, helping UEF students update their practical knowledge and global trends.

The speaker highlighted the application of smart technologies in border management and airport security, such as 3D CT baggage scanning systems that allow for inspections without requiring passengers to remove electronic devices. He also introduced AI-powered smart surveillance systems capable of detecting suspicious behavior and unattended luggage. Additionally, "Smart Border" models were showcased, including biometric facial recognition technology used from check-in to boarding in the UAE and the e-Gate system at Changi Airport (Singapore), which has reduced passenger processing time by approximately 30%.

The speaker shares in-depth insights on technology application in tourism security.

However, the speaker also pointed out that implementing high-tech solutions in tourism security comes with challenges such as high investment costs and the need for high-quality human resources and effective management capacity. Through data on tourism safety and international tourist arrivals in ASEAN countries, the workshop provided a comprehensive view of regional competition and cooperation, while emphasizing the roles of technology, policy, and resources in building a safe, convenient, and sustainable tourism environment.

Students gain new knowledge on security and travel facilitation in ASEAN.

Additionally, students majoring in Restaurant and Dietary Service Management delivered presentations for their Service English course. In this module, students were required to prepare dishes and present the messages and meanings behind their final products.

The new partnership between UEF and Sunway University has established an international learning environment that bridges theory and practice, meeting the demand for high-quality human resources in the hospitality industry. It is believed that the two universities will implement many practical programs in the near future, helping students enhance their skills and professional courage.

Center of Information and Communication