STRENGTHENING EDUCATION AND RESEARCH COLLABORATION WITH BOND UNIVERSITY
In the days leading up to the Lunar New Year, a delegation from Phan Chau Trinh University (PCTU) paid an official working visit to Bond University (Australia) from 9 to 13 February 2026. The visit was conducted under the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in October 2025, with the aim of strengthening academic exchange and promoting comprehensive collaboration in medical education and research.
Delegation Composition – A Strategic Foundation for Partnership
The PCTU delegation included representatives from the Academic Affairs Office; the Pre-clinical Skills Simulation Hospital; the Department of Public Health; the Office of Scientific, Technological and Clinical Research; BioMedical Research and Application Center; and Global Engagement Division. These key units play a central role in PCTU’s long-term strategy for education development, research advancement, and international integration.
A Comprehensive and In-Depth Working Program
Over five days, the delegation engaged in a wide range of academic and professional activities at Bond University:
- Monday, 9 February 2026:
The delegation participated in a main campus tour, including the Aboriginal Art Tour, gaining insights into Indigenous culture and its connection to Bond University’s educational philosophy. This was followed by a Professional Development Workshop on Gameful Learning in Medical Education, focusing on designing and delivering effective escape room learning experiences. - Tuesday, 10 February 2026:
The delegation visited major healthcare institutions, including Wesley Hospital and Gold Coast University Hospital, to explore models of clinical training closely integrated with hospital-based practice. - Wednesday, 11 February 2026:
Activities centered on simulation-based medical education at the Bond University Clinical Education & Research Centre (BUCERC). The delegation observed simulation teaching sessions and held a dedicated meeting with the Bond Simulation Team to discuss collaboration opportunities in simulation training. - Thursday, 12 February 2026:
PCTU faculty members took part in the renowned “Teaching on the Run (ToTR)” Professional Development Workshop, a globally recognized program for clinical educators. This was followed by a Research Overview and Collaboration Opportunities Meeting, where both sides discussed potential joint research directions. - Friday, 13 February 2026:
The program concluded with an Academic Collaboration Meeting, reaffirming shared commitments and future initiatives.
Strengthening Academic Exchange and Credit-Based Student Mobility
One of the most significant outcomes of the visit was the mutual agreement to develop a credit-based student exchange programs. Under this model, students from PCTU studying at Bond University, and vice versa, will have their academic results formally recognized and credited toward their degree programs, moving beyond the previous elective-only exchange format. This marks a meaningful step toward more substantive and sustainable international mobility opportunities for students of both institutions.
Faculty Development and Knowledge Transfer
During the visit, PCTU faculty members directly participated in Bond University’s clinical teaching development programs, particularly the Teaching on the Run (ToTR) workshop.. These experiences enabled PCTU lecturers to engage with contemporary pedagogical approaches, laying a strong foundation for effective knowledge transfer and contextual adaptation within Vietnam’s medical education environment.
Advancing Research Collaboration and Simulation-Based Training
In addition to education, both universities placed strong emphasis on scientific research collaboration. The PCTU delegation visited Bond University’s research facilities and discussed the development of joint research projects in key areas such as biomedical sciences, clinical medicine, public health, and medical education.
Simulation-based education emerged as a major highlight of the visit. Through in-depth discussions and site visits, both sides exchanged experiences in developing and operating simulation systems for preclinical training, as well as learner competency assessment. This aligns closely with PCTU’s current vision in its Pre-clinical Skills Simulation Hospital.
A Strategic Step Toward Internationalization
The visit to Bond University represents a significant milestone in PCTU’s internationalization strategy for medical education. Through strengthened collaboration in education, research, and faculty development, Phan Chau Trinh University continues to move toward building an internationally aligned academic environment, contributing to the enhancement of healthcare workforce quality in an increasingly globalized context.
