On June 21, 2024, ASEACCU Executive Secretary, Rev’d Prof. Stephen Morgan led a delegation from the University of Saint Joseph (USJ), including Vice-rector for Internationalisation and Academic Affairs, Prof. Álvaro Barbosa to visit the Catholic Institute of Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City campus. The delegation was warmly received by the Institute’s Rector Bishop Joseph Dinh Duc Dao and faculty representatives. 

The Catholic Institute of Vietnam is an emerging higher education institution of Catholic mission in Vietnam, 

committed to academic achievement, cultural enrichment and spiritual growth. This inaugural meeting is a valuable step towards laying a strong foundation for ongoing union of the two institutions’ educational missions. Rector Morgan and Bishop Joseph are keen to further the historic relationship between Macao, Vietnam and the Church through international education and exchange, and anticipates furthering the partnership for more collaboration pathways.

With strong commitment to cooperation and mutual benefit of their respective communities, USJ and the Catholic Institute of Vietnam formally inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the meeting. This is a significant step for both communities to open doors for fruitful academic exchanges and bridging international scholars across ASEAN and beyond.

The Catholic Institute of Vietnam has also applied for membership in the ASEACCU and as a new representative from Vietnam, will expand horizons for all members within the Catholic HEI community across the Asia Pacific to engage in meaningful exchange. The delegates anticipate formally engaging with fellow members in the upcoming 30th ASEACCU Annual Conference hosted in Sydney by the Australian Catholic University.