On July 18, 2026, The University of Danang - Vietnam–Korea University of Information and Communication Technology (UD-VKU), in collaboration with its international partners, hosted the Fourth ASEAN Consortium for Innovation and Research (ACIR+ 2026) Forum in Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province.

Held under the theme “Promoting Cooperation in Scientific Research, Innovation and Internationalization of CITA,” the forum brought together university leaders, distinguished scholars, researchers and experts from across ASEAN and around the world to strengthen partnerships in research, innovation and higher education.

The forum was co-chaired by Prof. Nguyen Ngoc Thanh from Wroclaw University of Science and Technology (Poland) and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Huynh Cong Phap, Rector of UD-VKU. Participants also included Prof. Vu Van Truong, Vice President of Phenikaa University; Prof. Somrerk Chandra-ambhorn, Vice President of King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok (Thailand); Prof. Tran Xuan Tu, Director of the Institute of Information Technology, Vietnam National University, Hanoi; together with representatives from universities and research organisations from Vietnam, Poland, the Republic of Korea, China, Thailand, Ireland, Luxembourg, and other countries.

In his opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Huynh Cong Phap highlighted ACIR+ as a collaborative initiative established to build an open academic ecosystem where universities can share knowledge, foster interdisciplinary research and promote innovation through international partnerships.

He noted that rapid advances in artificial intelligence, big data, semiconductor technologies and digital transformation are reshaping higher education and research worldwide, making stronger regional and global university collaboration increasingly important for sustainable development. He also emphasised UD-VKU's vision of building a sustainable academic network across ASEAN that supports collaborative research, innovation, talent development and the internationalisation of higher education.

Since its establishment, ACIR+ has evolved into an active regional platform connecting universities through a range of collaborative initiatives. Among its flagship programmes are the ASEAN Workshop on Research and Innovation for Students (AWRIS) and the ACIR+ Start-up and Innovation Incubation Program (APISI), which continue to promote student research, innovation and entrepreneurial activities throughout the region.

The forum featured a keynote presentation by Assoc. Prof. Le Khac Nhien An from University College Dublin (Ireland), who shared insights into emerging trends in artificial intelligence security, highlighting the importance of responsible AI and the role of science and technology in building trustworthy digital societies.

A panel discussion entitled “New Ideas for ACIR Activities in Scientific Research, Innovation and CITA-Globalization” focused on future directions for expanding the ACIR+ network. Discussions explored initiatives to establish international interdisciplinary research groups, increase high-impact joint publications, strengthen academic mobility, and promote collaboration among researchers, faculty members and students, particularly in strategic technology disciplines.

By bringing together higher education institutions, researchers and innovation leaders across the region, ACIR+ 2026 further strengthened academic connectivity between ASEAN and the global community. The forum also reaffirmed UD-VKU's growing role in promoting international collaboration, advancing research excellence and innovation, and contributing to the internationalisation of higher education.

UD Media