When we step into the ROV Workshop at PTSC G&S on August 1, 2025, cutting-edge subsea technologies hum around us, marking another milestone in strategic cooperation. You can sense the energy as academic leaders from Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education (HCMUTE) witness firsthand the practical applications of engineering excellence. This visit to PetroVietnam Technical Services Corporation (PTSC) and its member units at the Vung Tau port cluster represents more than a simple exchange—it’s the evolution of a partnership that bridges theory with industry reality.
HCMUTE and PTSC Strategic Cooperation Links Training with Real-World Business Practices
Catalyst
The foundation for this transformative relationship was laid in August 2023, when HCMUTE and PTSC recognized a critical gap between academic preparation and industry demands. Meanwhile, Vietnam’s rapidly evolving technological landscape called for engineers equipped not just with theoretical knowledge, but with practical skills that could drive the nation’s key industries forward.
Representing HCMUTE during this pivotal visit, the delegation was led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chau Dinh Thanh – Vice President, accompanied by distinguished faculty including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Truong Dinh Nhon – Dean of International Training; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dang Thien Ngon – Vice Dean of Mechanical Engineering; Dr. Mai Duc Dai – Vice Dean of Mechanical Engineering; and several other department leaders, specialists, and staff from related units.
Rising Action
As the collaboration unfolded, both institutions faced the challenge of aligning academic curricula with the dynamic needs of offshore construction, renewable energy, and automation sectors. The delegation was warmly welcomed by PTSC’s Board of Directors, the Human Resources Management Department, and leaders from member units including PTSC M&C, PTSC Supply Base, PTSC G&S, POS, PV Shipyard, and PPS.
During their comprehensive tour of PTSC M&C’s facilities—from the 7th floor headquarters to fabrication yards, painting workshops, and downstream port—the academic leaders gained unprecedented insights into the company’s scale and production processes. Subsequently, both sides engaged in intensive discussions addressing four key cooperation areas:
- Strengthening internships and recruitment opportunities for HCMUTE students
- Updating academic programs to align more closely with industry demands
- Joint research and technology transfer in offshore construction, renewable energy, and automation
- Organizing practical activities such as company visits, talk shows, and specialized seminars for students
Turning Point
The numbers told a compelling story of success that exceeded all expectations.
Since their comprehensive cooperation agreement began, HCMUTE and PTSC have achieved remarkable results that demonstrate the power of university-industry partnerships. The collaboration has generated 06 recruitment programs offering 214 job vacancies, attracting 741 applications from students and alumni. Furthermore, PTSC has invested nearly 750 million VND in sponsorships for student development activities, showcasing their commitment to nurturing the next generation of Vietnamese engineers.
However, the true breakthrough came through direct exposure to cutting-edge technologies. As the delegation toured the ROV Workshop at PTSC G&S, they witnessed subsea survey and construction technologies that represent the future of offshore engineering, providing invaluable context for curriculum development.
Resolution
This August 2025 visit not only provided an opportunity to reflect on fruitful achievements but also marked the beginning of a new phase of deeper strategic collaboration. The impressive figures in recruitment, training, and sponsorship demonstrate that HCMUTE and PTSC are successfully building a sustainable university-enterprise partnership where academic knowledge meets production practices.
Through this model, students gain not only theoretical knowledge but also practical skills and professional resilience essential for today’s competitive marketplace. The partnership exemplifies how higher education institutions can effectively bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world industry applications.
Looking ahead, this strategic cooperation will play a crucial role in developing globally competitive Vietnamese engineers and experts who can drive sustainable growth across the nation’s key industries. As international integration accelerates and technological transformation reshapes entire sectors, partnerships like this one between HCMUTE and PTSC serve as blueprints for preparing the workforce of tomorrow—one that seamlessly blends academic excellence with practical expertise.
