On the morning of July 28, 2023, within the framework of the CITA 2023 – 12^th Conference, the University of Danang- Vietnam – Korea University of Information and Communication Technology (UD-VKU) organized the "Asean Consortium for Innovation and Research – ACIR” which was first held in Da Nang - Vietnam with the aim of connecting the community of leaders and scholars of Southeast Asian universities to promote innovation and scientific research activities. This would be an annual event of higher education institutions in Southeast Asia.

The overview of the ASEAN Consortium for Innovation and Research - ACIR forum held for the first time in Da Nang - Vietnam

Attending the forum were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Huynh Cong Phap – UD-VKU Rector – Chairman of the Organizing Committee; Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Thuy-Chairman of FISU Vietnam-Co-Chairman of the Organizing Committee. On the guest's side, there were also Prof. Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Thanh (Poland), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Minh Hoa (UK), Prof. Dr. Kanghyun Jo (Korea), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Khac Nhien An (Ireland); Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Thanh Bac – UD’s Vice President; Senior representatives of research institutes and universities from Southeast Asia including King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (Thailand), Yatanarpon University of Technology (Myanmar), Academy of Digital Technology (Cambodia); Vietnamese higher education institutions: Vietnam ICT Club of Faculties-Institutes-Schools-Universities (FISU Vietnam), Institute of Information Technology - Hanoi National University, University of Information and Communication Technology – Thai Nguyen University, School of Computer Science – Can Tho University, Phenikaa University, Quang Binh University, Quy Nhon University, Da Lat University, UD’s member universities and Hue University.

ACIR-2023 attracted the presence of

leaders, scientists, and scholars from prestigious universities and research institutes

“The ACIR Forum was initiated by UD-VKU and highly appreciated by the community of scientists and universities in Southeast Asia, along with the active support of KOICA-Korea and scientists from Korea, the UK, Poland, and Ireland... The establishment of the ACIR community would connect the community of scholars and researchers as well as create many opportunities for cooperation and implementation of projects among universities and research institutes in the region” shared Assoc. Prof. Dr. Huynh Cong Phap.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Huynh Cong Phap - Chairman of the Organizing Committee – UD-VKU Rector - delivered the opening remark

The ACIR Forum would focus on 04 key contents:

1. Create a sustainable ACIR community with effective and practical activities, focusing on enrolling new members each year.

2. Co-research on innovation activities, exchange and discuss ideas to co-organize conferences, and academic seminars... in which, ACIR will participate as a co-host of CITA 2024 with UD-VKU and FISU Vietnam.

Discussion session

3. Propose and implement joint international projects under the framework of international funds such as Europe Horizon, Erasmus+, ASEAN IVO, US-Korea, Korea-Asea... to apply funding for innovation, research, and mobility activities for ACIR.

4. Organize joint training activities, and exchange international scholars, professors and students from Europe, America, Korea,etc.ACIR enhances the lecturers and students exchange programs among universities in the ASEAN region with the aim of improving their capacity and qualifications.

The first 07 members of ACIR signed a Memorandum of Cooperation

At the forum, 5 keynote speakers such as Prof. Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Thanh (Poland), Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Thuy (Vietnam), Prof. Dr. Le Minh Hoa (UK), Prof. Dr. Kanghyun Jo (Korea), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Khac Nhien An (Ireland) delivered presentations on concerns, ideas, and solutions to promote the connection in the field of scientific research and innovation.

Within the framework of ACIR, there was also the MoU signing ceremony among the first 07 member units participating in the establishment of ACIR and agreed to implement joint activities in the upcoming time.

ACIR started out as an effective bridge to connect the international network of scientists and scholars

With the advent of the new model, ACIR is expected to be an effective bridge to connect the network of scientists, researchers, and scholars, contributing to improving the quality of training and developing the quality of human resources in the field of ICT for the Asean region; also a premise to continue expanding cooperation with the scientific community of developed countries such as the United States, Japan, Korea, Europe... in the future.