The event, slated for February 23-27 in Hong Kong (China), will give Vietnam the chance to promote its national education system, attract foreign investment and expand partnerships as it pushes to raise its profile as a regional education hub, said Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thu Thuy, Director of the Higher Education Department under the MOET.

APAIE is one of four major global gatherings on international education, alongside the NAFSA Conference and Exhibition of the US, European Association for International Education (EAIE) of Europe and Australian International Education Consortium (AIEC) of Australia. It typically draws around 2,500 delegates from more than 65 countries and territories, including university leaders, government officials, education organisations and service providers.

Vietnam has not previously maintained an official national presence at major international education exhibitions, a factor that officials say has limited the country’s ability to attract international students, foster cooperation and draw foreign investment into the sector.

This is a timely opportunity for Vietnam to actively approach foreign education investors and strategic partners, said Thuy.

She added Vietnam sees strong potential to attract international students and foreign capital, but needs more proactive and systematic promotion to turn opportunities into concrete results.

The Vietnamese delegation is expected to set up a national education pavilion at APAIE 2026, present its policies on foreign investment in education, including the establishment of overseas university branch campuses in Vietnam, and hold meetings with reputable education institutions and organisations from the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

Vietnamese representatives are also expected to participate in thematic seminars covering cross-border education, internationalisation strategies and the establishment and operation of foreign campuses.

According to Thuy, Vietnam aims to use APAIE 2026 to promote English-taught programmes, expand academic exchanges and position itself as a quality, safe and reliable study destination. It also hopes participation will encourage its universities to become members of APAIE, laying the groundwork for the country to potentially host the conference in the future.

Vietnam showcases education cooperation at Hong Kong expo

The Vietnamese Consulate General in Hong Kong (China) opened a booth at the 35th Education and Careers Expo, which is taking place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from January 22–25.