There are stories that, more than any statistic, capture the international impact of the Italian higher education system. The recent appointment of Professor Vu Hai Quan as Minister of Science and Technology of Vietnam is one such example.

A leading figure in Vietnam’s political and academic landscape, Minister Vu Hai Quan undertook a fundamental part of his academic training in Italy, earning a PhD in Information Technology at the University of Trento before continuing his research career in Belgium.

His academic and professional trajectory reflects a steady progression within the Vietnamese university system: from leading research laboratories and international training centres at Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, to serving as Deputy Director, University Director, and subsequently Permanent Deputy Minister, before he was appointed Minister of Science and Technology on 8 April 2026.

This career path is a source of pride not only for the University of Trento, but for the entire Italian higher education system. Knowing that a figure now responsible for shaping science and technology policies in a dynamic country, experiencing strong economic growth and of increasing strategic relevance, such as Vietnam, chose Italy as a place of advanced training is a clear signal of the value and international credibility of our institutions.

Vietnam today represents one of the most promising partners in the Asian landscape. Within this context, the presence of alumni trained in Italy in positions of institutional leadership helps to strengthen ties that go beyond the academic dimension, consolidating long-term relationships between educational, scientific and industrial ecosystems.

International students who choose Italy are not merely temporary enrolees in our programmes: over time, they become true ambassadors of Italy across the world. They carry with them skills, networks, familiarity with our educational model, and often a deep personal and cultural connection with the country. In some cases, as in this one, they go on to hold positions of the highest institutional responsibility, helping to build lasting bridges between Italy and their countries of origin.

For Uni-Italia, highlighting stories such as that of Minister Vu Hai Quan further confirms the strategic value of the internationalisation work carried out daily in cooperation with universities, AFAM institutions, and the diplomatic-consular network. Behind every activity aimed at promoting, guiding and supporting international students lies a long-term vision: attracting talent means investing in the creation of future relationships, professional networks and international collaborations capable of generating impact far beyond the individual academic journey.

It is no coincidence that, during a recent courtesy meeting between Ambassador S.E. Marco della Seta and the Minister, new prospects for bilateral research cooperation emerged, further evidence of how bonds built through education can translate into concrete opportunities for institutional cooperation.

Stories like this remind us that internationalisation is not merely mobility, but cultural and scientific diplomacy, trust-building, and a strategic investment in the future of international relations, one that is strengthened through the joint efforts of academic institutions and the wider national system.

In the middle: Ambassador Marco della Seta and Minister Vu Hai Quan