Assistant Professor Xuan-Son (Sonny) Vu, from the Department of Computer Science at Lund University, participated in the Sweden–Vietnam Joint Committee Meeting held in May, as part of the Sweden–Vietnam Sectoral Strategic Partnership initiative. The event, organized in hybrid format, brought together representatives from Swedish universities and Vietnamese partner institutions to discuss and strengthen bilateral collaboration across multiple sectors.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Sonny Vu joined the first Sweden–Vietnam Sectoral Strategic Partnership on Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Transformation, organised jointly by the Embassy of Sweden in Hanoi and the Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam.
Dr. Vu joined two other Lund University representatives at the meeting: Professor David Gisselsson Nord, Vice Dean for International Affairs at the Faculty of Medicine, and Professor Martin Tunér, Head of the Department of Energy Sciences. The participation of three representatives from distinct academic disciplines underscores Lund University’s commitment to fostering comprehensive and multidisciplinary partnerships with Vietnam.
A framework for deeper cooperation
In 2025, during His Excellency Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính’s official visit to Sweden, Dr. Sonny Vu held a side discussion on accelerating AI and innovation. Vietnam and Sweden signed a Sectoral Strategic Partnership on Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Transformation. Ambassador Johan Ndisi emphasized the significance of this partnership:
“This partnership provides a strong and forward‑looking framework for deepened cooperation between our two countries and serves as a solid foundation for expanded collaboration between Swedish and Vietnamese universities, research institutions and industry partners.”
This landmark agreement provides a robust framework for expanded collaboration between Swedish and Vietnamese institutions, and the Joint Committee Meeting served as a platform to advance these shared goals.
Strengthening ties in computer science and technology
Lund University’s Department of Computer Science has been actively developing collaborative relationships in Vietnam, particularly in the fields of robotics and semantic systems. A key focus of this engagement has been the partnership with the University of Engineering and Technology, Vietnam National University, in Hanoi.
Dr. Vu played a pivotal role in facilitating the signing of an Expression of Interest between the WASP (Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems & Software Program) Research Arena for Media and Language and FPT during the Swedish state visit in June 2025. This milestone highlights the growing synergy between Swedish research excellence and Vietnamese technological innovation.
As part of the latest developments, WASP Research Arena for Media and Language is planning a research visit for doctoral students to Hanoi this summer and early fall. This initiative, which Dr. Vu has contributed to advancing, is expected to further deepen academic ties and create opportunities for joint research in artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and language technologies.
A broader strategic partnership
“Lund University’s engagement with Vietnam extends beyond computer science. The Faculty of Medicine has a longstanding collaboration with Vietnam National Children’s Hospital in pediatric surgery, dating back approximately ten years. This partnership, supported by the Kamprad Family Foundation, has contributed to establishing pediatric cancer treatment services at the hospital and continues to expand into research areas,” said Henrik Hofvendahl, Coordinator for Asia at the Division of Global Engagement, Lund University, Sweden.
From Lund University’s perspective, Vietnam represents a country of growing strategic relevance, both in terms of academic quality and long-term societal engagement. The university’s active participation in the Joint Committee Meeting reflects its dedication to building meaningful, sustainable partnerships that benefit both nations.