On May 24, 2025, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM) and Coteccons Construction JSC officially signed a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a key milestone in realizing the “Three Pillars” collaboration model: Government – Academia – Business. More than a conventional partnership, this MoU reflects a long-term commitment by all three stakeholders to co-build an innovation-driven ecosystem where knowledge, technology, and people converge for sustainable development.
The signing takes place as Ho Chi Minh City accelerates the implementation of the Politburo’s Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW, which identifies science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation as breakthrough drivers for national growth. The “Three Pillars” model—Government, Academia, and Business—has been defined by VNU-HCM as a strategic triangle and a cornerstone of the national innovation ecosystem. As Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Hai Quan emphasized: “Effective three-way collaboration must follow a shared operating principle: co-design, co-implement, and co-share. When enterprises, universities, and government agencies come together to solve major challenges and share the risks, I believe we will achieve our national aspiration to become a high-income developed country by 2045.”
Accordingly, the parties will jointly define research goals and share financial benefits derived from successful applications. When this “strategic triangle” functions effectively, it enables the country to leapfrog development stages and break free from the middle-income trap. Speaking at the event, Mr. Tran Luu Quang – Head of the Central Economic Commission – affirmed that the “Three Pillars” collaboration, as guided by Resolution 57-NQ/TW, is the only path toward a brighter future for Vietnam.
At the event, VNU-HCM and Coteccons signed a comprehensive cooperation agreement aimed at promoting sustainable development and digital transformation in the construction sector. This partnership is grounded in Coteccons’ long-term strategy to collaborate with the higher education system in addressing real-world challenges in the industry. From developing high-quality human resources and affordable housing models to enhancing construction worker welfare and applying emerging technologies such as AI, Coteccons and VNU-HCM are committed to co-developing scalable, systemic, and sustainable solutions.
Notably, the collaboration will include Joint Labs, integration of on-the-job training modules into academic curricula, and the pioneering “School-in-Factory” model. This groundbreaking initiative offers a seamless learning–practicing–innovating environment where students engage in solving real engineering challenges faced by businesses, thereby nurturing a culture of innovation from the classroom onward.
During the signing ceremony, Mr. Bolat Duisenov – Chairman and Ms. Nguyen Trinh Thuy Trang – D. CEO of Coteccons, jointly introduced two AI-integrated robotic dogs. Once developed and trained by a team of engineers and students, these robots will be deployed at construction sites to assist in safety monitoring, input control, and risk alerts—clearly reflecting Coteccons’ commitment to applying modern technology in real-world construction practices. “We believe that knowledge is how people converse with the future. And the structures we build—lasting for hundreds of years—are how Coteccons communicates with generations to come. In an innovation-driven ecosystem, businesses must take a central role. With that responsibility, Coteccons is committed to accompanying the transformation and applying artificial intelligence (AI) not only to enhance competitiveness but also to create long-lasting value for society,” said Ms. Trang.
Earlier, in March 2025, Coteccons was awarded the contract and broke ground on blocks YB1, YB2, and YB3 of the VNU-HCM Subproject. More than just a modern construction, this project stands as a symbolic commitment to supporting higher education and laying a strong foundation for future generations of knowledge leaders.
This agreement with VNU-HCM is not a starting point, but a strategic next step—well-defined and deeply rooted—in Coteccons’ journey to support education and innovation in Vietnam. The company believes that when Government, Academia, and Business share a long-term vision, such synergy will generate profound and sustainable value for society in the future.
