On June 25, Saigon Business School (SBS) hosted a special webinar exclusively for students and partners from Myanmar, aiming to provide a comprehensive and authentic overview of its international transfer programs.
The session welcomed representatives from SBS’s global partner universities — institutions that are actively collaborating with SBS to create valuable international study opportunities. Through their direct presentations, students gained clear, up-to-date, and unbiased information about study pathways, academic environments, and benefits available for international students at SBS.
Notably, Mr. Hoang Van Cuong – CEO of SBS – also delivered an insightful address on the school’s internationalization strategy. He took the time to personally respond to student questions related to the academic programs, transfer opportunities, and the wide-ranging support SBS offers to its international student community — with special focus on learners from Myanmar.
Part 1: Overview & Study Abroad Pathways Shared by International Partner Universities
1. Transfer Pathway with Swiss Education Group (SEG) – Switzerland
Presented by Mr. Phone Myat – Senior Regional Manager
Swiss Education Group (SEG) is Switzerland’s leading private educational group, consisting of four globally renowned institutions specializing in Hospitality, Culinary Arts, and Leadership, including:
- SHMS – Swiss Hotel Management School (Ranked #3 globally)
- César Ritz Colleges Switzerland (Top #5)
- HIM – Hotel Institute Montreux (Top #7)
- Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland (Top #8)
SBS students can transfer into the final year at SHMS or any other SEG institution, gaining access to an internationally recognized degree in a world-class learning environment.
All programs at SEG are conducted on hotel campuses – where academic learning is fully integrated into the operations of a luxury hotel setting. Students live, study, and gain hands-on experience in a 5-star hotel environment, with full access to accommodation, dining, fitness, and comprehensive student support services.
A key highlight of the SEG experience is the 6-month paid internship included each year, with direct placement support from the Career Services team. SEG also hosts International Recruitment Forums twice annually, connecting students with hundreds of global employers.
An added advantage for SBS students from Myanmar is the presence of an existing Myanmar student community at SEG, offering a friendly and supportive network to ease their transition into international studies.
2.Transfer Pathways with George Mason University – Korea & USA
Presented by Mr. Jangwook Seo – Institutional Representative
George Mason University (GMU), one of the leading public universities in the United States, is currently partnering with SBS to offer flexible international transfer pathways for students, including:
- 2+1+1 pathway: 2 years at SBS → 1 year at GMU Korea → 1 year at GMU USA
- 2+2 pathway: 2 years at SBS → 2 years at GMU (either Korea or the USA)
SBS students enjoy a special tuition discount when transferring to GMU USA, with fees reduced from $40,000 to $20,000 per year. Moreover, students with high IELTS scores may qualify for scholarships of up to 50%, significantly lowering the total cost of study.
GMU offers a wide range of majors, including Business Administration, Computer Science, and other highly sought-after disciplines. Upon graduation, international students are eligible for OPT (Optional Practical Training) work visas in the U.S., valid from 1 to 3 years depending on their field — providing valuable experience and expanding global career prospects.
3.Transfer Pathway with University of Otago – New Zealand
Presented by Ms. Tam Le – Regional Market Manager
The University of Otago, New Zealand’s oldest and most prestigious university, ranks among the top 1% of universities worldwide. It is a strategic partner of SBS in offering international transfer programs for students across the Asia–Pacific region.
Through the 2+2 pathway, students will complete the first 1–2 years at SBS and then transfer to Otago to finish their Bachelor’s degree in internationally recognized majors.
A unique highlight: the university currently has a Myanmar-born lecturer, an Otago alumnus, actively teaching — serving as a trusted bridge and source of inspiration for Myanmar students interested in studying in New Zealand.With a 96% employment rate among graduates, the University of Otago not only offers a world-class education but also unlocks strong and sustainable global career opportunities.
4.Transfer Pathway with Conestoga College – Canada
Presented by Ms. Duong Thuy Pham – Regional International Recruitment Manager, Southeast Asia
Conestoga College ranks among the top 19 research institutions in Canada and is the #1 college in Ontario for applied education and graduate employment readiness.
SBS students can transfer into one of the three key academic areas at Conestoga:
- Business → BBA – International Business
- Hospitality → Bachelor of Hospitality Management
- Data Science → Bachelor of Computer Science
The transfer duration is approximately 2 to 2.5 years, including a paid Co-op internship program, allowing students to gain practical work experience alongside their studies. Conestoga also offers extensive career support services — from personal development guidance to hands-on employability skills — helping international students strengthen their pathways to employment and potential immigration in Canada.
5.Transfer Pathway with University of Sunderland – United Kingdom
Presented by Ms. Amy Do – International Recruitment & Marketing Manager
Ranked among the top 40 universities in the UK, the University of Sunderland stands out for its affordable tuition and exceptional international student support. SBS students have two flexible options:
- Top-up 1-year program in the UK to complete their Bachelor’s degree.
- Full program delivery in Vietnam through the University’s partnership with the Hong Kong campus – receiving the same UK-accredited degree.
Tuition after scholarship is approximately £11,500 for the Bachelor’s program. Students are also eligible to stay and work in the UK for up to 2 years after graduation via the Graduate Visa. Notably, the large Myanmar student community at the University of Sunderland offers strong peer support and helps new students from Myanmar integrate smoothly into campus life.
6.Transfer Pathway with University of Northampton – United Kingdom
Presented by Ms. Ngoc Nguyen (Lavender) – Principal Representative (Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos)
The University of Northampton is a modern UK university, ranked in the top 42 nationwide and recognized for its Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) accreditation, reflecting high-quality teaching standards. SBS students who complete the BTEC Level 5 program are eligible to transfer to Northampton’s 1-year Top-up program to obtain an international Bachelor’s degree.
Available majors include:
- Global Business
- Marketing
- Data Systems
- Hospitality Management
The University offers scholarships of up to 50%, along with a comprehensive support package covering accommodation assistance, career guidance, mental wellbeing services, and personalized mentoring — ensuring a smooth and enriching experience for international students, particularly those from Myanmar.
Part 2: Q&A with Myanmar Students & Insights from Mr. Hoang Van Cuong – CEO of SBS
During the interactive session, Mr. Hoang Van Cuong listened attentively and provided in-depth responses to questions from Myanmar students, offering them a well-rounded and transparent view of their academic pathways. Let’s revisit two key questions addressed during the discussion:
Question 1: “Why is SBS called Saigon Business School instead of a university or college?”
Summary of the response from Mr. Hoang Van Cuong:
Mr. Cuong explained that the term “University” is typically used for institutions that consist of multiple faculties and offer a wide range of academic disciplines. SBS, however, chose the model of a Business School to emphasize its specialized focus on Business, Data Science, and Hospitality – deliberately avoiding the multi-disciplinary approach of conventional universities.
Although SBS operates under the university–college legal framework of the EQuest Education Group, its positioning is clear: a streamlined, career-oriented, and practical institution designed to meet international job market demands.
Question 2: “If students cannot go abroad due to visa issues, can they complete the full program in Vietnam?”
Summary of the response from Mr. Hoang Van Cuong:
Absolutely, SBS currently partners with the University of Sunderland (UK) to offer a full Bachelor’s program delivered entirely in Vietnam. Students study at the SBS campus but graduate with a UK-accredited degree, taught and quality-assured by faculty from the Hong Kong campus.
Additionally, SBS is expanding its collaborations with institutions such as the University of Northampton and other global partners, providing flexible pathways for students. Even if students are unable to study abroad, they still have access to international qualifications, career development programs, and support for global job placement after graduation.
Part 3: In-Depth Insights from Mr. Hoang Van Cuong on SBS’s Vision and Educational Philosophy
On SBS’s International Transfer Orientation
Speaking directly with students, Mr. Hoang Van Cuong shared: “We don’t want students to just finish their studies in Vietnam. SBS is built to become a transfer hub—helping students continue their journey to other countries and truly international environments.”
- SBS follows a flexible transfer model aligned with the UK education system, offering a clear progression pathway from Level 4 → Level 5 → Level 6.
- Students who complete NC Level 4 in Myanmar can directly enter Level 5 (second year) at SBS. Those who have already completed HND Level 5 can transition straight into the final year at partner universities.
- The 2+1 and 2+2 programs are designed to allow students to study 1–2 years at SBS before transferring to partner institutions in the UK, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea, or Switzerland.
SBS’s Educational Philosophy
At SBS, all programs are thoughtfully designed to balance academic knowledge, practical application, and clear career orientation. The school also offers a range of flexible professional certificates in specialized areas such as Marketing, Finance, Logistics, Hospitality, and Software Engineering, allowing students to systematically strengthen their expertise.
“We have positioned SBS as a specialized business school—not a multi-disciplinary university. Our goal is for students to study with focus and be fully prepared for the real-world workforce,” emphasized Mr. Hoang Van Cuong.
SBS also boasts a dedicated international advisory team that supports students throughout the entire journey—from planning their study pathway and preparing applications to securing visas and arranging logistics. Notably, this year, SBS sponsored airfares for the first group of students who received official offers from its partner universities abroad.
In addition, SBS students have access to various international exchange activities, 1:1 career consultations, and early exposure to essential professional skills. All transfer consulting services are provided completely free of charge—students only pay tuition fees directly to the partner institutions.
Mr. Cuong concluded: “We are not just a school—we are a companion. Every student receives personalized support and is thoroughly prepared for their journey to the global stage.”
