Ho Chi Minh City, July 4, 2025 – Saigon Business School (SBS), in collaboration with Phu Xuan University – a member of the Equest Education Group, solemnly hosted the Strategic Partnership Signing Ceremony with the University of Sunderland, United Kingdom.
This ceremony marks a significant milestone in SBS’s strategy to enhance academic quality. Through this partnership, SBS students will benefit from a flexible learning model, extensive institutional support, and the opportunity to earn a globally recognized degree awarded by the University of Sunderland.
Distinguished Guests in Attendance:
From the University of Sunderland:
- Ms. Tuesday Sampson, Head of International Development (East Region)
- Mr. Francis Chiang, Director, University of Sunderland Hong Kong
- Ms. Phuong Do, Regional Manager for Indochina
From Equest Education Group:
- Mr. David Armstrong, Vice President, Equest Education Group
- Ms. Ngo Hoang Oanh, Rector, Phu Xuan University
From Saigon Business School:
- Mr. Hoang Van Cuong, CEO
- Ms. Mai Vinh Trinh, Deputy Director of International Partnerships
- Mr. Nguyen Bui Tuan Anh, Deputy Director of Operations
The ceremony was also attended by SBS faculty, staff, and a large number of students.
A Comprehensive and Flexible Learning Opportunity
This strategic collaboration opens the door for SBS students to access high-quality British education. Students will have the option to transfer and complete their final year at the University of Sunderland and receive an international bachelor’s degree. In addition, Sunderland offers attractive scholarship opportunities, faculty exchange programs, and expert-led specialized lectures delivered directly by professors from the UK.
During the ceremony, Mr. Hoang Van Cuong, CEO of SBS, shared his vision for the partnership:
“Over the past two years, we have continuously worked to build high-quality academic programs for our students. Today, we are officially announcing a strategic collaboration with the University of Sunderland, enabling SBS to offer a truly comprehensive academic model. Our students can choose to study and obtain their degree directly in the UK or flexibly complete their final year in Vietnam.”
Ms. Tuesday Sampson also expressed her excitement about the partnership and highlighted the academic roadmap, scholarship opportunities, and comprehensive support offered to international students.
Why SBS Chose to Partner with the University of Sunderland
SBS selected the University of Sunderland based on several key strengths:
- Academic Excellence & Global Reputation:
The University of Sunderland is a QS 5-star rated institution. Its Business programs rank among the top in the UK, with outstanding student satisfaction and high graduate employability rates.
- International Recognition & Accreditation:
Sunderland’s programs have been successfully delivered in Vietnam for over 20 years through partnership arrangements and are officially recognized by the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training. This ensures that degrees are globally accepted and valued.
- Extensive Career Prospects:
With an internationally accredited degree, graduates are well-equipped to pursue advanced studies or career opportunities both domestically and globally.
- Flexible & Inclusive Study Options:
Students can choose to complete their final year either in the UK or in Vietnam. Regardless of the option, they will receive the same prestigious bachelor’s degree from the University of Sunderland, globally recognized.
In-Depth Sharing for SBS Students
Immediately after the signing ceremony, representatives from the University of Sunderland and SBS held an in-depth information session for SBS students. The session provided details about the joint program, including study options in the UK and subject offerings within the partnership framework.
Program Roadmap:
Students will be officially enrolled at the University of Sunderland during their final year and must meet all academic requirements of the university. They can choose to transfer to the UK or study in Vietnam.
For those opting to study in Vietnam, the program will follow a flexible online Top-Up model. This includes interactive virtual classes, live discussions with professors, and group work with students from various countries. Upon completion, students will receive a bachelor’s degree awarded by the University of Sunderland.
Additional Benefits for SBS Students:
While completing semesters 1 through 4, SBS will provide four additional micro-credential certificates in specialized areas such as Marketing, Finance, or Human Resources. This means graduates will receive not only a bachelor’s degree from Sunderland but also four additional skills-based certificates from SBS – helping them stand out and gain confidence in the job market.
This strategic partnership is more than a milestone – it reflects SBS’s unwavering commitment to providing a modern, internationally aligned educational environment. It ensures students are equipped with the knowledge, credentials, and global perspectives they need to succeed in the future.
