VIAC welcomes a delegation of international students from University of Economics and Law, VNU-HCM

On the afternoon of September 23, 2026, the Vietnam International Arbitration Centre (VIAC) had a meeting with a delegation of international exchange students from the University of Economics and Law (UEL), Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM). The meeting is part of regular collaborative activities between VIAC and UEL, offering students, especially international students, the opportunity to conduct a study tour and learn about commercial arbitration and mediation in Vietnam in general and at VIAC in particular.

On behalf of the VIAC, the representatives attending the meeting were Mr. Chau Viet Bac - Deputy Director of the VIAC Ho Chi Minh City Branch; Ms. Ton Nu Cam Tram - Counsel of the Secretariat; and Ms. Phung Thi Xuan Ngoc - Officer of the Business Development & Promotion department. The UEL delegation was represented by Prof. Selvie Sinaga - Lecturer at the Faculty of Law, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia (AJCUI); Mr. Do Anh Duy - Officer of the Cooperation and Development department, and 20 international law students currently on exchange at UEL.

Prof. Selvie Sinaga - Lecturer at the Faculty of Law, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia (AJCUI)

Opening the session on behalf of the delegation, Prof. Selvie Sinaga expressed gratitude to VIAC for coordinating with UEL to organize the visit for international students. She noted that for students in the early stages of studying arbitration with limited exposure to practice, visiting an arbitral institution like VIAC and hearing directly from its representatives is a meaningful experience. The visit provides an opportunity to broaden their perspectives and strengthen their academic foundation.

Mr. Chau Viet Bac - Deputy Director of the VIAC Ho Chi Minh City Branch

On behalf of VIAC, Mr. Chau Viet Bac expressed his pleasure at the continued and strengthened cooperation between VIAC and UEL over the years, reflected through various academic, exchange and practical engagement activities. Among these, site visits and practical learning programmes for students, particularly international students, have become regular activities maintained by both sides and have offered practical value. He expected that the session would provide students with useful insights, enabling them to broaden their knowledge and gain a better understanding of the field throughout their studies.

During the session, Mr. Bac also shared an overview of VIAC’s establishment and development, its role in Vietnam’s commercial dispute resolution system, and the Centre’s development orientations. Established in 1993, VIAC has become a leading and reputable arbitration and mediation institution in Vietnam. The growing number of cases handled by VIAC over the years, together with the increasing presence of disputes involving foreign elements, reflects the growing confidence of businesses in arbitration in general and VIAC in particular. At the same time, this trend highlights the increasing demand for professional alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods amid the continued growth of investment, business activities and international trade.

Ms. Ton Nu Cam Tram - Counsel of the Secretariat

Continuing the content of the meeting, Ms. Ton Nu Cam Tram provided detailed information regarding dispute resolution practices at VIAC. Students were introduced to the legal framework governing arbitration in Vietnam and Vietnam’s accession to the New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards, providing them with perspective on the recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards in international transactions. The VIAC representative also introduced the VIAC Rules of Arbitration 2026, highlighting the focus on enhancing procedural efficiency, flexibility, and modernization. The dispute resolution process drew substantial interest from participants, who raised questions regarding proceedings, procedural timelines, the issuance of arbitral awards, and the support role of the Secretariat, helping students better understand how disputes are administered in practice.

Ms. Phung Thi Xuan Ngoc - Officer of the Business Development & Promotion department

Continuing the meeting, Ms. Phung Thi Xuan Ngoc introduced VIAC’s promotional and training activities. With a network of partners spanning both Vietnam and international markets, VIAC regularly collaborates with government bodies, organizations, educational institutions and dispute resolution institutions to organize a wide range of activities, including conferences, seminars, roundtable discussions, training programmes and professional exchanges. Through these programmes, VIAC not only provides a forum for stakeholders to exchange views on legal and practical issues arising in business, investment and dispute resolution, but also creates opportunities to strengthen connections among the business, legal and academic communities.

Overview of VIAC’s Collaborative Activities with Universities and Legal Education Institutions

In addition to programs for the legal practice community, VIAC maintains active partnerships with universities, law schools and institutions, creating opportunities for students and trainees to observe and familiarize themselves with arbitration and ADR.

Other highlights from the event

The session concluded with an open discussion addressing questions from the delegation regarding procedures and practical aspects of arbitration and mediation. VIAC representatives directly answered these inquiries, providing clear insights into ADR mechanisms. The visit served as an opportunity for international exchange students to broaden their knowledge of alternative dispute resolution and gain practical perspective alongside their academic studies, supporting their legal research and future practice.