FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas has signed a memorandum of understanding with Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, to exchange students in doctoral and master of information systems programs.

“The Walton College is very pleased to be working with the University of Information Technology at Vietnam National University,” said Moez Limayem, chair of the Walton College information systems department. “This agreement to exchange faculty and students fits in our strategy to expand our reach globally. Our collaboration will greatly benefit both universities.”

Nguyen Phi Khu, director of the department of science-technology, postgraduate education  and international relations and assistant to the rector at the University of Information Technology, traveled to Fayetteville to sign the agreement, which was also signed by Dan Worrell, dean of Walton College. One of the objectives is to implement a “1+1” program for the Master of Information Systems program whereby select Vietnam students at Vietnam National University take information systems courses as well as English during the first year in Vietnam and complete the master’s degree on the University of Arkansas campus in the second year.

Accompanying Khu were associate professor Tran Thi Hong, director of the department of external relations and project development; associate professor Do Phuc, department chair of computer information systems, University of Information Technology; and Tran Thanh An, director of the Dormitory Complex — all from Vietnam National University.

Limayem said, “Vietnam National University chose a partnership with the Walton College because of our unique and world-class infrastructure and faculty and our ties with top technology companies. In addition, the Walton College can offer such learning tools as the RFID Research Center and the enterprise systems program.”

The Vietnam National University delegation met with Bill Curington, senior associate dean; Joseph Ziegler, director of international programs; Paul Cronan, director of the master’s program in information systems; and David Douglas, enterprise systems director of the Walton College information systems department.