On August 20, 2026, in Hanoi, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Xuan Duong, President of Vietnam Maritime University (VMU), attended the Senior and Junior Officers’ Dialogue Programme organized by NYK Group as an honored guest. The event provided an opportunity to strengthen the long-standing partnership between NYK Group and VMU in maritime education and human resource development.
VMU’s President attended NYK Officers’ Dialogue Programme
The programme brought together NYK’s officers, seafarers and their families, featuring discussions on maritime safety, ship operations and high-quality human resource development, as well as activities honoring officers for their long-standing contributions to the Group.
Speaking at the event, President Pham Xuan Duong expressed his appreciation for the long-standing cooperation between NYK Group and VMU, which has continued for more than 20 years. He noted that the officers and cadets of ISALCO Company, directly managed by Thang Long VTB Company (FLIDSCO), are all professionally trained at Vietnam Maritime University. They are currently involved in the operation, management and navigation of Pure Car Carrier (PCC), including the latest-generation dual-fuel (DF) vessels, as well as wood chip and bulk carriers operated for Japanese shipowners NYK and MOL.
President Pham Xuan Duong also shared a personal story reflecting the special connection between VMU and NYK Group. From December 1995 to December 1996, when he was an engine cadet, he undertook onboard training on two NYK Group’s container vessels. Thirty years later, he reunited with NYK Group as President of VMU - a journey that reflects the enduring partnership between the two organizations and the contributions of generations of VMU maritime professionals to NYK’s operations.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Xuan Duong delivered remarks as an honored guest at the event
Highlighting VMU’s new phase of development, President Pham Xuan Duong also emphasized an important milestone as the University is actively implementing the Project entitled on “Develop Vietnam Maritime University into the National key university for education and research serving the sustainable development of Vietnam’s seaward economy by 2030, with a vision to 2045”, approved under the Prime Minister’s Decision No. 1901/QĐ-TTg dated September 5th, 2025.
Under the Project, the University continues to modernize its training programs, strengthen research capacity, expand international cooperation, and promote innovation and technology transfer. The newly issued Resolution No. 20-NQ/TW dated July 28th, 2026 on building Vietnam to become a strong maritime nation further underscores the importance of developing high-quality maritime human resources.
President Pham Xuan Duong expressed his hope that VMU and NYK Group will continue to strengthen cooperation in training, practical education, recruitment and professional development, contributing to the development of high-quality Vietnamese seafarers and supporting Vietnam’s goal of becoming a strong maritime nation.