On the afternoon of June 11, 2026, Ha Long University hosted an exchange program with members of the Oregon National Guard (USA), as part of the 2026 Disaster Management Engagement Activity (DMEA 2026).

Ha Long University students warmly welcomed the Oregon National Guard (USA) 

Representatives of Ha Long University and the Oregon National Guard delegation

The program was attended by representatives from Vietnam, including Colonel Tran The Hien, Deputy Director of the Search and Rescue Department under the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army and Deputy Chief of the Office of the National Civil Defense Steering Committee; Lieutenant Colonel Bui Cong Vien, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Quang Ninh Provincial Military Command; and Lieutenant Colonel Dong To Nghia, Deputy Head of the Political Department of the Quang Ninh Provincial Military Command.

Representing Halong University were Dr. Tran Trung Vy, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Standing Vice Rector; Dr. Phan Thi Hue, Vice Rector; Dr. Dang Hoang Thong, Vice Rector; together with faculties and students.

The U.S. delegation was led by Brigadier General Jenifer Elizabeth Pardy, Joint Staff Director of the Oregon National Guard, accompanied by representatives of the U.S. Defense Cooperation Office in Hanoi and 25 members from the Oregon National Guard.

Dr. Tran Trung Vy, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee, Standing Vice Rector of Ha Long University giving welcoming remarks at the program

In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Tran Trung Vy expressed his pleasure at receiving the Oregon National Guard delegation and highlighted the significance of the event in strengthening cooperation and sharing experiences within the framework of Vietnam–United States collaboration on disaster management. He also noted that the program provided valuable opportunities for university staff and students to engage in an international exchange environment.

Brigadier General Jenifer Elizabeth Pardy, Joint Staff Director of the Oregon National Guard, delivered remarks at the program.

Dr. Tran Trung Vy, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee, Standing Vice Rector  of Ha Long University presented a commemorative gift to the Oregon National Guard delegation.

During the program, delegates, lecturers, and students participated in a variety of cultural, artistic, and sporting activities. Traditional music performances, bamboo dancing, and cultural experience activities introduced Vietnamese culture to the visiting delegation and left a positive impression on its members.

Art Performances at the program

Cultural exchange activities

A particularly engaging component of the program was the English-language exchange between Halong University students and members of the Oregon delegation. Through discussions on culture, education, social life, and practical experiences, students had the opportunity to improve their English proficiency, develop international communication skills, and broaden their understanding of American culture and society.

Sports activities: volleyball and pickleball matches at the exchange program

In addition, friendly sports activities, including volleyball and pickleball matches, created a dynamic atmosphere that encouraged interaction, learning, and connection among participants.

The program provided Ha Long University students with further opportunities to enhance their international integration skills, foreign language proficiency, and soft skills in a multicultural environment. It also served as an occasion to promote the image of Halong University as a dynamic, friendly institution committed to expanding international cooperation.The exchange program with the Oregon National Guard and expert delegation concluded successfully, leaving meaningful experiences for university staff, lecturers, students, and delegation members alike. The activity contributed to strengthening mutual understanding, cooperation, and exchanges between Vietnamese and U.S. organizations in the fields of disaster management and emergency response.

At the end of the program, representatives of both sides took commemorative photographs to mark the successful event.

Nguyen Thanh Hien - Office of International Cooperation