On June 27, 2025, Nam Can Tho University marked a significant milestone in the advancement of medical education in Vietnam by officially signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Wonkwang Health Science University. At the same time, the two institutions inaugurated the first AI/VR Medical Training Center in the Mekong Delta, named the Wonkwang – Nam Can Tho Center.
The signing of the MOU with Wonkwang Health Science University— an institution strongly supported by the South Korean government — is a clear testament to the reputation and international connectivity of Nam Can Tho University. This partnership extends beyond academic exchange, paving the way for collaboration in biomedical technology research, particularly in the field of ER (Extended Reality), as well as in the development of digital transformation solutions in healthcare.
The signing ceremony was successfully held, with both parties officially becoming long-term strategic partners. (Photo: DNC Studio)
Amid the Vietnamese Government’s strong push for a national digital healthcare transformation strategy, the collaboration between DNC and Wonkwang is expected to play a vital role in realizing this goal. Faculty and student exchange programs, joint research in advanced medical technologies, and the transfer of high-tech solutions from South Korea will contribute to enhancing the quality of medical education and clinical practice in Vietnam.
Nam Can Tho University and Wonkwang Health Science University officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). (Photo: DNC Studio)
The ceremony was attended by distinguished delegates from South Korea, including Dr. Seo Ill Young – Director of Wonkwang University Hospital; Prof. Hwang Hwa Kyoung – Director of Wonkwang Health Science University; Mr. Kwon Woo Heock – CEO of Bluebeaker (a 3D content developer); Mr. Lee Hee Seok – CEO of VRAD (a 4D content developer); along with professors, programmers, and other developers.
Representatives of the Wonkwang Health Science University delegation at the signing ceremony. (Photo: DNC Studio)
On the Vietnamese side, the ceremony had the honor of welcoming the attending virtually by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phillip Tran – Director of the DNC Health Sciences Institute, Dean of the Faculty of International Medicine and Head of International Cooperation Department; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dam Van Cuong - Director of Nam Can Tho University Medical Center, along with the leader of departments, faculties, centers, and institutes under the university and the university’s medical center.
Leaders of Nam Can Tho University at the signing ceremony. (Photo: DNC Studio)
Following the signing ceremony, the inauguration of the Wonkwang – Nam Can Tho AI/VR Medical Training Center took place at Nam Can Tho University Medical Center. This event was more than just a formal inauguration ceremony—it marked the strategic launch of a digital medical training ecosystem that blends South Korea’s technological strengths with Vietnam’s practical healthcare needs. The initiative aims to standardize professional training, close knowledge gaps, and foster innovation in the medical field.
This is the first digital medical training center in Vietnam to utilize a multi-dimensional clinical simulation platform (2D, 3D, 4D & XR). It enables healthcare professionals to engage in highly realistic simulated clinical practice, shortening the learning curve and significantly improving patient safety.
Representatives from both institutions at the inauguration ceremony of the Wonkwang – Nam Can Tho AI/VR Medical Training Center. (Photo: DNC Studio)
This collaboration opens up numerous opportunities for students, faculty, and researchers at DNC. International exchange programs will allow students to experience modern learning environments in South Korea, while faculty members will have the chance to learn from and collaborate with leading experts from Wonkwang. Moreover, the research and application of XR technology in biomedical sciences will enable DNC to develop advanced medical training solutions that meet the growing demand for high-quality healthcare professionals in the digital era.
This is a strategic step laying the foundation for a comprehensive digital medical training ecosystem at DNC, promising revolutionary changes in the education and training of high-quality medical personnel. Additionally, the Center has introduced a Clinical Q&A AI Chatbot and a Learning Management System (LMS) with integrated assessment and progress tracking capabilities.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dam Van Cuong – Director of Nam Can Tho University Medical Center speaking at the Inauguration Ceremony. (Photo: DNC Studio)
Speaking at the ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dam Van Cuong – Director of Nam Can Tho University Medical Center – emphasized:
“The collaboration with Wonkwang Health Science University is not only a step forward in enhancing training quality but also a strong commitment from DNC to pioneer innovation in medical education in Vietnam. The Wonkwang – Nam Can Tho AI/VR Medical Training Center will serve as a foundation for us to develop a new generation of healthcare professionals who are not only highly competent in their field but also proficient in advanced technologies.
The medical team at Nam Can Tho University Medical Center experiencing the AI/VR technology. (Photo: DNC Studio)
This event also reaffirms Wonkwang University’s decade-long commitment to strong healthcare collaboration in Vietnam, with 11 successful projects already implemented. The partnership will continue to expand into new areas such as joint research in biomedical XR, faculty and student exchange programs, and the pursuit of funding from reputable organizations like KOTRA and KOICA for healthcare digital transformation projects.
Dr. Seo Ill Young – Director of Wonkwang University Hospital speaking at the ceremony. (Photo: DNC Studio)
The Wonkwang – Nam Can Tho AI/VR Medical Training Center is expected to become a model of collaboration between hospitals, universities, and enterprises in developing digital training platforms. It also aims to bring significant advancements in medical education in Vietnam, contributing to the improvement of healthcare workforce quality and better meeting the health care needs of the community.
The signing of the MOU and the inauguration of the Wonkwang – Nam Can Tho AI/VR Medical Training Center is not only a significant achievement for DNC but also a major milestone in strengthening academic and technological cooperation between Vietnam and South Korea. With the support of cutting-edge technologies and strategic partnerships with reputable international institutions, Nam Can Tho University is steadily affirming its pioneering role in innovating medical education. This initiative contributes to improving the quality of healthcare and medical workforce training in Vietnam, while also marking its presence on the regional and international medical education map.