University of Transport and Communications Signs Cooperation Agreement with ALMEC Vietnam Co., Ltd.

On the afternoon of October 29, 2026, the University of Transport and Communications (UTC) held a signing ceremony for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ALMEC Vietnam Co., Ltd., followed by a seminar entitled “Developing the Public Passenger Transport System in Hanoi”. The event established a framework for promoting cooperation in education, scientific research, and human resource development in the fields of urban planning, urban management, and transportation.

The UTC delegation included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Chuong, Vice President; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Hong Thai, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Economics - Transport; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Cao Y, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Economics - Transport; Ms. Bui Thi Giang, Deputy Director of the Department of External Relations; as well as representatives of relevant departments, academic divisions, lecturers, and students of the Faculty of Economics - Transport.Representing ALMEC Vietnam Co., Ltd. and ALMEC Japan were Mr. Michimasa Takagi, General Director of ALMEC Vietnam; Mr. Yosui Seki, Member of the Board of Directors of ALMEC Tokyo; Dr. Tran Minh Tu, Deputy General Director of ALMEC Vietnam and concurrently Head of ALMEC's Representative Office in Vietnam; together with other company experts and staff.

Delegates attending the event.

Strengthening the Linkage Between Education, Research, and Practical Applications

In his remarks at the ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Chuong welcomed the ALMEC delegation and emphasized the importance of combining UTC's educational and research capabilities with the company's practical experience and network of experts. This collaboration opens up opportunities to advance applied research, enhance the quality of human resources, and contribute practical solutions to urban transportation challenges.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Chuong, Vice President of the University of Transport and Communications, delivering his remarks at the event.

On behalf of ALMEC, Mr. Michimasa Takagi highly appreciated UTC's potential in education and scientific research, while expressing his desire to foster a long-term and effective partnership between the two organizations.

Mr. Michimasa Takagi, General Director of ALMEC Vietnam, delivering his remarks at the event.

Mr. Yosui Seki, Member of the Board of Directors of ALMEC Tokyo, delivering his remarks at the event.

ALMEC is a Japanese consulting firm specializing in urban planning, transportation, and public transport development. In Vietnam, ALMEC has been involved in numerous studies and projects, including the Hanoi Integrated Development and Environmental Program (HAIDEP), the Hanoi Integrated Urban Development Project (HAIMUD), and support for the development of an integrated electronic ticketing system for public transport in Hanoi. ALMEC has also collaborated with and provided support to research teams of UTC's Faculty of Economics - Transport in several areas, including bus network planning and the evaluation of public passenger transport performance.

At the ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Chuong and Mr. Michimasa Takagi, representing the leadership of the two parties, signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the presence of the delegates. The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation based on the principles of voluntariness, equality, mutual benefit, and the complementary strengths of both parties.

Leaders of the two organizations signing the Memorandum of Understanding

The cooperation activities will focus on sharing research findings through seminars, workshops, and expert group discussions; exchanging technologies and human resources; collaborating on professional training and capacity building; and expanding partnerships and international cooperation networks. The two parties also aim to jointly develop project proposals, conduct surveys and pre-feasibility studies in urban planning, urban management, and transportation, while strengthening connections with local authorities and international organizations.

For the 2027–2030 period, the proposed research priorities include the development of multimodal public passenger transport, integrating bus networks with urban rail systems; transit-oriented development (TOD); and improvements in traffic safety. Specific activities will be further developed by both parties in terms of scope, implementation timelines, and required resources.

Discussing Solutions for the Development of Hanoi's Public Passenger Transport System

Following the signing ceremony, the Faculty of Economics and Transport hosted a seminar entitled “Developing the Public Passenger Transport System in Hanoi”. The technical presentations focused on accessibility to urban rail systems and the quality of bus services for older people.

In his presentation entitled “Proposed Skywalk System Connecting Existing Urban Railway Stations in Hanoi”, Dr. Tran Minh Tu (ALMEC) introduced a research approach focusing on elevated pedestrian walkways connecting to urban railway stations. The presentation explored potential solutions to improve pedestrian connectivity, making urban rail services more accessible and convenient for passengers.

Dr. Tran Minh Tu from ALMEC Vietnam presenting at the seminar.

The presentation entitled “Free Bus Services and Older People's Satisfaction with Bus Services”, delivered by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Minh Hieu (UTC), addressed travel support policies and older people's experiences when using bus services. The presentation highlighted the need to give equal consideration to both accessibility and service quality, with a view to developing a public transport system that better meets the needs of this passenger group.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Minh Hieu from the Faculty of Economics - Transport presenting at the seminar.

The seminar provided additional perspectives on transport connectivity infrastructure and passenger needs, linking academic research with practical challenges facing Hanoi's public transport system. It also laid the groundwork for continued exchanges among lecturers, researchers, and experts from both parties to further develop specific areas of cooperation.

The MoU signing ceremony and professional seminar marked an important step forward in the partnership between the University of Transport and Communications and ALMEC Vietnam. Building on the established cooperation framework, the two parties aim to implement joint educational and applied research activities, contributing to the development of a safe, convenient, and sustainable urban transport system.