Dr. Phan Chi Thanh, former Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Vietnam to Thailand, has officially accepted the position of Dean of the Faculty of International and Public Affairs (FIPA) under the DTU School of Languages, Humanities & Social Sciences (LHSS).
This marks a significant milestone, signaling a promising new chapter in DTU’s development. It aims to further enhance international cooperation, particularly in elevating the quality of education and research to meet societal demands and labor market needs in two critical professional fields: international relations and public relations.
New Leadership, New Vision
Having earned his Master's degree from Columbia University and defended his Doctoral dissertation at the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, Dr. Phan Chi Thanh is an expert in the field of international relations. Prior to joining DTU, he made significant contributions to Vietnam’s diplomatic sector. Notably, he served as Vietnam's Ambassador to Thailand from 2020 to 2024.
Dr. Phan Chi Thanh, Dean of the DTU Faculty of International and Public Affairs
With extensive experience as an advisor for the World Bank (WB) in Washington, D.C., and a history of contributions to Vietnam’s foreign policy, Dr. Thanh played a key role in Vietnam’s WTO accession negotiations. He has held senior positions including Director of International Relations at the Government Office and Secretary-General of the National Council for Sustainable Development prior to his diplomatic tenure in Thailand.
Impressed by the innovative and ambitious spirit of DTU students and the university’s strategic development plan, Dr. Thanh accepted the position of Dean of FIPA. Drawing from his extensive real-world experience, he is committed to building an internationally oriented education and research model for the faculty -one aligned with leading global universities.
Dr. Thanh shared: “Having been directly involved in Vietnam’s diplomatic and international relations activities, I deeply understand the pivotal role of the younger generation in shaping our country’s global standing. Thus, the vision for our faculty is to become a leading hub for practical academic training, research, and collaboration in Vietnam and the region - contributing to foreign affairs capacity, international commerce, communications, and workforce development for global integration.”
Dr. Phan Chi Thanh and several staff and lecturers of the Faculty
Working closely with DTU Center for Global Studies (CGS), the faculty is actively engaging in discussions and research collaborations with the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences and several major universities around the world. Under Dr. Thanh’s leadership, the faculty will initiate research partnerships on key models such as:
- Free Trade Zones (FTZs), and
- International Financial Centers
These initiatives will support national and regional economic development, particularly in Da Nang.
Distinctive academic programs with strong career prospects
FIPA currently offers undergraduate programs in:
- International Relations (Code: 7310206)
- Public Relations (Code: 7320108)
- Vietnamese Studies (Code: 7310630)
as well as Vietnam’s only graduate programs (Master’s and PhD) in International Relations in the Central region.
Each major features well-structured curricula designed to equip students with deep knowledge and practical skills in global affairs, communications, diplomacy, and public relations. Courses are taught by highly qualified faculty, many of whom have studied or conducted research at prestigious institutions in the U.S., China, Belgium, and more.
DTU Graphics Center and DTU Silver Swallows Studio (SSS): Provide hands-on training in filming, photography, post-production, and media content creation.
Students can gain real-world experience at DTU Marketing & Communications Department, Go Stork magazine, and Science & Technology magazine.
Public Relations and Communication students benefit from
modern facilities supporting real-world media practice
Students in International Relations and Vietnamese Studies receive a multidisciplinary education encompassing politics, diplomacy, economics, society, and culture of various countries, with a strong emphasis on foreign language training. FIPA graduates now work in diverse roles such as:Lecturers and researchers at domestic and international universities, NGO specialists, Police officers, Flight attendants, Hotel and restaurant front office staff. Typically, Vo Mau Thuong, currently pursuing doctoral studies at Eötvös Loránd University (Hungary), along with many others who have earned PhDs and hold influential positions both in Vietnam and abroad.
From their first year, students can engage in research projects or participate in exchange programs and professional internships with institutions such as Thammasat University (Thailand) and Palermo University (Italy).
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thu My, Chair of the Faculty’s Scientific Council, stated: “We are committed to training high-quality human resources to meet the foreign relations and economic development needs of Da Nang and the region in the coming years, especially as the city moves forward with developing Free Trade Zones and International Financial Centers.”
Home to Top-Performing Students and Valedictorians
Students make their mark with outstanding achievements
FIPA is proud to have attracted many outstanding students, including:
- 2023 Valedictorian of DTU: H’Mi Sa Kbuôr, who scored 28.25/30 and is currently studying Public Relations
- Nguyen Pham Thanh Tuyen: International Relations student awarded the Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation Scholarship to study at Seoul National University
- Nguyen Tan Tri: Winner of Third Prize for the Da Nang cluster in the 2024 -2025 National English Star Awards
- Le Nhu Doan Ha: Public Relations student and runner-up at the 2024 Quang Nam Provincial MC Contest
These accolades and scholarships not only affirm the students’ outstanding capabilities but also testify to the university’s high educational standards. They serve as a strong foundation for prospective students considering FIPA and Duy Tan University in the 2025 admission season.
More information on DTU Admissions can be found at: https://tuyensinh.duytan.edu.vn
(Media Center)