In his opening speech, Dr. Nguyen Truc Le said: "The event provides a forum for experts, scholars and policymakers from the United States and Vietnam to exchange ideas and practical experiences about education and economic relations of the two countries. The discussion can be considered an important step in promoting entrepreneurship and creating a dynamic environment, an international connection and diffusion mechanism for new startup ideas of students from the two schools in particular and of students of the two countries in general.”

Mr. Douglas Balko - Director of the Office of Economic Growth and Governance, USAID said: "The discussion brings leading experts, scholars and policymakers on modern higher education trends in the context of modern higher education, digital transformation, aiming to increase exchange and promote Vietnam-US cooperation for innovation and sustainable development of higher education in Vietnam. In particular, this is also an opportunity to connect education institutes between Hanoi and Houston.”

Mr. Mazda Denon, Director of Global Trade, Office of Trade and International Relations of the City of Houston Mayor, said: "Houston's economy is very diverse. There are many different sectors that contribute to the city's economy; such as oil and gas, manufacturing, financial services, retail trade... therefore, there are also many job opportunities in Houston for those who want to study and settle here. In particular, we are very proud that this is a city that has attracted many Vietnamese students to experience studying and living recently. Hopefully, Ms. Jessica Ngo's presentation will help you better understand digital transformation and green transformation models in the Houston, US."

During the discussion, the main topics were presented included: Sustainable higher education models and policies; internationalization in higher education; creating a environment between businesses and higher education institutions; and promoting international coordination models in supporting and incubating startups and innovation. Presentations by Mr. Frank Kelley, Deputy Head of Undergraduate Business Programs (C.T. Bauer School of Business), Mr. Nikhil Celly - Assistant Dean for Global Initiatives Programs, School of Business C.T. Bauer, University of Houston, USA, Ms. Jessica Ngo, Head of Protocol (Department of Commerce and International Relations, Office of the Mayor, Houston City), Dr. Nguyen Thuy Anh - Faculty of Political Economy and many other speakers with useful and updated topics brought insight and valuable information about a sustainable educational environment, adapting to societal transformations with useful solutions and practices.

At the roundtable discussion, speakers and policymakers discussed "Relationships of education, culture, energy and economy between Vietnam and Houston/USA". According to the speakers, in the 21st century, the mission of leading universities is to equip students with the mindset, skills, and tools to integrate into a rapidly developing world. In addition to student exchange, universities also need to focus on investing in joint research projects, organizing international conferences, and building economic management programs in the field of energy transition; providing well-trained management personnel for corporations and businesses; cooperate in startup programs and establish lecturer exchange programs.

At the end of the discussion, Dr. Nguyen Anh Thu thanked the speakers for attending and gave many useful sharings for the two universities in particular and education in particular in an economy moving towards digital and green transformation. In addition, the discussion is also an opportunity for the two sides to share knowledge and experience in supporting startup activities, managing innovation, creativity and developing technology applications in higher education, methods and solutions that the city government of Houston implemented to create favorable conditions for universities and students to expand opportunities to study, practice, and find jobs that meet the high, modern standards of the international environment.