Nhan spoke at a meeting with officials from Vietnam National University- HCM City (VNU-HCMC) last Saturday.

Nhan praised the progress of the university in recent years, but encouraged the educators to create more linkages with international universities.

He also urged the schools to use advanced education technology to prepare students for the modern workplace.

During a working session with local educators, the Deputy PM assigned the Ministry of Education and Training and the Ministry of Science and Technology to work with the National University in HCM City to complete a report on the development of university research centres by April 15.

The ministries, together with VNU-HCMC, which comprises six colleges, plan to organise a conference in May on investment in two State-funded universities.

Seventeen years after its establishment, the university has 33 subordinate agencies, including six colleges and a research institute.

Half of the 5,343 staff are lecturers. At least 831 lecturers have a Ph.D degree and 1,500 have a master's degree. Total enrolment is 50,000 students.

Phan Thanh Binh, director of the State-run university system in HCM City, said by 2020 the schools would produce high-quality human resources that could support the country's development.