HSU Friendship Tournament 2026: International Collaboration in Sports Economics and Esports Development
On April 22, 2026, Hoa Sen University hosted the HSU Friendship Tournament, marking an important milestone in its efforts to expand international cooperation. The event gathered representatives from the Thai Ministry of Education, the Thailand E-Sports Federation (TESF), and the Vietnam Recreational and Electronic Sport Association (VIRESA), as well as student teams from universities across the country.
Within an open and collaborative environment, Esports acts as a bridge between knowledge, technology, and connection, opening new avenues for developing human resources in sports economics.
Broader Academic Cooperation and International Opportunities
On April 22, 2026, Hoa Sen University (HSU) hosted the HSU Friendship Tournament, marking a significant milestone in its international cooperation efforts and drawing participation teams from universities including Surawittayakarn School, RMIT Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City University of Finance, Van Hien University, and HSU.
As part of the program, the Thai esports student delegation experienced HSU’s learning environment and joined professional exchange sessions with faculty and students.
Building on these initial connections, multiple areas of cooperation have been identified, paving the way for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in the near future, focusing on the following:
- 2+2 Program: 2 years of study in Viet Nam and 2 years in Thailand;
- 3+1 Program: 3 years of study in Viet Nam and 1 year in Thailand;
- International Student Exchange Programs in Thailand; and,
- International Internship Opportunities and Scholarships for HSU Students.
These orientations play a key role in expanding learning spaces, allowing HSU students to experience an international environment and develop their competencies within the rapidly evolving digital sports industry.
Esports Tournament: Real-world experience and networking
The Arena of Valor friendly tournament stood out as the highlight of the HSU Friendship Tournament, featuring teams from Surawittayakarn School, Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics and Finance, Van Hien University, RMIT Vietnam, and HSU.
The matches were intense and professional, showcasing a positive competitive spirit and disciplined gameplay throughout. Beyond being an entertainment event, the tournament offers students hands-on experience in a real competitive environment, helping them develop tactical thinking, teamwork, and competitive spirit.
It also serves as a platform for teams to connect, broaden their networks, and gain exposure to international competition standards.
Shaping the Future Direction of the Sports Economics Program at HSU
The HSU Friendship Tournament marks a shift toward a model where education, technology, and sports are integrated into a unified ecosystem. Furthermore, Esports is no longer a supporting activity, but an essential part of training programs aligned with the growth of the creative industry and digital economy.
Following the event’s success, HSU is set to collaborate with VIRESA to organize the National Student Esports Tournament in October 2026. This next step aims to strengthen a professional competitive ecosystem and further enhance the role of esports within Viet Nam’s higher education landscape.
Through international connections and practical experiences, HSU continues to affirm a forward-looking training approach aligned with evolving trends, preparing learners with the confidence and capabilities to step into new fields.
