Remarks from Panasonic Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology – VNU-HCM
Mr. Hisatomi Yoshiyuki, Senior Manager of the Air Conditioning Business and Marketing Department, Panasonic Air-Conditioning Vietnam, expressed his pride and hope that the HVAC Solutions Laboratory would provide students of the university with direct access to advanced equipment and mark a new step forward in the strategic partnership between Panasonic and educational institutions in Vietnam, especially with Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology – VNU-HCM.
Figure 1: Mr. Hisatomi Yoshiyuki, Senior Manager of the Air Conditioning Business and Marketing Department, Panasonic Air-Conditioning Vietnam, speaking at the event
Following that, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Quoc Chi, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology – VNU-HCM, extended his sincere thanks to Panasonic Vietnam for their valuable support and emphasized that the cooperation between enterprises and universities plays a crucial role in improving the quality of education and developing human resources that meet real-world demands.
Figure 2: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Quoc Chi, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology – VNU-HCM, speaking at the event
Official Signing and Handover of the HVAC Solutions Laboratory to the Department of Thermal and Refrigeration Engineering
After the speeches, Mr. Hisatomi Yoshiyuki, Senior Manager of the Air Conditioning Business and Marketing Department, Panasonic Air-Conditioning Vietnam, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Quoc Chi, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology – VNU-HCM, signed the handover agreement, officially marking the establishment of the HVAC Solutions Laboratory at the Department of Thermal and Refrigeration Engineering.
Figure 3: Mr. Hisatomi Yoshiyuki and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Quoc Chi signing the handover agreement
Figure 4: Mr. Hisatomi Yoshiyuki presenting flowers and the handover plaque to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Quoc Chi
Inauguration and Hands-on Experience at the HVAC Solutions Laboratory
Representatives from both sides and invited guests proceeded to Building B5, Department of Thermal and Refrigeration Engineering, to perform the ribbon-cutting ceremony, officially putting the HVAC Solutions Laboratory into operation.
Figure 5: Ribbon-cutting ceremony of the HVAC Solutions Laboratory
Figure 6: Representatives from Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology – VNU-HCM, Panasonic Air-Conditioning Vietnam, and students capturing memorable moments
Immediately after the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the HVAC Solutions Laboratory joyfully welcomed its first group of students. Under the guidance of representatives from Panasonic Air-Conditioning Vietnam, students had the opportunity to directly experience modern equipment and advanced technologies.
Figure 7: Students engaging with equipment at the laboratory
The laboratory is equipped with a range of advanced systems with high real-world applicability, including residential and commercial air conditioners, Multi-split systems, and central VRF systems with optimal energy-saving technologies. It also features a modern ventilation system ensuring air quality with advanced Nanoe™ X filtration technology, capable of removing fine dust and bacteria, along with a comprehensive air quality management system that monitors and optimizes indoor environments for both living and working spaces. All equipment is designed to meet the practical demands of the HVAC industry and uphold the highest standards of energy efficiency and environmental protection.
Phan Nguyen Gia Hy, a Thermal Engineering student from the Department of Thermal and Refrigeration Engineering, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology – VNU-HCM, expressed gratitude to Panasonic. Hy shared that with this laboratory, the quality of workforce in the field is expected to improve significantly, creating more opportunities for students to grow comprehensively—not only through theoretical knowledge from the curriculum but also through hands-on, practical experience directly applicable to real life.
Fresher Program Training Initiative
Alongside the handover ceremony, Panasonic also introduced a special initiative called the Fresher Program, tailored for final-year students majoring in Thermal and Refrigeration Engineering. This program is designed to provide a professional foundation, internship opportunities, and career guidance for young individuals aspiring to build a career at Panasonic.
Speaking about the program, Ms. Phan Thanh Nha Truc, Head of Training & Development, Panasonic Vietnam, provided a detailed overview of the program’s components, including technical skills, internship opportunities, and orientation courses. She emphasized that the Fresher Program not only offers a solid foundation for students entering the workforce but also opens long-term career development prospects in the HVAC field.
Figure 8: Ms. Phan Thanh Nha Truc, Head of Training & Development, Panasonic Vietnam, introducing the Fresher Program
Following this, Mr. Le Kieu Duong Khanh, Technical Specialist at Panasonic Air-Conditioning Vietnam, shared in-depth knowledge about modern air conditioning and ventilation technologies. His presentation helped students gain a clearer understanding of the operational principles and real-world applications of HVAC solutions, while also providing a comprehensive view of current technological trends in the industry.
Figure 9: Mr. Le Kieu Duong Khanh, Technical Specialist at Panasonic Air-Conditioning Vietnam, sharing new technologies and insights with students
Final Remarks
With the HVAC Solutions Laboratory, students in the Heat and Refrigeration Engineering major will have the opportunity to access the most modern and advanced technologies in the world. This is not only a place for technical practice but also an ideal learning environment for students to hone practical skills, test innovative solutions, and stay up-to-date with the latest technological trends. Moreover, the integration of theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice here will help students be well-prepared to meet the increasingly demanding requirements of the labor market and contribute to enhancing the quality of the HVAC workforce.
The establishment of the HVAC Solutions Laboratory not only marks a significant step forward in improving the quality of education at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology – VNU-HCM but also demonstrates the important role of collaboration between businesses and academia in promoting the sustainable development of the HVAC industry in Vietnam.
