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Dear cherished friends of Fulbright University Vietnam,
For a quarter century, it has been the goal of transforming the human capital of Vietnam that informs our long-standing efforts to reimagine higher education in the country. For we believe an education in the liberal arts is key to a better future, and that the development of human resources is catalytic for advancing true social progress. During her visit to Fulbright University Vietnam on June 11, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy R. Sherman also emphasized the importance of youth empowerment to deliver solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges, translating our vision of sustainability into a reality. One of the five objectives in the Indo-Pacific strategy, of which Ms. Sherman reiterated the U.S. commitment to a strong and independent ASEAN, is to build collective capacity within and beyond the region.
Sharing the same commitment, the joint pledge between universities to promote our position as leaders in the 21st century was the central message that Fulbright University Vietnam had expounded on at the Teaching and Learning Summit in Hanoi. Hosted by VinUniversity with the participation of leading universities across Vietnam, the event aimed to propose strategic initiatives, plan long-term visions, and strengthen partnerships between institutions to transform the country’s higher education.
We believe that, for any significant progress to take root, such ties should also be deepened and extended to PreK-12 education. This month, Fulbright University Vietnam has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Wellspring International Bilingual School Hanoi. The agreement to advance cooperation between our two institutions will pave the way for across-the-board development programs, and increase access to liberal arts education for teachers, students and parents across Vietnam.
My dear friends,
One of the virtues of liberal arts that we consistently cultivate at Fulbright is that of lifelong learning. Where young people in their early 20s elect to pursue their first undergraduate degree, the university also attracts professionals, experts and officials from the public and private sectors who want to invest in knowledge and career development.
While the Fulbright School of Public Policy and Management (FSPPM) has emerged as one of the leading public policy institutions in the region and a trusted voice in contributing to national dialogues and forums, recently, the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Fulbright has successfully organized the Coca-Cola Leadership Program. Delivered by senior lecturers at Fulbright and distinguished guest speakers across fields, the program was an empowering training ground for young leaders at Coca-Cola Vietnam to acquire the tools and knowledge needed to impact meaningful change within their organization.
The collaborative spirit to transform the human capital of Vietnam is also evident in contributions made by generations of students, graduates and scholars to the university over the years. Starting from 2022, a group of FSPPM alumni will grant need-based financial aid packages of 50-100% tuition fees to admitted Master of Public Policy students working in not-for-profit organizations, social organizations and enterprises.
Their initiative is a fine example of the “pay it forward” tradition at Fulbright, fostering opportunities for the next generation of changemakers to emerge, and innovate. A gift to education is also a long-term investment in our young people and in turn, ensuring our own future and the future of Vietnam.
With the sincerest gratitude,
Dam Bich Thuy
President, Fulbright University Vietnam
