June 14, 2018
Thank you so much President Thuy for that warm introduction.
Good afternoon. I would like to also recognize Director of Development Xuan Thanh and Chief Academic Officer Ryan Derby-Talbot.
As you know, FUV has been many years in the making, and the U.S. Government is committed to supporting this great endeavor and the upcoming inaugural undergraduate class.
FUV is the continuing evolution of the Fulbright Economic Teaching Program, which – in cooperation with Harvard University – has had more than two decades of success training over 2,000 of Vietnam’s leaders. We expect the future graduates from FUV will take Vietnamese higher education to the next level.
FUV represents the start of something new and vital to Vietnam’s future. Fulbright University Vietnam is the first U.S.-style University in Vietnam based on American higher-education traditions of academic independence, open inquiry, research, and critical analysis, but firmly grounded in Vietnam’s rich cultural traditions and heritage.
This new campus is just the start of a natural evolution in Vietnam, and the United States’ already strong education partnership, and the deepening of innovation in Vietnam’s education systems.
Societies need highly educated, experienced professionals to selflessly take up the mantle of leadership both in business and government. They also need institutions ready to train talented individuals. In that sense, FUV can contribute significantly to Vietnam’s future, with the United States as its proud partner.
The United States has been a part of the Fulbright Economic Teaching Program since 1994, and we are thrilled to continue the next chapter with Fulbright University Vietnam.
President Trump and Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc charted an agenda for United States and Vietnam relations, building on the positive momentum of the Comprehensive Partnership between our two countries. The leaders of our two countries set a wide range of comprehensive goals ranging from enhanced political, defense and security, education, people-to-people exchange, humanitarian, and war legacy issues.
Each of you here today will have a role in achieving these goals and shaping a prosperous future. We are so proud to be here with you today on this journey with Fulbright University Vietnam.
Thank you and good luck! Xin cảm ơn!
