The Fulbright School of Public Policy and Management (FSPPM) hosted a commencement ceremony for graduates from the Master in Public Policy 2017-2019 (MPP19) Program – the first graduate cohort from Fulbright University Vietnam since its foundation in 2017.
Dean Vu Thanh Tu Anh, Fulbright School of Public Policy and Management, shared in his commencement speech that the MPP19 cohort entered the school during an important transition, acting as a bridge between the traditions of Fulbright Economics Teaching Program and the Fulbright School of Public Policy and Management.
During the past two years, the Fulbright School has pushed forward comprehensive and profound changes from obtaining international accreditation NASPAA, launching and working on new concentrations (Leadership & Management and International Business Laws) and proactively engaging in policy research and consulting activities for Tay Ninh, Ha Giang, Thai Nguyen, An Giang and HCMC.
Internationally recognized degrees
Dr. Tu Anh noted, “One remarkable milestone heralding a new era in the school’s development was on 26th July, when the MPP program of the FSPPM – the first public policy school in Southeast Asian – was accredited by NASPAA (Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration) for outstanding public policy education.
The school has successfully charted its presence on the global map of leading public policy institutions. This achievement is made possible by enormous efforts of generations of school leaders, employees, students and continued support of valuable partners over the last quarter century.”
Mr. Timothy Liston, Acting General Consul, U.S. Consulate at HCMC, emphasized Fulbright’s Master in Public Policy program is built upon the traditions and heritage of Fulbright Economics Teaching Program in partnership with Harvard University. The program has successfully trained over 2000 leaders for Vietnam in the last two decades.
Enphasizing that Fulbright’s education is centered around public service, respect and inclusiveness, Dr. Ryan Derby-Talbot, Chief Academic Officer of Fulbright University Vietnam stated that besides the intellectural power, Fulbright education strives to offer students direction, a compass, and set of guiding stars to help learners explore and develop individual talents, adapt to uncertain future environment, raise new questions, and generate new answers.
He expects graduates to use knowledge obtained at Fulbright as a solid platform for lifelong learning, further career development, and public service.
Dream big and reach high
Traditionally, one keynote speaker is invited to the Fulbright School of Public Policy and Management’s commencement. This year’s speaker was Mr. Bui Quang Vinh, a member of the advisory team to the Prime Minister, and Former Minister of Planning and Investment.
Mr. Vinh delivered an inspirational speech on economic reforms and innovation in Vietnam during the past three decades and described the current status, and existing barriers hampering the growth breakthroughs of the domestic economy in the next era.
He analyzed general opportunities and challenges confronting policy makers and public administrators, “You will also face challenges, that would include different and diverse thinking and perception about scope, content, and point of view of reform, as well as causes of barriers. You will face resistance, grounded by privileges created by the existing institutions to some people in the bureaucracy. There will be challenges that you will find hard to overcome, that would include speaking out your stand let alone realizing it.”
He advised Fulbright graduates, “Never give in nor be complacent; do your best to improve the situation; don’t let this hard reality bury your aspiration”.
Graduates Nguyen Thi To Nga and Nguyen Hoang Minh Tan, on behalf of MPP19, expressed their gratitude to lecturers and the valuable learning experiences at Fulbright. They highly appreciated the excellent lectures from leading experts in Vietnam policy community and the outstanding training programs integrating global knowledge with local insights for practicality and modernity.
“We discuss public policy issues, explore research methodology, understand macro and micro economics, learn from teachers and friends’ knowledge, and their dedication for public service.”
“On behalf of MPP19 cohort, we’d like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our beloved teachers who disseminated their knowledge, passion and inspiration for us to dream big, and live with great aspirations and expectations.”
‘Thank you’ are diplomatic words but the educational values we received from the program are real. In the future, our successes and achievements certainly reflect the Fulbright’s imprint. With this commencement, we embark on a new journey and with the knowledge we gained from the Fulbright School of Public Policy Management, we are capable of contributing and benefiting our community and society.”
