Launching Mekong Talent 100 Scholarship: Promoting Sustainable Development And High-Quality Education For The Mekong Delta

On the morning of July 19, 2024, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) officially announced the Mekong Talent 100 Scholarship, aiming to develop high-quality human resources for the Mekong Delta region. In addition to the UEH Board of Directors, the ceremony welcomed the representatives from Western Sydney University (WSU), Australia and FJCU University, Taiwan, along with press agencies.

International development and learning opportunities for young talents in the Mekong Delta

The Mekong Talent 100 Program was launched in 2022 with the mission of developing high-quality human resources for the Mekong Delta. Within the framework of the program, the Mekong Talent Scholarship creates conditions for students and trainees in terms of the access to high-quality education. The students are equipped with the necessary leadership skills and specialized knowledge, contributing to building a bright future for the region.

In this announcement, UEH introduces 25 full scholarships for Master's Programs, sponsored by FJCU and WSU. The scholarship program will run for 4 years, from 2025 to 2029.

Accordingly, FJCU will sponsor 22 scholarships for candidates of Master's programs in the fields of Physics, Chemistry, Food Science and Textiles. In addition to the existing scholarship policy of the Taiwanese Government and a living allowance of NTD 10,000/month (approximately VND 7.7 million), students will also receive Chancellor's Scholarships, involved in advanced Chinese classes and cultural activities. This full scholarship package allows students to easily integrate into the learning environment at FJCU University while experiencing studying and interning at the same time.

Meanwhile, WSU will sponsor 3 scholarships for candidates studying the Master of Business Administration with a value equivalent to 15,000 USD (approximately 380 million VND).

The Importance of Education and Technology in Sustainable Development

In his opening speech, Assoc.Prof.Dr. Tran Ha Minh Quan, Dean of ISB, stated that the Mekong Delta is a key economic region of Vietnam whereas it is facing many challenges listed as climate change and saltwater intrusion.

He emphasized that investment in education, research and technology is the key factor for sustainable development of this region. He also introduced the role of UEH - Vinh Long Campus in training high-quality human resources, scientific research, environmental protection, and promoting innovation.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Ha Minh Quan, Dean of ISB, delivering the opening speech at the ceremony.

Strong commitment from FJCU and WSU in supporting and collaborating with UEH

At the ceremony, Prof. Francis Yi-Chen Lan, President of FJCU, demonstrated his commitment to developing higher education and promoting international cooperation. He stated that FJCU will support students through full scholarships and international cooperation programs. He believes that these efforts will contribute to the increasingly strong cooperative relationship between FJCU and UEH. In addition, Prof. Francis Yi-Chen Lan also encouraged students to take advantage of this opportunity to have rich educational experiences.

Prof. Francis Yi-Chen Lan, President of FJCU, showing his commitment to developing higher education and promoting international cooperation

Meanwhile, Dr Douglas Foster, Provost, Western Sydney University, Vietnam Campus, highlighted the role of education in arising innovation and promoting sustainable development. He expressed his belief that the scholarships from WSU would support learners in the Mekong Delta to achieve their educational and career goals, whether in Vietnam or Australia. They will be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to create a positive impact on the community.

UEH internationalization strategy and implementation of the ASEAN Hub model

Commenting these strategies, Prof. Dr. Su Dinh Thanh, Director of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, clarified UEH's goals in internationalization and implementing the ASEAN Hub model. He stated that UEH was gradually expanding its high-quality human resources and establishing strategic cooperation with many educational partners.

The Mekong Talent 100 Scholarship is part of the roadmap to implement this strategy. Through the scholarship, UEH will attract young talents to study and develop their careers, contributing to providing high-quality labor resources for the locality.

In addition, he introduced UEH's bold strategy of becoming an ASEAN Hub, a center of exchange and learning for countries in the region.

Conclusion

The Mekong Talent 100 Scholarship announcement ceremony is not only an important step in developing high-quality human resources for the Mekong Delta but also demonstrates the strong commitment of UEH and international educational partners. Investing in education and talent development is the foundation for sustainable development in the region and Vietnam in the future.

Additional photos regarding the ceremony: