C-Suite Leaders of Top Corporations Join BUV’s Visiting Professors of Practice Initiative

Inaugurated with a celebratory dinner at the British Ambassador’s residence, the initiative brings together Chairpersons, CEOs and Managing Partners from renowned worldwide corporations to inspire and mentor students, equipping them with the practical skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a global economy. 

In an era where education must evolve to meet the dynamic demands of a global economy, the need for closer collaboration between academia and industry has never been greater. Echoing the philosophy of Purpose-based Impact Learning approach, British University Vietnam (BUV) has launched the Visiting Professors of Practice (VPP) initiative, a groundbreaking programme that brings together top executives and industry leaders to foster world-class teaching and degree programmes while equipping students with practical skills valued by employers.  

A Partnership for Education and Growth 

The first 13 members of the VPP initiative are all high-level leaders at leading global corporations and their companies, representing a diverse range of industries both in Vietnam and globally. These distinguished professionals include Chairpersons, CEOs, and Managing Partners who have made significant contributions to vital sectors such as finance, healthcare, technology, consumer goods, etc. Notable companies represented by the esteemed group of include KPMG Vietnam, Standard Chartered Bank, AstraZeneca Vietnam, and many more. Among these distinguished leaders are the CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Vietnam, the CEO & Managing Partner of Grant Thornton Vietnam, the Chairman of Le Invest (Holdings) Corporation, the Chairman & CEO of Thien Minh Group (TMG), and the Chairman & General Director of AstraZeneca Vietnam. Additionally, the group features the Chairman of Jardine Matheson Group Vietnam, the CEO of Airbus Vietnam, the Chairman of Stavian Group, the Chairman of Vietnam Cyberspace Securities Technology, the CEO of Vietcetera, the CEO of FiinGroup, the CEO of Mazars Vietnam, and the Chairman & CEO of KPMG Vietnam & Cambodia. 

The VPPs will play a pivotal role in this mission through various activities such as giving guest lectures, seminars, group mentoring sessions, and offering opportunities for students to engage directly with their organizations—both as a way to develop talent and to showcase their operations. 

Top executives from leading corporations gather at the British Ambassador’s residence to join BUV’s VPP initiative to inspire the next generation of leaders 

The establishment of the Visiting Professors of Practice (VPP) initiative contributes to enhancing the practical and industry-relevant quality of education at BUV, reinforcing the university’s role as a leader in international education in Vietnam. This initiative reflects the trust and support of the UK government in BUV’s mission to set new standards for excellence and development as the UK’s Higher Education Hub. Through the integration of real-world expertise and unique industry insights into the curriculum, the VPPs will prepare students to navigate and excel in the complexities of a competitive global economy. Their active involvement ensures that students gain not only theoretical knowledge but also critical thinking abilities, practical skills, and industry awareness—key attributes highly valued by employers.  

Highlighting the significance of the initiative, Mr. Iain Frew, His Majesty’s Ambassador to Vietnam, emphasized its potential to inspire and prepare the next generation while strengthening global connections. “This initiative unites some of the most creative and distinguished minds from across Vietnam’s economy and society. The VPPs’ contributions will inspire and guide the next generation of students, equipping them for a bright future and fostering stronger connections between Vietnam, the UK, and the global community,” he shared. 

His Majesty’s Ambassador to Vietnam and C-suits leaders discuss the strategic partnership strengthening UK-Vietnam educational ties. 

At the British Ambassador’s residence, the launch of the VPP initiative provided not only an opportunity to celebrate these exceptional leaders but also a platform to discuss their pivotal roles in strengthening educational ties between Vietnam and the UK. Key discussions revolved around the bilateral benefits of the initiative, opportunities for collaboration, and ways these professionals could contribute to BUV’s mission of delivering a world-class educational experience. 

Professor Dr. Raymond Gordon, BUV Vice-Chancellor and President, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative: “BUV is delighted to welcome such an esteemed group of business leaders to be our inaugural Visiting Professors of Practice. BUV’s mission is to bring knowledge, learning, and skills to our students and alumni that make them the best. The addition of these business leaders from Vietnam will add to the world-class theory and learning with practical insight and experience to enable students to think more creatively as well as be more successful.” 

A Commitment to Excellence 

Mr. Le Quoc Vinh, Chairman & CEO of Le Group of Companies, shared his enthusiasm for contributing to education and engaging with the younger generation: “One of my passions is to share my knowledge and experience with the younger generation. Becoming a visiting professor of practice at BUV is an opportunity for me to do that with students of one of the leading international universities in Vietnam. Although I don’t think there will be too many such opportunities, I will try to cherish every hour with things which I believe are valuable to students, or issues that I want to discuss and learn from the young people as well.” 

The Visiting Professors of Practice (VPP) initiative is a transformative step in bridging academia and industry, ensuring that students are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and insights needed to excel in a globalized world. By leveraging the expertise of distinguished leaders from top corporations, BUV reaffirms its commitment to delivering world-class education that aligns with real-world demands. This collaboration not only prepares students for future success but also strengthens Vietnam’s position as the UK’s Higher Education Hub, fostering innovation and growth for generations to come.