British University Vietnam, Saigon Hi-Tech Park and the Investment and Trade Promotion Center of Ho Chi Minh City signed strategic cooperation agreement

Hanoi, 26th February 2025 – The areas of cooperation focus on establishing a high-tech skills training centre that meets international standards, playing a key role in the long-term development strategy of the city and the nation. This aims to develop a highly skilled workforce to meet the needs of both domestic and international businesses, while also promoting the advancement of science, technology, and national digital transformation. 

Recently, at the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, British University Vietnam (BUV), the Management Board of the Saigon Hi-Tech Park (SHTP), and the Investment and Trade Promotion Center of Ho Chi Minh City (ITPC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish a High-tech Skills Training Centre that meets international standards.  

The signing ceremony for the collaboration to establish a High-tech Skills Training Centre with international standards.

The signing ceremony was conducted by Professor Raymond Gordon – Vice-Chancellor and President, BUV; Mr. Nguyễn Kỳ Phùng – Head of the Saigon Hi-Tech Park Management Board; and Mrs. Cao Thị Phi Vân – Deputy Director of the Investment and Trade Promotion Center of Ho Chi Minh City, under the witness of Mr. Võ Văn Hoan – Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City; Mr. Will Lawrenson, UK’s Deputy Consul-General and Head of Trade and Investment for Ho Chi Minh City; and Professor Rick Bennett – Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice President, BUV. 

The Driving Force Behind High-Tech Economic Development  

Based on the multilateral strategic partnership, the key areas are specifically defined in the memorandum of understanding. 

Firstly, to establish and implement a High-Tech Skills Training Centre that meets international standards, addressing the urgent needs of both domestic and international labour markets, and thereby providing a high-quality workforce for advanced technology sectors. 

Secondly, to research and develop legal frameworks to support training activities and the awarding of international certifications, creating a solid foundation for training programmes of international value. 

Thirdly, to survey and assess the workforce needs of domestic and foreign-invested enterprises in Ho Chi Minh City and the southern region, ensuring that training programmes align with the real demands of the current labour market. 

Fourthly, to develop a sustainable operational strategy for the Centre, ensuring long-term effectiveness and stability in its operations. 

Fifthly, to design in-depth and practical training programmes that equip students not only with solid theoretical knowledge but also with practical skills, meeting the real-world requirements of the high-tech industry. 

Sixthly, to create opportunities for collaboration with sponsors, large enterprises, and investment funds, aiming to develop a sustainable and effective high-tech training ecosystem. 

Finally, to complete the overall proposal and submit it to the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City for approval, in order to officially launch the High-Tech Skills Training Centre in Ho Chi Minh City. 

As the economic “locomotive” of the country, Ho Chi Minh City aims for strong development in 2025, laying a solid foundation for the nation’s progress in the new era. Mr. Võ Văn Hoan, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, noted that this initiative marks a pivotal moment for both the city and the country, providing a solid foundation for the implementation of high-quality training programmes that meet the increasingly high demands of the labour market.  

Mr. Võ Văn Hoan, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City at the signing ceremony.  

He hopes that “investors, businesses, and educators will work together to solve the puzzle of high-tech economic development.“ 

Education Plays a Powerful Synergistic Role 

Speaking at the event, Professor Raymond Gordon – Vice-Chancellor and President, BUV, emphasised: “This cooperation is the solution to the challenge of developing a high-quality workforce. By combining BUV’s world-class education, the outstanding technological foundation of the Management Board of the Saigon Hi-Tech Park (SHTP), and the market insight of the Trade and Investment Promotion Centre of Ho Chi Minh City (ITPC), we will create a powerful synergy, contributing to enhancing Vietnam’s position in the global high-tech sector.” 

Professor Raymond Gordon – Vice-Chancellor and President, BUV gave a speech at the event.

Mrs. Cao Thị Phi Vân, Deputy Director of the Trade and Investment Promotion Centre of Ho Chi Minh City, affirmed: “The Centre aims to make Ho Chi Minh City a leading city in artificial intelligence (AI), and the high-tech training programme at British University Vietnam (BUV) is perfectly aligned with the development direction and trends of the new era.” 

In the context of Vietnam accelerating digital transformation and integrating into the high-tech economy, the demand for a high-quality workforce in fields such as semiconductor microchips and artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly urgent. Ho Chi Minh City, as the country’s leading technology hub, is attracting significant investment from international technology corporations, creating great opportunities for the development of advanced technology industries. 

Recognising the importance of the national long-term development strategy, the established cooperation project not only contributes to the implementation of Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW dated December 22, 2024, by the Politburo on breakthroughs in the development of science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation but also fosters the economic and social development of Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam. 

In particular, the ‘Human Resource Development Program for the Semiconductor Industry by 2030, with a Vision for 2050’ aims to train 50,000 university-level professionals for the semiconductor industry by 2030, requiring close collaboration between government agencies, educational institutions, and businesses. 

In line with the government’s strategic direction, BUV is intensifying its efforts to offer programmes in Computing and Innovative Technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advanced technology programmes accredited by the University of Stirling, which ranks in the top 5 in Scotland and top 20 in the UK for Information Systems and Computer Science. These programmes meet the demands of the domestic labour market while expanding global opportunities for students, equipping them with the knowledge and skills essential for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. 

Moreover, BUV fosters international exchange and strategic partnerships with nearly 50 prestigious institutions from 14 countries. Students gain internship opportunities with major companies, presenting innovative projects to potential employers, strengthening connections between businesses and emerging talent. Notably, BUV’s strategic partnership with the National Innovation Centre (NIC) focuses on developing the gaming and technology sectors, fostering knowledge exchange, collaborative research, and enhancing BUV’s role in NIC’s ecosystem, thereby opening up career opportunities and boosting students’ global competitiveness.