Lord Mayor of City of London: “BUV Stands at Core of UK-Vietnam Educational Partnerships”

The Lord Mayor of the City of London’s visit to BUV underscored the UK government’s dedication to supporting the operations of British international universities in Vietnam. It reinforced the strong educational partnership between the two nations while highlighting BUV’s unwavering commitment to providing authentic British education through its continuously expanding 5-star facilities. 

On September 19, 2024, BUV proudly hosted the Lord Mayor of the City of London, Alderman Professor Michael Mainelli, at its campus. This visit was part of his four-day business trip to Vietnam to set out the UK’s support for Vietnam’s ambition to develop a new international financial centre (IFC). It was also the Lord Mayor of the City of London’s first official visit to the country in a decade. 

The delegation, led by Alderman Professor Michael Mainelli—the Lord Mayor of the City of London and Rector of the City—the University of London, and British Embassy Hanoi representatives— welcomed by Rick Bennett – Deputy Vice Chancellor and Vice President of BUV for an immersive campus tour and engage with BUV’s leadership, faculty, students, gaining a closer look at the university’s academic offerings and vibrant learning environment. 

The Lord Mayor of the City of London, Alderman Professor Michael Mainelli (third place from the right) visiting BUV, hosted by Professor Rick Bennett – Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice President of BUV (second place from the right) 

Specifically, during his productive visit, the Lord Mayor of the City of London delved into the key facets of BUV, including its academic approach, British-style education, and modern facilities. He also interacted with students to understand their experiences, all within the university’s framework aimed at educational excellence. 

Alderman Professor Michael Mainelli interacting with students in the Finance and Computer Games Design & Programming programmes. The students shared their outstanding projects and discussed market trends with the Lord Mayor, gaining insights into global financial systems and the gaming industry’s growing influence on the economy. 

Directly engaging with students in a practice session of the International Hospitality Management programme, where classes often explore the rich culinary traditions of different cultures around the world, The Lord Mayor joined them in making traditional Vietnamese spring rolls. He was impressed by the vibrant flavours of Vietnamese cuisine and remarked on how food, much like education, has the power to bring cultures together. 

Next, the Lord Mayor of the City of London visits the construction site of BUV’s Phase 2B expansion project. This phase, which can accommodate 5,000 students, is expected to be completed in early 2025. A sports complex and academic building with multifunctional classrooms and a large auditorium, designed to meet the needs of study, physical fitness, and relaxation for students, will be completed by 2025, featuring harmoniously arranged indoor and outdoor spaces, including landscaped gardens, walkways, and outdoor seating areas set amidst a pristine natural landscape.

During the interactive sessions with BUV’s outstanding students, the Lord Mayor of the City of London received numerous engaging questions from the students, covering topics such as his leadership philosophy, his perspective on diversity and its role within a university. He generously shared valuable insights and advice, drawing on his extensive experience as a politician, an educational leader, and a seasoned mentor, providing the students with thoughtful guidance and perspectives.

Answering the question about how the Lord Mayor of the City of London, as a representative of the people of London, effectively amplifies their voices and advocates for their interests, Alderman Professor Michael Mainelli shared his approach to inclusive leadership, emphasising the importance of open communication, active listening, and creating platforms for meaningful dialogue to ensure that every segment of the community feels represented.

He emphasised that pedagogy moves from the known to the unknown, which resonates with BUV’s core value of continuous learning and relearning, promoting an ongoing cycle of growth and adaptability in education.

Answering questions from an LGBTIQ+ student club member about promoting diversity at the university, he praised the student’s leadership and the university’s efforts in fostering inclusivity, highlighting the importance of such initiatives in creating a supportive, thriving community for all.

The Lord Mayor of the City of London meets intimately with BUV’s scholarship winners, hearing them share their aspirations and academic journeys. He offers them words of wisdom, emphasising the unique opportunities they have at BUV to gain a world-class education without having to leave their home country. 

To express their gratitude, BUV students surprised him with a thoughtful gift—a helmet adorned with the university’s logo, which is simple yet creative. This reflects the youth’s hospitality and appreciation for an influential international figure like the Lord Mayor. He then put it to use at once during a unique motorbike tour—Vietnam’s signature mode of transport—around the scenic Ecopark.

In conclusion of the visit, Alderman Professor Michael Mainelli remarked: “Education has always been a critical part of the UK-Vietnam relationship. Vietnam is one of the five countries prioritised by our government under our international education strategy. The UK has more transnational education partnerships than any other international partner in Vietnam, and BUV is almost core to that. This wonderful new model allows students to access UK education from home and make connections. It combines local, remote, and physical abroad, all needing support.”  

Professor Rick Bennett, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President of BUV, emphasised how the visit reflects the growing bond between British higher education and Vietnam’s academic development. “BUV is at the forefront of educational diplomacy between the UK and Vietnam. This visit by The Lord Mayor of the City of London validates our mission to deliver the highest standards of British education in Vietnam,” said Professor Rick Bennett. 

The Lord Mayor of the City of London’s visit affirmed the UK government’s commitment to the operations of a British international university in its partner country, Vietnam, reinforced the strong UK-Vietnam educational partnership and highlighted BUV’s commitment to delivering authentic British education within its ever-expanding 5-star facilities. His fruitful visit affirmed both the international standards of BUV and its world-class academic offerings. This visit not only showcased BUV’s continuous growth but also solidified its role as a key player in strengthening UK-Vietnam educational ties. With its authentic British curriculum and cutting-edge infrastructure, BUV remains at the forefront of world-class education in Vietnam, establishing itself as the premier choice for students seeking global opportunities close to home.