Singapore Management University opens office in HCMC

Singapore Management University (SMU) has chosen to open a representative office in Vietnam after Indonesia and Thailand as part of its vision to 2025.

SMU is one of the most prestigious universities in Asia, thanks to its groundbreaking and innovative approach to education. The establishment of the representative office in Ho Chi Minh City last Thursday is an important and timely step for SMU, demonstrating Vietnam's strategic position in the region and the world, SMU said in a release.

The move continues to strengthen Singapore's deep diplomatic relationship with Vietnam, said Singapore ambassador to Vietnam Jaya Ratnam at the opening ceremony of the office.

"Human resource development is a key pillar of Singapore and Vietnam's bilateral relationship. Vietnam has one of the best talent pools in Southeast Asia, both in terms of qualifications and enthusiasm to learn.

"Singapore enterprises quickly realized this strength, and Singapore remains one of the top countries investing in the Vietnamese industry. Singapore is proud to have assisted Vietnam in strengthening its tremendous talent pool," Ratman said.

The aim of the representative office in HCMC is to utilize SMU's resources and training programs while also developing a local connection network to promote new collaboration opportunities between SMU and local colleges.

The office will serve as a catalyst, supporting and coordinating SMU's efforts in Vietnam. It will also become a meeting destination for businesses, research institutes, colleges, and students interested in SMU's numerous training programs, said professor Lily Kong, president of SMU.

SMU is also collaborating with Vietnam National University, HCMC (VNU-HCMC), VinUni University (VinUniversity), and the University of Economics, HCMC (UEH). Vietnamese students can earn a variety of scholarships at SMU, including the Vingroup Young Talent Scholarship, the Sea Town Scholarship, the Ian R. Taylor Asia Scholarship, and the Mochtar Riady Scholarship.

"SMU has established long-term collaboration connections with several of Vietnam's prominent enterprises and organizations, including VinaCapital, Vingroup, and Indo-Trans Corporation. SMU's presence in HCMC will facilitate collaboration opportunities with partners in the education sector and domestic industries, thereby strengthening and developing human resources in Vietnam while also promoting the exchange of extensive knowledge and expertise," said Kong.

Vietnam is one of the world's fastest expanding nations, with excellent achievements in economic growth and market share. Furthermore, Vietnam has a significant competitive edge due to its young and active workforce, Kong explained about the reason to choose Vietnam.

"As Vietnam's commercial and financial capital, HCMC boasts a rapidly rising business ecosystem. We have identified potential prospects for SMU to contribute to the development of talent resources by collaborating closely with both the public and private sectors on manager and leader training and education," Kong added.

Vu Viet Anh, director of the representative office, will be in charge of office activities in HCMC, strengthening relationships with partners in Vietnam, and growing and connecting new cooperation collaborations.

"I hope to work with appropriate stakeholders to accomplish SMU's objective of developing the next generation of outstanding leaders who will drive change in the country,” said Anh.