13 March 2025 at 10:30 am
PM’s mission to Viet Nam marks significant progress in international education
ENZ was delighted to celebrate the rich and enduring education ties between New Zealand and Viet Nam as part of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's trade mission to Viet Nam.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s recent trade mission to Viet Nam saw significant education outcomes delivered, including boosting the number of available Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship awards, increasing the number of the New Zealand Schools Scholarships (NZSS) to 45 places and introducing 14 New Zealand Universities Awards (NZUA) for the first time, as well as the announcements of several new partnerships between Vietnam and New Zealand education providers.
Education New Zealand Chief Executive, Amanda Malu, joined five providers for the education component of the trade mission - The University of Auckland, Auckland University of Technology, Media Design School, Pacific International Hotel Management School, and Neurofrog (edtech company).
The New Zealand-Vietnam EduConnect at Foreign Trade University was a significant education event in Hanoi, where Amanda joined Prime Minister Luxon in witnessing the signing of cooperation arrangements between education institutions in New Zealand and Viet Nam.
The EduConnect event also recognised the contribution of alumni to the friendship between our countries, with the launch of the inaugural New Zealand Alumni Network in Viet Nam.
ENZ Regional Director, Ben Burrowes said it was a wonderful opportunity to underscore the importance of people-to-people links in strengthening bilateral relations.
“This comes at an auspicious time, as New Zealand and Viet Nam celebrate the 50th anniversary of our longstanding partnership,” he added.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon snaps some pictures with alumni at the New Zealand – Viet Nam EduConnect event.
AUT Vice-Chancellor Prof. Damon Salesa, Chair of Universities New Zealand's International Committee, represented Universities New Zealand to sign the Collaboration Arrangement with the Department of International Cooperation of the Vietnam Ministry of Education and Training.
The arrangement provides additional support to Project 89 scholars who wish to study in New Zealand. Project 89 is one of Viet Nam’s key initiatives to support its education sector, allowing local lecturers to pursue PhD study and postgraduate study overseas on fully-funded scholarships.
Following the success of education engagements during this trade mission, Amanda Malu, said New Zealand sees significant potential in strengthening education partnerships with Viet Nam.
“New Zealand will continue to expand the range of initiatives in Viet Nam across all levels of education, from schools to postgraduate study, to make it easier for Vietnamese students to engage in knowledge exchange, innovate and realise their dreams of studying abroad,”
“With Vietnam’s ambitious education and technology goals for 2045, our nation is well-positioned to support this journey,” she added.
