Recently, from August 19 to August 26, 2024, the second Singapore-Vietnam Youth Leaders Exchange Programme 2024 took place in both Singapore (August 19-22) and Vietnam (August 22-26) under the theme “Youth-led innovation for impact”. The program was co-organized by the Central Youth Union, the National Committee on Youth of Vietnam, and the National Youth Council of Singapore.
During this event, 15 young leaders from Vietnam and 15 young leaders from Singapore embarked on a learning, experience, and research journey to promote innovative activities in both countries. Among the 15 Vietnamese delegates, Eastern International University (EIU) proudly had one representative, Nguyen Minh Thanh, a K12 student majoring in Becamex Business School.
High-level delegation and 30 young leaders at the Opening Ceremony
During the visit to Singapore from August 19-22, Minh Thanh and the other young leaders had the opportunity to meet and engage in dialogue with Mr. David Chua, CEO of the National Youth Council (NYC) of Singapore, and Mr. Alvin Tan, Deputy Chairperson, and Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth & Trade and Industry. Additionally, the delegates participated in tours and a series of activities including dialogues, team-building exercises, and networking events at the Singapore Parliament House on the theme: “Building a fair shared future through youth leadership.” They also experienced learning sessions at Google Singapore and Vidacity, an innovation center for startups, businesses, and communities.
In Vietnam, the delegates continued their journey with a visit to the Central Youth Union headquarters to learn about the National Committee on Youth of Vietnam, the Central Youth Union of Ho Chi Minh City, and other youth organizations in Vietnam. The program continued with learning experiences about innovation in various fields at institutions such as Mobifone Corporation, Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, Foreign Trade University, Viettel Military Industry and Telecommunications Group, and VSIP Hai Phong Industrial Park.
Delegates’ study tour in Singapore
Reflecting on the trip, Nguyen Minh Thanh shared: “Summarizing the program, I personally felt the silent efforts of the people of Vietnam and Singapore in innovative work across most areas of their countries. As a young person, besides constantly striving to improve myself, I also pay attention to learning from the strengths and good practices of other countries to apply in the development of my homeland. For me, this trip was not only a valuable opportunity to expand my knowledge, enhance practical experiences, and connect with outstanding peers both domestically and internationally but also a chance to showcase the friendly and hospitable image of the Vietnamese people to the world, and to seek future collaboration opportunities with international friends. I sincerely thank the organizers and Eastern International University, Binh Duong Provincial Youth Union for considering and providing me with the opportunity to participate in this program.”
Nguyen Minh Thanh (EIU Student) Presented a Souvenir to Mr. David Chua – CEO of the National Youth Council of Singapore (NYC)
Singapore-Vietnam Youth Leaders Exchange Programme 2024 is not just an event for young people to meet, interact, and engage with leaders and experts in various fields and experience educational activities but also an important bridge for the youth of both countries to exchange, collaborate, and learn from each other. This helps propose ideas to enhance the role of youth in innovation and creativity and jointly create a bright future for both nations.
EIU is also a pioneer in innovation and has specific activities aimed at promoting this in its long-term development strategy. Therefore, EIU always supports and facilitates students’ participation in international programs to enhance their understanding and experiences in this field. Additionally, this is not only an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations between Singapore and Vietnam but also a chance for EIU students to promote the image of dynamic, creative students and to develop cooperative relationships with both domestic and international organizations in the future.
Nguyen Minh Thanh (EIU Student) took a commemorative photo with the Vietnamese delegation
Some images from the program: