Written by Dang Vu, Communication Manager

Creating a group that includes the most successful and influential UK alumni in Vietnam is the latest initiative of the British Council Vietnam. The newly established Leaders' Group of the UK Alumni Association in Vietnam (UKAV) was recently launched at the Hilton Opera Hanoi.

The launching ceremony was joined by the alumni who currently hold senior posts at the National Assembly of Vietnam, Ministry of Industry and Trade, Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, the Government Office, the State Bank of Vietnam and many major businesses (both local and international). 

The British Council Vietnam's latest initiative aims at developing links between and recognising the contribution of the highly influential and distinguished UK alumni who contribute by fostering crucial relationships with policy makers in Vietnam. Members of the UKAV Leaders' Group will share their views on opportunities in strengthening the Vietnam – UK strategic partnership and support the ongoing development of the bilateral relationship through UKAV initiatives and events.

20 members of the Leaders' Group will be projected to such roles as policy advocates, advisors, consultants, speakers, strategists, enablers, facilitators, etc; however, further details regarding how the group will operate are yet to be agreed.

The British Ambassador to Vietnam Dr Antony Stokes said: ‘I am pleased to see many successful UK alumni at this launch ceremony, 9 from the country’s parliament and the government, 13 from big businesses and the media, 6 from different educational institutions. And 50 per cent of them are Chevening scholars.

‘I believe, as a group, these individuals will definitely contribute much more to the UK-Vietnam strategic partnership. Next year, together with the British Business Group Vietnam and the alumni’s alma maters, we will launch the awards for members of the UKAV Leaders’ Group to mark the 40th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the UK.’

Founded in 2001, UKAV currently has a membership of over 1,500; all of which are Vietnamese nationals who have studied in the UK for at least three months on either scholarship or privately funded programmes. Members of the alumni group have been actively involved in diverse activities to create networking and professional opportunities in a wide range of areas, including culture, education, business, science and technology..

For more information, please contact huyen.tranthanh@britishcouncil.org.vn.