On August 5, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City (USSH-VNUHCM), held a working session with the YDC Youth Ambassadors Delegation from Hong Kong, China. The session opened up promising prospects for practical cooperation in youth affairs, corporate internships, and innovation.
Representing the YDC delegation were Mr. Clarence Leung, Deputy Director of the Hong Kong Home and Youth Affairs Bureau, accompanied by the Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore; Member of the Youth Development Commission; the Principal Executive Officer (Youth Work) and the Senior Executive Officer (Youth Ambassador Programme) of the Hong Kong Home and Youth Affairs Bureau; the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore; and representatives of Sunwah Group (Vietnam).
Representing USSH-VNUHCM were Dr. Phan Thanh Dinh, Vice President; the leadership of the Division of External Relations and Research Management; representatives of the leadership of the Division of Student Affairs; the Deputy Deans of the Faculty of Vietnamese Studies and the Faculty of Chinese Language and Literature and lecturers.
Speaking at the session, Dr. Phan Thanh Dinh said, “Amid the boom of the digital era and industrialization, human life is changing profoundly. The fast-paced lifestyle makes many people feel behind or lose direction, so building a positive lifestyle has become a core foundation not only for the University’s development but also for the future of the city and the country.” With this goal in mind, the University hopes to promote practical cooperation programs, including international youth exchange programs, startup support and workspace programs, and life orientation and positive lifestyle programs.
Dr. Phan Thanh Dinh expressing his honor at welcoming the Hong Kong Youth Ambassadors delegation. Photo: HANH NGUYEN
In response, Mr. Clarence Leung said the Hong Kong government attaches special importance to youth development and selects outstanding ambassadors each year to take part in a series of domestic and overseas activities. This trip, with 19 youth delegates, is an important opportunity for young people from Hong Kong to experience HCMC’s dynamic economic and cultural environment. He also expressed hope that Vietnamese youths can visit Hong Kong, and welcomed Vietnamese students to pursue master and doctorate degrees at Hong Kong universities.
Mr. Clarence Leung emphasizes that youth exchanges help young people connect across cultures and open up opportunities for future cooperation. Photo: HANH NGUYEN
M.A. Tran Nam, Head of the Division of Student Affairs, proposed solutions for receiving Hong Kong students for short-term internships in HCMC. The University will help connect students with real work at Vietnamese enterprises as well as Hong Kong and Chinese enterprises in the city. He hoped that students could collaborate on startup projects in HCMC, particularly in fields related to technology, business, markets, and e-commerce.
M.A. Tran Nam stated that USSH-VNUHCM is also receiving many Australian students for internships in HCMC. Photo: HANH NGUYEN
Dr. Nguyen Huynh Lam, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Vietnamese Studies, sharing his experience of teaching Vietnamese to Hong Kong learners. Photo: HANH NGUYEN
M.A. Nguyen Minh Thuy, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Chinese Language and Literature, said the faculty currently has 20 lecturers and about 1,200 students in bachelor’s and master’s programs. Besides coursework and prominent extracurricular activities such as the recent “Chinese Bridge” summer camp in Shanghai, the faculty hopes to expand exchange opportunities with Chinese youths, especially those from Hong Kong.
M.A. Nguyen Minh Thuy said the Faculty of Chinese Language and Literature will celebrate its 30th anniversary next year. Photo: HANH NGUYEN
Continuing the discussion, Dr. Nguyen Hoang Yen, lecturer in the Chinese Studies Group, Faculty of Oriental Studies, said the faculty has previously held exchange activities with Hong Kong universities, such as co-organizing seminars and conferences or sending lecturers to professional events. USSH-VNUHCM has had exchanges with the University of Hong Kong (HKU), the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), and the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK).
Dr. Nguyen Hoang Yen expresses hope for more cooperation in the future. Photo: HANH NGUYEN
During the discussion, both parties proposed a range of comprehensive cooperation options, focusing on promoting joint activities in the near future. The session served as a bridge connecting the youth of HCMC and Hong Kong. Through internship programs and joint projects, students gain opportunities to hone practical skills and broaden their international outlook, while also significantly strengthening their competitive edge in the global labor market.
In parallel with the working session, USSH-VNUHCM also organized a Cultural Exchange Program between its students and the YDC Young Ambassadors Delegation from Hong Kong. The event marked an important milestone in the cooperation between the two institutions, reflecting a deep commitment to strengthening international friendship and promoting global understanding. During the exchange, Dr. Nguyen Hoang Phuong, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Vietnamese Studies, shared about the Vietnamese language and culture with the YDC delegates.
Some photos from the event:
