AsianScientist (May 4, 2011) – Vietnam is set to open a university in Ha Noi called The University of Science and Technology.
One of Asia’s fastest evolving middle income countries, Vietnam’s economy has grown on average seven percent between 1990 and 2010 while its poverty rates have dropped. This growth has created an acute need for skilled laborers which the current higher education system is struggling to meet.
Projected to initially enroll 5,000 students, the new University of Science and Technology will support research, technical innovation, and skills development. Along with its educational aims, the project will also train senior-level, managerial, and governance staff. There will also be new centers to develop relevant academic programs, research, and links to industry groups in the private sector. All of these aspects will provide an educational model that can be eventually replicated at local universities.
The university’s funding is currently set at US$190 million in loans from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), to be complemented by a €100 million loan from the Government of France spread over 10 years, and a US$23 million loan from the Government of Viet Nam.
“As the Vietnamese economy evolves, innovation and technical skills are expected to play an increasingly important role in driving growth and development and this new model university will support this by providing industry-relevant science and technology teaching and research,” said Norman LaRocque, ADB’s Senior Education Specialist for Southeast Asia.
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Source: Asian Development Bank.
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