On the 19th Jun, over 250 people attended the event titled 50 Years and Beyond: VN-UK Partnership in Innovation and Education at Middlesex University. Joining many professors, students and members of the community were Professor Sir Jonathan Van-Tam, H.E Ambassador Nguyen Hoang Long, University’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Nic Beech, VIS Chairman Professor Huan Nguyen and other esteemed guests. This event was to commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations as well as to highlight the importance of innovation and collaboration in education between the two countries.
Professor Huan Nguyen stated that the event aimed to put forward the achievements in Vietnam-UK education and explore opportunities for enhanced collaboration in higher education, research and innovation. The event also showcased Vietnam as a country promoting innovation in areas such as emerging technologies, climate change adaption, and sustainable development.
Speaking at the event, H.E. Ambassador Nguyen Hoang Long emphasised that education, science, technology, research and innovation remain the main goals of Vietnam-UK cooperation. He reiterated that the UK is Vietnam’s top strategic partner in higher education with many collaborative programs between the two countries’ higher institutions. In line with these remarks, Professor Nick Beech mentioned that Middlesex University also aims to foster innovative research and promote cultural diversity.
As a keynote speaker at the event, Professor Sir Jonathan Van-Tam provided an insightful lecture on his experience with leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. In his talk, he shared challenges and difficulties in navigating and advising the UK government in controlling the outbreak and the lessons learned from dealing with uncertainty and challenges. Professor Sir Jonathan Van-Tam emphasised the importance of communicating honestly to the public and mobilising effectively resources and expertise from across private sectors and governmental agencies.
The event concluded with an interactive panel discussion on the collaboration between Vietnam and the UK on education and innovation led by the VIS executive member Dr. Yen Tran. The panellists included Sir Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, H.E. Ambassador Nguyen Hoang Long, Deputy Vice-Chancelor of Middlesex University Professor Sean Wellington, and CEO of the Pagoda Project Jamie Bettles. Enhancing ties between Vietnam and the UK through equal collaboration in higher education and innovation was the clear message of the event.
Read more here (Vietnamese): https://baotintuc.vn/ban-tron-giao-duc/50-nam-quan-he-viet-nam-anh-tang-cuong-doi-moi-sang-tao-trong-hop-tac-giao-duc-20230620225704932.htm
Some photo highlights from the event:
Professor Nic Beech addressing the guests
Professor Huan Nguyen’s opening speech
Professor Sir Jonathan Van-Tam giving the keynote lecture on lessons of leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic
Panel discussion with Dr. Yen Tran
Professor Sir Jonathan Van-Tam was presented with a thoughtful gift by Professor Huan Nguyen, the Chair of VIS.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Professor Sir Jonathan Van-Tam provided exceptional leadership. As a token of appreciation, a VIS member presented him with a small gift: a boat named “Victory”. The boat represents the symbol of his efforts during this challenging time.
