Ho Chi Minh University of Banking (HUB) cooperated with Griffith University (Australia) to organize the New Colombo Plan (NCP)

From October 20th to November 21st 2022, Saigon International School of Business (SaigonISB) – Ho Chi Minh University of Banking cooperated with Griffith University (Australia) to organize the New Colombo Plan (NCP) funded by the Australian Government for the implementation of study and research programs, field trips, cultural exchanges in Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Thap and Hanoi. Within the framework of the project, a delegation of 11 students and 02 lecturers from Griffith University went to Vietnam and Thailand to conduct the research project “Invaluable Water – The economic story of water and people in the Lower Mekong”. Participating in the project, there are also 13 students from Ho Chi Minh University of Banking who were selected from standard, high quality and international programs.

*HUB students welcomed Griffith delegation at Tan Son Nhat airport*

Vietnamese culture Workshop

On October 21st 2022, New Colombo Plan started off with a workshop with the theme “Vietnamese Culture” which took place in a solemn and joyful atmosphere with the participation of Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Duc Trung – Acting Rector of Ho Chi Minh University of Banking, Associate Professor Dr. Ha Thi Thieu Dao – Vice Rector of Ho Chi Minh University of Banking, Ms. Luong Thi Thu Thuy – Vice Dean of Saigon International School of Business (SaigonISB), Mr. Le Trung Nhan – Vice Dean of Saigon International School of Business (SaigonISB), together with teachers and students of Ho Chi Minh University of Banking (HUB) sent a warm greeting to Griffith University. The presentation on Vietnamese Culture from HUB students participating in the project not only provided valuable knowledge, but also contributed to creating a vibrant and warm atmosphere, connecting students between the two universities. The workshop took place successfully, marking a good start for the upcoming series of activities in the project.

*HUB students sent warm greetings to Griffith University*

*HUB students shared about Vietnamese culture*

*The first workshop completed successfully which also opened a series of amazing activities within the framework of the New Colombo Plan*

Visiting Ho Chi Minh City Television (HTV)

On the afternoon of October 21st, the NCP students group also had a field trip at Ho Chi Minh City Television (HTV). The students had the opportunity to visit film studios from small to large scale, departments such as the kids department, editorial board, TFS studio,… Besides, the students also had the opportunity to ask questions about TV program production, filming, post-production,…

Mekong River water resources workshop

Throughout the program, students also participated in a series of in-depth workshops on relevant topics on the current situation of water resources in the Lower Mekong region, especially in the West of Vietnam. Students were provided with important information about the use, storage and protection policies of water resources in Vietnam. Experts answered questions directly so that students could have a deeper understanding of the current situations and issues happening in the Mekong River region. This was a foundation for them to complete their research.

*Experts explained the situation of water reserve and use in the western provinces of Vietnam*

*NCP students listened attentively and had lively discussions at the workshops*

Visiting State Bank of Vietnam

In the morning of October 25th, the NCP student delegation had the opportunity to visit and learn about the history, organization, operation and operating system of the State Bank of Vietnam through thoughtful and enthusiastic introductions from representatives of departments of the State Bank in Ho Chi Minh City. Besides, questions about the banking industry of the students were also answered enthusiastically by the representatives, thereby helping them to have a more comprehensive and clear view of the role of the State Bank in Vietnam’s economy in the current time.

*HUB students and Griffith delegation visited the State Bank of Vietnam*

*Took photos capturing the precious moment at the State Bank of Vietnam*

Visiting Dong Thap Water Supply & Urban Environment Joint Stock Company

On October 26th, the NCP group moved to Dong Thap to visit and survey the lower Mekong region. At the beginning of the series of activities, the NCP student delegation had the opportunity to visit Dong Thap Water Supply & Urban Environment Joint Stock Company (DOWASEN), and was provided with information to better understand the water resources in Dong Thap as well as water treatment and supply process at the company.

*Visiting and surveying the water resources of the Mekong River basin at DOWASEN*

Exploring Sa Dec flower village

On October 27th, the delegation of students visited Sa Dec Flower Village – the flower capital of the Mekong Delta. The students had the opportunity to experience the tram ride around the flower village area, listen to introductions, admire the breathtaking scenery with thousands of flowers blooming, and have the opportunity to experience rowing a canoe along small canals, picking lotus flowers…

*The excitement when NCP students first experienced “boating in the rain”*

*A lovely moment of NCP students under the rain*

Meeting Dong Thap University

*A warm meeting with students of Dong Thap University*

On October 28th, the NCP delegation had the opportunity to meet and interact with students of Dong Thap University. The delegation received a very warm welcome from the School Board as well as all students of Dong Thap University. After being introduced and acquainted at the Hall, the NCP delegation was guided to visit and participate in interesting folk games prepared by Dong Thap University. The meeting not only shared knowledge, brought students closer together, but also tightened the relationship between Ho Chi Minh University of Banking, Dong Thap University, and Griffith University.

*Gift-giving between Dong Thap University, Ho Chi Minh University of Banking and Griffith University*

Field trip at Tram Chim National Park

On October 29th, the delegation was allowed to visit Tram Chim National Park – Dong Thap. Here, students could listen to explanations about creatures and water sources, and experience sitting on dugout canoe trying to creep along the green canals, watching and enjoying birds flying in search of prey. The NCP group also had the chance to understand about the beauty of the water source, which connects nature and people in the Mekong River.

Visiting Cai Rang floating market

After finishing the journey in Dong Thap, on October 30th, the group travelled to Can Tho Province, visited the Cai Rang Floating Market – a uniqueness of Mekong Delta thereby understanding more about the history, geographical location, the importance of the floating market to the locals, and the way they take advantage of the water in their daily life. Then, the delegation stopped at the Can Tho noodle factory, where the students observed every production stage, participated in the noodle-making process and enjoyed their final products.

Participating in conference: Vietnam Symposium in International Business 2022

Returning to Ho Chi Minh City, from October 31st to January 11, the delegation of NCP students participated in an international conference held at the thematic HUB “Vietnam Symposium in International Business – VSIB 2022”. The conference brought an opportunity for Vietnamese and international students to learn, exchange information and discuss many areas related to international trade policies, the impact of globalization, the economic experience of countries in terms of different levels of development and the interaction of different countries and different institutions in the global context. Through the conference, students all had a better knowledge of the global value chain and potentials for Vietnam in the future.

*The successful conference provided in-depth knowledge for NCP students*

*Students participated in asking questions to the Professors*

Visiting Saigon clean water business and investment joint stock company

In the morning of November 3rd, the NCP group had the opportunity to visit and understand more about the process of exploiting, cleaning and supplying water at Saigon clean water business and investment joint stock company (SWIC).

*Hearing introduction about Thu Duc III Water Treatment Plant*

*The delegation visited the water treatment process at the factory*

*Ms Luong Thi Thu Thuy – Vice Dean of SaigonISB presented souvenirs to the representative of SWIC*

*Taking photos at Thu Duc III Water Treatment Plant*

After more than 2 weeks of participation, HUB students not only brought back valuable knowledge about the importance of water resources and its connection with economics in the Mekong River basin, but also accumulated many valuable experiences such as teamwork skills in a multicultural environment, exchange and integration, communication skills, English skills, public presentations. It is expected that the results of research cooperation between lecturers and students of Griffith University (Australia) and Ho Chi Minh University of Banking (Vietnam) will be published in Australia. In addition, the project is a valuable opportunity for HUB students to expand their circle of friends, gain more knowledge about another country’s culture, and especially introduce their culture to foreigners. Thereby, the project tightens the cooperation relationship between Ho Chi Minh University of Banking and Griffith University, and promises to bring more useful and interesting international cooperation projects to HUB students in the future.

An emotional farewell party before Griffith’s delegation moved from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi capital