Launch of new Danish Vietnamese Alumni Network

The second local alumni network of the Danida Alumni  Network is now a reality. The launch of the Denmark Vietnam Alumni Network took place on 13th June 2016. It follows the maiden local Danida Ghana Alumni Network.

Read also: First local Danida Alumni Network in Ghana

The Denmark Vietnam Alumni Network was officially launched by the Head of the Vietnam-Denmark Friendship association, Minister of National Resources and Environment Mr. Tran Hong Ha together with the Danish Ambassador to Vietnam Charlotte Laursen.

The advisory board members of the new network were introduced during the event.

Mrs. Vu Xuan Nguyet Hong,  ex-Vice President of CIEM, worked with Danida programmes for 15 years
Mrs. Tran Huong Giang, SNV, Inclusive Business Accelerator
Mr. Quach Kim Cuong, GTS International Consult, Director
Mr. Do Quang Thai, EU, Desk Officer

We have engaged with four very competent personalities to form an advisory board, and I feel comfortable that - together – we can create an interesting network, which the students consider worthwhile to join. I look forward to our cooperation, said Ambassador Charlotte Laursen while launching the Denmark Vietnam Alumni Network.

The role of the new advisory board is to lay down the direction and activities of the network. All four advisory board members are former Danida fellows.

Read also: Long lasting friendships and diplomacy goes hand in hand

Morten Pristed Councillor on Education and Health, Danish Embassy, Vietnam who is coordinating the Denmark Vietnam Alumni Network’s activities on behalf of the Danish Embassy also gave a speech.

Your life will never be the same, once your passport has been stamped, Priested said. He elaborated:

Traveling and particular studying in other countries opens ones mindset to new ways of doing things – and strengthens your love for the dearest values of your home country. I think both issues are very important and significant. Building on the valued experiences of Vietnamese students having tried Danish education, we hope and trust that we can further strengthen the relations between our two countries in the areas of academia, culture and business. 

The launch of the new Danish Vietnamese Alumni Network took place at the Danish Ambassadors’ residence in Hanoi conjunction with the announcement of the result of a photo and writing contest “Denmark in Your Eyes”. More than 50 students participated in the contest and the winner got a 2-weeks study trip to Denmark at Niels Brock in Copenhagen.