Singapore is an island state with a dynamic, modern economy and diverse cultures and languages. Currently, Singapore is an ideal education destination for hundreds of thousands of students all over the world, including Vietnam. The harmonious combination of Asian and European education systems makes Singapore a training cradle in Asia, and many international universities have established their presence in Singapore.
Educational and cultural relations between Vietnam and Singapore have been increasingly strengthened and expanded. Each year, Singapore provides Vietnam with 150 - 200 long-term and short-term scholarships for English language study and other subjects in the framework of bilateral ties and ASEAN with third countries.
After signing the Agreement on Vietnam - Singapore Connectivity in 2005, the Government of Singapore raised result-based scholarships for Vietnamese schoolchildren to 25 a year. In addition, it annually grants 15 college scholarships. Many forms of cooperation have been implemented, including school-twinning programmes, academic scholarships, language training, student summer camp, exchange of teachers and students, workshops, etc.
Globally, Singapore is always rated a top place for learning in the world. In 2010, it welcomed more than 94,000 students from 120 countries around the world. It has developed many cooperative programmes with Vietnam in the past years, including higher education interconnection programmes for universities and colleges in the two nations. In 2010, nearly 10,000 Vietnamese students were estimated to study in Singapore. Through the Indochina Fund (US$10 million), with a majority of funds for Vietnam, Singapore has actively helped Vietnam to train management and English.
Vietnam - Singapore Training Centre (VSTC) financed by the Government of Singapore has trained more than 2,500 Vietnamese officials of English, commerce, tourism, finance, public administration, two, and international law.
In April 2007, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on education cooperation was signed by the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training and the Singaporean Ministry of Education. According to the framework of the MoU, the Singaporean National Institute of Education (NIE) and the Singaporean Educational Management Academy established a high-grade training centre in a bid to enhance the quality of teachers in Vietnam. The centre was opened in March 2008 on the occasion the Singaporean Education Minister paid a working visit to Vietnam. The facility has trained over 150 leaders and 330 teachers, funded by the Temasek Foundation.
The heritage of diverse cultures and rich traditions of this country is highly valued, proven by the harmonious living of different ethnic groups like Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian, and the pride of Singaporean roots, although they still preserve their beliefs, customs and rituals. Besides, about more than 90,000 foreigners are living and working in Singapore and they also bring their unique perspectives and cultures to Singapore. Moreover, high living standards in Singapore are also a condition for students in other countries to study here.
On the occasion of 38th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations establishment, the Singapore National Heritage Board coordinated with some agencies in Vietnam to organise many cultural activities like civilisation exhibition, painting, stamp and film poster exhibitions, and gastronomy festival. The seventh Singapore Education Exhibition was also held in Vietnam. These cultural activities aim to become systematised and certified information about Singaporean education and culture and help people to see opportunities of study, tourism and cultural exchanges.
Huong Ly
Vietnamese
