Standard Chartered Empowers Vietnamese Youth’s Financial Education through "Ready to Work" Project

October 22, 2025, Hanoi , the “Ready to Work” project, funded by Standard Chartered Foundation and implemented by Plan International Vietnam, was officially launched. The project is part of Futuremakers by Standard Chartered, a global initiative aims to support disadvantaged youth to have vocational traning, develop skills and access sustainable employment opportunities. In addition, Futuremakers also empowers thousands of women and people with disabilities, helping them find suitable jobs and contributing to promote youth across Asia to exercise their rights in economic development.

In Vietnam, the project is implemented by Plan International Vietnam in collaboration with Hanoi Industrial Vocational College (HNIVC) and Bac Thang Long Economic and Technical College (BTL). From July 2025 to December 2027, the project aims to support 2,000 young people aged 18-35 in difficult circumstances (of which 5% are people with disabilities and 70% are women) with short-term vocational training (under 3 months) and necessary skills to find suitable employment opportunities.

In the project, vocational courses from 3-6 months including: (1) graphic design, (2) beauty care, (3) travel and tourism, (4) cuisine, (5) sales, (6) baking, (7) beverage and service, (8) skin care and (9) industrial sewing. Besides vocational training, soft skills trainings, connecting activities with businesses to offer internship and employment opportunities for young people are also focused.

Ms Trinh Nhu Quynh, Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing, Standard Chartered Vietnam shared: “Following the success of the “Ready to Work” project from 2022, we are pleased to continue to accompany the NGO Plan International to implement the next phase of the project in Vietnam. This project has been providing vocational trainings for thousands of disadvantaged youths, supporting them to overcome economic and social barriers, thereby being able to participate and contribute to the economic development of the community. This is one of many meaningful activities of Standard Chartered Bank, affirming our long-term commitment to accompany the sustainable development of Vietnam.”

Ms. Le Quynh Lan, Country Director of Plan International Vietnam, said: “Over the years, we have worked closely with partners to successfully implement many market-oriented vocational training projects, aiming to support disadvantaged youth – especially women – to have the opportunity to be equipped with necessary skills, conntected to jobs and have a stable income after graduation. We believe that the success of the “Ready to Work” project, especially of the young female participants, reaffirming Plan International Vietnam's commitment to supporting two million girls, young women and the youth to exercise their rights, creating a green and sustainable future, in line with the organization's strategy until 2027.”

Source: Vietnam Business Forum