September 18, 2024, was a landmark day for NUS-ISS as we celebrated a pivotal step forward in our mission to drive digital transformation and innovation across borders. We officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Becamex IDC and the Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park (VSIP), setting the stage for an exciting strategic partnership that promises to reshape the industrial landscape of Binh Duong and beyond.
Front Row, from L to R: Mr Khoong Chan Meng, Chief Executive Officer, NUS-ISS; Mr Pham Ngoc Thuan, Chief Executive Officer, Becamex IDC Vietnam and Mr Nguyen Phu Thinh, General Director, VSIP.
Back Row, 5th from L: Provost, Professor Aaron Thean, Deputy President (Academic Affairs), NUS presided the signing ceremony.
Held at the Binh Duong Convention & Exhibition Center in the heart of Binh Duong New City, Vietnam, the event symbolised the beginning of a shared journey to build a forward-looking industrial ecosystem fuelled by innovation, technology, and high-quality human capital. The ceremony was presided over by NUS Deputy President (Academic Affairs) and Provost, Professor Aaron Thean. Key leaders—NUS-ISS CEO Mr Khoong Chan Meng, Becamex CEO Mr Pham Ngoc Thuan, and VSIP General Director Mr Nguyen Phu Thinh officially inked the agreement to launch this partnership.
Binh Duong, known as Vietnam's leading industrial hub, is the natural location for this partnership. It is where the first Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park was established, a pioneering initiative that has since expanded nationwide. This new collaboration marks a continuation and upgrade of the iconic 30-year strategic partnership between Vietnam and Singapore, transitioning from early industrialisation to a phase, where high-quality human resource training and innovation are the key drivers of growth.
At the core of this partnership is NUS-ISS’ mission to bring accessible, impactful digital upskilling programs to local enterprises within the Becamex and VSIP ecosystem. The initiative kicks off with pilot digitalisation training programs, and there are already plans in the pipeline to create a co-branded skills academy. In addition, NUS-ISS will spearhead Train-the-Trainer programs, empowering local educators and facilitators to deliver these courses, ensuring that the knowledge transfer is sustainable and scalable.
Reflecting on the collaboration, NUS-ISS CEO Mr. Khoong Chan Meng shared his excitement: “Our direction for this partnership is clear. With Vietnam’s thriving economy and its growing need for advanced skills, we see this as an opportunity to leverage our expertise. By partnering with Becamex IDC and VSIP, who are committed to building a next-generation industrial ecosystem, we can equip local professionals with the relevant skill sets to navigate through the challenges of digital transformation.”
Vietnam’s economy is evolving rapidly, and the demand for a tech-savvy, digitally capable workforce is growing in tandem. Together, NUS-ISS, Becamex, and VSIP are poised to meet this demand head-on, shaping the future of Binh Duong’s industrial development and ensuring the region thrives in the era of digital transformation.
The signing of the MOU is timely for NUS-ISS. It marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for us, where collaboration and innovation will empower the workforce and transform industries for years to come.
Two additional NUS MOUs were signed on the same day. Read more about those exciting developments here
For local coverage, check out:
Binh Duong Province Official Website
Vietnam News BTV