Van Lang Global School: Vietnam's Bid for an Asia-Pacific Education Hub

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam – March 30, 2026 – Van Lang University (VLU), a leading private institution in Vietnam, has officially unveiled Van Lang Global School (VGS), a future-oriented education model designed to serve as a strategic talent hub linking Vietnam with China and the wider Asia-Pacific region. The launch marks a significant pivot for the university, signaling a deliberate shift from a traditional academic provider to a dynamic, practice-driven learning ecosystem aimed at shaping the next generation of global leaders.

Based in the bustling economic center of Ho Chi Minh City, VGS is positioned not just as a school, but as a platform for regional collaboration. It aims to forge stronger academic and industry ties with partners in key innovation hubs like China, Singapore, and the United States, preparing students to operate seamlessly across borders, cultures, and industries in an increasingly complex world.

A Strategic Leap for Vietnamese Higher Education

The launch of Van Lang Global School arrives at a pivotal moment for both the university and the nation. VLU has steadily built its international standing, recently breaking into the Top 1001-1200 universities in the QS World University Rankings and securing the 251st spot in Asia. Its academic reputation, ranked 392nd globally, provides a strong foundation for this ambitious international venture. This initiative is more than an expansion; it represents a strategic evolution in line with Vietnam's broader ambitions to elevate its role as a key player in regional innovation and talent development.

By establishing VGS, Van Lang University is moving beyond the conventional confines of higher education. The university’s vision of “Vietnam Forward” and “Future Ready” is embodied in this new school, which aims to create an environment where students are not just passive recipients of knowledge but active co-creators of their learning journey. This move aligns with a national push to produce a workforce capable of competing on a global stage, thereby bolstering Vietnam's economic and intellectual influence across the Asia-Pacific.

The Blueprint for a Future-Ready Workforce

At the heart of VGS is a radical rethinking of the educational experience, built on three core principles: “International by Curriculum,” “Sandbox Spirit,” and “Industry by Design.” The curriculum is explicitly global, with over 70% of courses delivered in English and benchmarked against internationally recognized frameworks, most notably Singapore’s comprehensive SkillsFuture model for lifelong learning and skills development. This ensures that the qualifications and competencies students acquire are both portable and relevant to global market demands.

A defining feature is its “Co-creation Model,” which dismantles the wall between academia and industry. Through a Global Industry Council, senior executives and industry experts are directly involved in designing curricula, teaching courses, and mentoring students. This ensures that learning is continuously aligned with real-world needs. The school is supported by an extensive ecosystem of over 300 partners, including multinational corporations, top-ranked universities, and innovation centers, providing students with unparalleled access to internships and cross-border projects.

Dr. Luong Thi Phuong Nhi, Vice President of Van Lang University and Principal of VGS, articulated the school's philosophy. “The world is not just changing fast; it is changing unpredictably,” she stated. “Higher education must evolve beyond the simple transmission of knowledge to become a crucible for capability and character. VGS is our answer—a space where students learn not just to know, but to adapt, grow, and create meaningful value while remaining grounded in their inner strength.”

This sentiment is echoed by Mr. Tran Si Chuong, an economist and member of the Global Industry Council. “The core value of education lies in the ability to think—knowing how to ask questions and adapt,” he added. “Universities must become environments that cultivate independent thinking.”

Further emphasizing this hands-on approach is the Global Impact & Innovation Center, an interdisciplinary hub designed as a dynamic "sandbox." Here, learning transcends theory as students tackle complex business cases provided by industry partners, incubate their own startup ideas, and experiment with business models in a supportive, risk-tolerant environment.

Bridging the Talent Gap to China and Beyond

A key strategic thrust of Van Lang Global School is its focus on China. Recognizing the nation as a global powerhouse in technology and innovation—with a higher education market projected to reach over US$55 billion by 2030—VGS has intentionally designed its ecosystem to facilitate cross-border talent mobility with its northern neighbor. The program aims to cultivate a new generation of professionals who can confidently navigate the complexities of the world's second-largest economy.

By integrating global standards with deep industry engagement, VGS provides a unique platform for both Vietnamese and international students to connect with China’s massive innovation hubs. This is not merely about language acquisition but about developing deep cultural fluency and an understanding of the business practices, technological trends, and market dynamics that define modern China. The initiative seeks to create a two-way talent pipeline, preparing Vietnamese students for opportunities in China while also positioning Vietnam as an attractive destination for students and professionals from across the region.

Navigating a New Educational Frontier

While the vision for VGS is ambitious, it enters a competitive and rapidly evolving international education market in Southeast Asia. Universities across the region are increasingly offering English-taught programs and forging industry partnerships. However, VGS aims to differentiate itself by moving beyond surface-level internationalization. Its deep integration of the "sandbox" learning ethos and the "Co-creation Model" represents a fundamental commitment to experiential, problem-based learning that many traditional institutions are still struggling to implement.

The school's emphasis on holistic development—nurturing personal identity, ethical values, and resilience alongside professional skills—also sets it apart. This approach resonates with the perspective of Ms. Ton Nu Thi Ninh, a veteran education diplomat, who emphasized the importance of self-awareness in global engagement. “Vietnamese youth must learn not only to know, but to understand themselves, their country, and the world,” she remarked. “With understanding comes the ability to act and make a difference. That is the key for Vietnam to truly 'take off'.”

Ultimately, the success of Van Lang Global School will be measured by its ability to produce graduates who are not just knowledgeable but adaptable, innovative, and ethically grounded. By serving as a strategic bridge between Vietnam and key global innovation hubs, the initiative holds the potential to significantly contribute to a new generation of globally capable professionals and reinforce regional cooperation in talent development for years to come.