A programme initiated by a global tech giant in association with the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) of Vietnam has provided 650,000 people with digital skills training, 30% higher than the plan. The programme includes lessons designed by experts in the fields of digital marketing, e-commerce, virtual presence, and business management skills.
At an event reviewing the implementation of the programme held on 3 November, the Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan, noted that the success of the programme serves as a basis for more programmes for the community in the future that will facilitate digital transformation and e-commerce, contribute to faster recovery of the Vietnamese economy, and create momentum for development in upcoming years.
According to a news report, a representative of the private company said that it aims to support all Vietnamese citizens through free digital skills courses. Vietnam holds enormous potential in the digital revolution and the industry is committed to joining hands with the MoIT, associations, business community, start-ups, and young talents of the country.
The programme was launched in Vietnam in 2018 with free training courses held in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Can Tho. From July 2019, through the collaboration with the MoIT, it was extended with more teaching activities, including a mobile class at remote areas and symposiums on related themes. It went fully online starting April last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the event, the organisation and the MoIT officially launched a subsequent training programme, comprising 14 categories and 28 online courses on the digital platform.
In September, the government launched a programme called ‘Internet Connection and Computers for Students’. It called for increased support for students who cannot afford computers as online learning becomes a part of the “new normal”. The programme aims that by the end of this year, the whole country will be connected to the Internet. As many as one million disadvantaged students will be equipped with electronic devices for online learning. In the 2022-23 period, no students will lack computers for online learning.
As OpenGov Asia reported, the programme implements the Prime Minister’s direction on prioritising and supporting disadvantaged students who lack online learning facilities. It ensures fairness in accessing new teaching and learning methods, thereby contributing to the development of a digital society.
In response to the Prime Minister’s call, Hanoi implemented a similar programme. It has received support from different organisations. Specifically, the Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Industry and Trade (Vietinbank) provided 25 laptops worth VNĐ270 million (US$11,800); the Nam Tu Liem District Women’s Union donated VNĐ50 million (US$2,100); the Ha Dong District Women’s Union gave VNĐ10 million (US$440), and the Tay Ho District Women’s Union presented 20 tablets worth VNĐ42 million (US$1,800) and other learning equipment. Other districts’ women’s unions have also presented 115 electronic devices including computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones to students in Quoc Oai, Ba Vi, Dan Phuong, Dong Anh, and Gia Lam. The government has been encouraging organisations, enterprises, and individuals to support the programme with new or old electronic devices.
