Celebration of the 5th Anniversary of the American Space in Thai Nguyen

On the morning of December 17, Thai Nguyen University, in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam, solemnly held a ceremony to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the establishment of the American Hangout in Thai Nguyen. The event was honored by the presence of Ms. Courtney Beale, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi; Ms. Elizabeth Stromme, Regional Director of American Spaces; representatives of the leadership of the Thai Nguyen Provincial People’s Committee Office and the Thai Nguyen Department of Education and Training.

Representing Thai Nguyen University were Assoc. Prof. Hoang Van Hung, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and President of the University, along with representatives of the University Office, functional departments, and leaders of member universities.

Photo: Delegates attending the ceremony.

Established in December 2020, the American Space in Thai Nguyen has progressively affirmed its role as a dynamic hub for knowledge exchange, cultural engagement, and innovation. The American Space has provided students, faculty members, and the wider community with valuable opportunities to access contemporary knowledge, enhance English language proficiency, foster critical thinking, and strengthen international integration capacity.

After five years of operation, the American Space has evolved beyond a venue for cultural exchange to become an open learning environment that promotes lifelong learning, creativity, and entrepreneurship for young people, particularly students in the Northern Midlands and Mountainous region of Vietnam.

Photo: Assoc. Prof. Hoang Van Hung, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and President of Thai Nguyen University, is delivering remarks at the ceremony.

In his speech, Assoc. Prof. Hoang Van Hung emphasized:

“In the context of strong momentum of digital transformation and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Thai Nguyen University identifies digital transformation, science and technology, and innovation as key pillars of its development strategy. Over recent years, activities of the American Space in Thai Nguyen have made practical contributions to enabling students to access STEM fields, digital technologies, and artificial intelligence, while enhancing their English proficiency, professional skills, and international integration competencies.

In the context of the rapid global development of the semiconductor industry, Thai Nguyen University is orienting its efforts toward the development of high-quality human resources in this field through education, scientific research, enterprise engagement, and the expansion of international cooperation. The University expects the American Space to continue serving as an important bridge for sharing international knowledge and experience, and for inspiring students in key science and technology fields, including semiconductors and other high-tech sectors.

Thai Nguyen University sincerely appreciates the attention and facilitation of the leadership of Thai Nguyen Province, as well as the close partnership and effective support from the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam and the American Spaces coordination team. This cooperation not only contributes to enhancing the quality of education and research at Thai Nguyen University, but also serves as a vivid testament to the increasingly profound educational cooperation between Vietnam and the United States.”

In the coming period, Thai Nguyen University is committed to continuing close coordination with the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam to further enhance the effectiveness of the American Space, aligning its activities with digital transformation, STEM education, innovation, entrepreneurship, and the development of high-quality human resources in general, and in the semiconductor sector in particular, thereby meeting the requirements of sustainable development and international integration.

Photo: Ms. Courtney Beale, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi, delivering remarks at the ceremony.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ms. Courtney Beale stated:

“Over the past five years, the U.S. Embassy, in cooperation with Thai Nguyen University, has organized more than 200 programs, attracting over 20,000 participants to the American Space. Visitors come to learn English, engage in entrepreneurship, innovation, robotics, and other fields of strong interest to young people. Education remains a central pillar of cooperation between the United States and Vietnam.

This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. The United States has implemented numerous educational support programs for Vietnam, particularly in higher and postgraduate education, together with the network of American Hangouts across the country. We seek to create more opportunities for students of both nations to learn about one another, thereby building trust, deepening cooperation, connecting generations, and contributing to the further advancement of U.S.–Vietnam relations.”

Photo: Assoc. Prof. Hoang Van Hung presents a commemorative gift to Ms. Courtney Beale.

Photo: Assoc. Prof. Hoang Van Hung and Ms. Courtney Beale are performing the ceremonial cutting of the anniversary cake.

Photo: Assoc. Prof. Hoang Van Hung and Ms. Courtney Beale are presenting awards to outstanding students participating in the project “Journey to Explore American Culture.”

Photo: Ms. Courtney Beale presenting awards to outstanding students participating in the 

“Innovative Startup Model” Competition.

Within the framework of the ceremony, awards were also presented to outstanding students participating in the project “Journey to Explore American Culture” and the “Innovative Startup Model” Competition.