The launch ceremony took place in the presence of To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, alongside senior leaders from both nations.
The event was attended by Professor Irene Tracey, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford; Dr Nick Leimu-Brown, Principal of Linacre College; and Dr Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, Chairwoman of SOVICO Group and Chairwoman of Vietjet Air, who co-founded the Scheme in partnership with the University of Oxford.
With an initial endowment of £17.83 million, comprising £13.7 million contributed by Dr Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao and £4.13 million co-funded by the University of Oxford,the Oxford Pioneer Scholarship Scheme aims to provide long-term opportunities for exceptional students and researchers, with a particular focus on Vietnamese scholars.
To date, £700,000 has been disbursed to support 11 outstanding Vietnamese scholars currently pursuing studies at Oxford in the fields of Education, Chemistry, Clinical Medicine, Genomic Medicine, and Business Administration (MBA).
Speaking at the meeting, General Secretary To Lam welcomed the partnerships between the University of Oxford and Vietnamese enterprises and research institutions, particularly the collaboration with SOVICO Group and Vietjet. He expressed his hope that these collaborations would continue to expand, transforming knowledge, science, and technology into practical programmes and projects that serve the people and contribute to the country’s development. The General Secretary emphasised that education, training, and scientific research are key pillars of the Viet Nam–United Kingdom relationship, expressing his confidence that these pillars will continue to flourish in the years ahead, further strengthening the two countries’ Strategic Partnership and paving the way for its forthcoming elevation.
According to Professor Irene Tracey, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, the University values the Pioneer Scholarship Scheme, supported by Dr Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao and SOVICO. She noted that Oxford is “proud to be working together on initiatives that address some of the most pressing challenges of our time,” adding that the University celebrates the achievements made together and looks forward to expanding collaboration in education, research, and innovation with Viet Nam.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao remarked: “Knowledge is the seed of peace and sustainable prosperity. I hope this scholarship will empower young Vietnamese to engage confidently with the world, carrying knowledge, compassion to serve their homeland and humanity.”
Representing the scholarship recipients, Pham Minh Phuong, shared: “The Oxford Pioneer Scholarship has given me the opportunity to study and grow in one of the world’s leading research environments — dynamic, creative and inspiring. With generous financial support worth billions of Vietnamese dong each year, Vietnamese students can pursue their studies with confidence and motivation, striving to contribute meaningful research to humanity.”
Phạm Minh Phuong has completed her Master’s degree in Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry at the University of Oxford, and is currently a fourth-year DPhil (Doctoral) researcher at the University.
The Oxford Pioneer Scholarship Scheme symbolises a bridge between Vietnamese aspirations and global knowledge, a convergence of compassion, science, and education dedicated to shaping a brighter and more connected future for humanity.
