Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – March 4, 2025 – Vietnam's green economy is projected to grow by $300 billion by 2050, driven by the nation's goal to achieve net-zero emissions. In support of this significant momentum, Singapore Management University (SMU) launched an online course tailored for Vietnamese professionals and businesses navigating this transition. The "Introduction to Sustainability and Sustainable Finance" course underscores SMU's commitment to advancing Vietnam's economic and talent development through education. This initiative reflects SMU’s dedication to promoting green finance education and strengthening its presence in Vietnam, an emerging hub for sustainable development.
Hosted at Sunwah Tower, the launch event marks a significant milestone in SMU’s ongoing engagement with the Southeast Asian region.
Further highlighting this commitment, the course introduction featured distinguished speakers, including Mr. Pang Te Cheng, Consul-General of Singapore in Ho Chi Minh City, and Mr. Rajiv Lall, Professorial Research Fellow at SMU’s Sim Kee Boon Institute for Financial Economics.
As Vietnam stands at a critical juncture in its pursuit of ambitious sustainable development goals and its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, green finance is essential to driving this transition. It supports the emergence of new industries, fosters technological advancements, and underpins sustainable economic growth.
Through this course, SMU aims to equip Vietnamese businesses, professionals, and aspiring leaders with the necessary tools to navigate this seismic shift.
The "Introduction to Sustainability and Sustainable Finance" course, spanning 8–12 hours, provides a comprehensive foundation for professionals both within and beyond the financial sector. It fosters a broader understanding of sustainability trends and their global impact.
Designed as a cutting-edge resource, the course is invaluable for Vietnamese professionals looking to deepen their expertise in corporate sustainability or transition into sustainable finance. With the urgent need for innovative solutions to combat climate change, businesses, policymakers, and individuals in Vietnam must prioritise sustainability to remain competitive in the global market.
Tailored for both beginners and seasoned professionals, the course provides in-depth coverage of key topics such as sustainability reporting, risk management, carbon markets, and decarbonisation strategies. Participants will also examine the profound impact of climate change on the financial sector through engaging learning methods, including expert interviews and real-world case studies, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of the field.
SMU’s Commitment to Green Finance and Collaborative Growth
As a pioneer in green finance education, SMU is dedicated to equipping businesses and managers in Vietnam with the knowledge and tools to integrate sustainability into their strategies—balancing economic viability with corporate responsibility. Through its partnership with the Singapore Green Finance Centre, SMU delivers a robust learning experience, enriched by insights from over 20 leading experts in the field.
Collaboration is at the heart of SMU’s approach. Its recent direct admission agreement with British University Vietnam (BUV) and 16 strategic alliances with Vietnamese universities underscore its commitment to strengthening educational ties in the region. In 2024 alone, SMU hosted a series of seminars and exchange programs, drawing over 150 Singaporean students to Vietnam, engaging 300-400 students at education fairs, and welcoming dozens of Vietnamese students to pursue undergraduate and master’s programs at SMU—further reinforcing its role in developing high-quality human capital.
Beyond academics, SMU ensures its programs are both practical and impactful for businesses, managers, and individuals passionate about sustainability. Initiatives like the SMU Alumni Navigator Program connect students with mentors, while industry collaborations drive applied research and live projects, ensuring graduates are equipped with real-world skills to navigate the evolving sustainability landscape.
Unlocking Opportunities: SMU Expands Scholarships and Career Support for Vietnamese Professionals
As SMU marks its 25th anniversary, it reaffirms its commitment to providing world-class education by introducing substantial financial support for postgraduate professional programs.
Starting January 2025, SMU will offer scholarships covering up to 40% of tuition fees for its Master’s programs, with a strong focus on ASEAN students. This initiative reflects SMU’s dedication to lifelong learning and aims to support professionals and alumni in advancing their careers. By easing financial barriers, SMU is making postgraduate education more accessible to a diverse pool of learners. Importantly, these scholarships are available for both full-time and part-time Master’s students, recognising the need for flexibility among working professionals.
As SMU celebrates this milestone, it also reinforces its commitment to empowering Vietnam’s business community—helping professionals navigate challenges and seize new opportunities in an evolving global landscape. This initiative aligns with the shared milestones of Singapore’s 60th National Day and Vietnam’s 80th National Day, underscoring the deepening ties between the two nations through education and collaboration.
Looking ahead, SMU is set to launch the Co-Curricular Transcript (CCT) in 2025, an innovative initiative designed to capture students’ achievements beyond academic grades. By documenting experiential learning, skill development, and personal growth, the CCT ensures graduates are well-rounded professionals equipped for today’s dynamic workforce. With a strong emphasis on adaptability, global collaboration, and real-world experience, SMU is preparing Vietnam’s future leaders to thrive in an increasingly competitive, skills-driven economy.
Mr Kenneth Choo, Director, Overseas Centres, SMU emphasized: "At SMU, we are dedicated to advancing sustainable finance education in Vietnam and throughout the region. Our 'Introduction to Sustainability and Sustainable Finance' course is a testament to our commitment to delivering cutting-edge knowledge and tools that empower individuals and organisations to drive meaningful change. By nurturing a robust understanding of sustainability principles within Vietnam’s financial sector, we aim to foster enduring, mutually beneficial collaborations and enhance our regional presence. This initiative underscores SMU’s dedication to creating impactful, long-term partnerships, and reinforces our role as a leader in higher education and sustainable development."
Ms Patrina LIM, Regional Director of Singapore Global Network also shared: “We are proud to partner with SMU which is committed to driving sustainable finance education in the region. The launch of the ‘Introduction to Sustainability and Sustainable Finance’ course represents a significant step in strengthening the bonds between Singapore and Vietnam through shared knowledge and innovation. This initiative exemplifies our mission to build a cohesive, globally connected community that is equipped to tackle both present and future challenges with confidence and foresight.”