Bangkok, 13 September 2024 – The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) and the Victoria Institute of Banking, Finance, and High Technology (BFT), part of the Sovico Group, Vietnam, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding focused on advancing human resource development, academic programs and research in key emerging technologies.
The partnership inked in Bangkok by Prof. Pai-Chi Li, President of AIT, and Prof. Ha Thanh Viet, Director of Victoria Institute, marks a significant step towards enhancing the quality of education, research, and training in the fast evolving banking and financial services sectors.
The MoU calls for collaboration in education, research, consultancy, and training programs, with an emphasis on postgraduate academic cooperation and research in the fields of digital technology, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and artificial intelligence (AI).
The agreement will foster development of specialized training programs for the staff of Victoria Institute, Sovico Group, HDBank, and other strategic partners within its extended digital ecosystem. Knowledge exchanges will allow for cross-institutional learning and capacity building in research and educational practices. The initiative aims to equip Vietnamese professionals with the necessary skills to thrive in the rapidly changing digital economy, officials said.
Prof. Pai-Chi Li, President of AIT, expressed confidence in the collaboration, saying, “This partnership merges AIT’s academic strengths with Victoria Institute’s industry leadership. Together, we are poised to contribute to sustainable development and create pathways for the next generation of leaders in technology and innovation.”
Mr. Tran Hoai Nam, Deputy General Director of HDBank, underscored the collaboration’s potential to drive advancements in AI and digital technologies, stating, “This initiative will provide crucial training opportunities and equip future leaders with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly technological world.”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ha Thanh Viet, Director of the Victoria Institute, reiterated the importance of the partnership, noting, “This MoU marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration that will foster innovation and build a competitive workforce for Vietnam’s digital economy.”
Spearheaded by AIT’s Vietnam Center, the partnership bolsters joint efforts to support development of the banking and digital technology sectors, reflecting both institutions’ shared vision for sustainable progress.
“AIT, with its longstanding expertise in engineering, science, and technology, and the Victoria Institute, with its focus on banking and finance in the digital age, are well-positioned to create synergies that will benefit students, researchers, and industry professionals,” AIT Vietnam Executive Director Dr. Phung Van Dong said.
About Victoria Institute of Banking, Finance, and High Technology (BFT)
Founded in November 2022 with sponsorship from HDBank and support from Vietjet Air and other strategic partners in the digital ecosystem, the Victoria Institute of Banking, Finance, and High Technology (BFT) is part of Sovico Group. Established in 1990, Sovico is a prominent investor across various sectors, including finance, banking, aviation, real estate, energy, asset management, and investment. BFT aims to blend theoretical knowledge with practical application to develop a skilled workforce for the digital economy.
About AIT
Founded in 1959, the Asian Institute of Technology in Thailand (AIT) is an international academic institution dedicated to higher education, research, and outreach in engineering, environment, and management studies. AIT aims to promote technological innovation, sustainable development, and regional growth through its programs and initiatives. The institute has earned a global reputation for fostering cross-cultural understanding and advancing knowledge for the betterment of society.
