01/07/2025
This marked Mr. David Fay’s first official visit to Hong Duc University in his role as RELO Director. In his welcoming remarks, Vice President Ngo Chi Thanh expressed his pleasure at receiving Mr. Fay and highly appreciated RELO’s consistent and effective support in English language education at the University.
Overview of the session
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ngo Chi Thanh emphasized that collaborative programs with RELO have generated significant positive impacts, enhancing communication and English reflexive skills among both faculty and students. Particularly, the organization of English classes with native-speaking instructors has created a practical and inspiring learning environment. He also expressed hope that RELO would expand the scope of cooperation, increase expert support, and implement more innovative, internationally oriented programs in the near future.
Mr. David Fay – RELO Director delivers at session
On behalf of RELO, Mr. David Fay expressed deep admiration for the University's innovation spirit, operational capacity, and sustainable development strategy. He affirmed that RELO and the U.S. Embassy highly value the successful implementation of joint programs with Hong Duc University and consider it a key partner in English education initiatives.
“We strongly believe in the University’s implementation capacity and are committed to supporting activities such as teacher training, digital material development, ESP curriculum enhancement, and technical assistance for innovation initiatives,” Mr. Fay stated.
During the session, both sides discussed the assignment of RELO-sponsored English language instructors for the 2025–2026 academic year. They also explored potential cooperation areas including: organizing training workshops for English teachers at both high school and university levels; providing high-level expert consultations on innovation and entrepreneurship strategies; expanding the English Access Microscholarship Program for Thanh Hoa students; developing English for Specific Purposes (ESP) modules in key fields such as Tourism, Economics, Engineering, and Agriculture; and hosting themed English competitions on “21st Century Skills” to enhance students’ soft skills.
Based on the discussions, both parties agreed to further review and refine the proposals, working toward a detailed cooperation plan in the near future.
Delegates taking a group photo at the session
Mr. David Fay’s inaugural visit to Hong Duc University not only strengthened the foundation of a sustainable partnership but also opened new opportunities for advancing international-standard English training, thereby contributing meaningfully to the University’s mission of education, innovation, and global integration.