On November 15, 2024, a solemn ceremony was held atHanoi Polytechnic University to mark the 25th anniversary of the Programme de Formation d’Ingénieurs d’Excellence au Vietnam (PFIEV). This symbolic event brought together a variety of key players from the academic, political and economic spheres, testifying to the lasting impact and international reach of this flagship program.

An event rich in symbols

The ceremony began with official speeches outlining the history and achievements of the PFIEV. The French Ambassador to Vietnam, Olivier Brochet, opened the session by recalling that this program, launched in 1997 following a bilateral agreement, embodies the excellence of educational cooperation between France and Vietnam. He also highlighted the evolution of the PFIEV since its inception in 1999 in Da Nang, in the presence of then Vietnamese Vice-President Nguyễn Thị Bình and French Ambassador Serge Degallaix.

The program has trained more than 9,000 engineers in 25 classes at four major Vietnamese universities:

• Hanoi Polytechnic University,
• Da Nang Polytechnic University,
• ThePolytechnic University of the National University of Ho Chi Minh City,
• Hanoi University of Civil Engineering.

Distinguished guests

Guests included :

• The French Ambassador, Olivier Brochet, accompanied by a delegation from the Embassy ;
• Thibaut Skrzypek, PFIEV spokesman on the French side;
• Ms Nguyễn Thị Thanh Minh, Vice-Director, Department of International Cooperation, Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training;
• Representatives of Vietnamese and French partner universities;
• Teachers, current and former students, and representatives from the business world.

The essential role of partner companies was particularly highlighted, with testimonials on the successful integration of PFIEV graduates into international organizations and leading companies in Vietnam and abroad.

International academic recognition

The PFIEV is a pioneer in Asia, with dual accreditation:

• The Commission des Titres d’Ingénieur (CTI) in France,
• And that of the Haut Conseil de l’Evaluation de la Recherche et de l’Enseignement Supérieur (HCERES), guaranteeing a training program aligned with European standards of excellence.

This recognition attests to the exceptional quality of our training programs, which combine advanced scientific skills, a sense of innovation and the ability to respond to contemporary economic and environmental challenges.

Inspiring testimonials

A number of figures involved in the development of PFIEV took the floor.

• Nguyễn Cảnh Lương, former Vice-Rector of Hanoi Polytechnic University, recalled that PFIEV introduced international accreditation and quality assurance standards to Vietnam for the first time.
• Lê Minh Thùy, a former student who went on to study in France, spoke of the importance of collective work in the success of the program, while calling for this dynamic to be continued for future generations.

Into the future

Future challenges were discussed, particularly those linked to the ecological transition and the digital revolution. Participants stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation between French and Vietnamese universities and businesses to meet the needs of a rapidly changing society.

In his speech, PGS. Huỳnh Quyết Thắng Director of Hanoi Polytechnic University, reaffirmed his institution’s commitment as coordinator of the PFIEV for the coming years. He stressed the importance of developing new research projects, multiplying student exchanges and promoting innovative initiatives to ensure a sustainable future.

A symbol of sustainable cooperation

The 25th anniversary ceremony brilliantly illustrated the PFIEV’s central role in bringing France and Vietnam closer together. This program is not just a training program for top-class engineers, but a veritable cultural and scientific bridge, a catalyst for economic and technological development, and a model for other international cooperative ventures.

Together, the two countries are pursuing their ambition to educate generations of engineers capable of innovating in the face of the challenges of the XXIᵉ century, while strengthening the bonds of friendship between their peoples.