WIREDGOV

Cabinet Secretary for Education, Kirsty Williams, is visiting Vietnam this week as part of a Global Wales delegation to strengthen education links between both countries.

The Global Wales programme was established in 2015 as a partnership between Universities Wales, British Council Wales, the Higher Education Funding council for Wales and the Welsh Government to develop international relations and promote Wales’ Universities in priority oversea markets, including Vietnam and the United States.

During the visit to Hanoi, the Education Secretary will deliver a key note speech at the United Kingdom - Vietnam Higher Education forum, highlighting the changing roles of higher education institutions, and the importance of internationalisation within the higher education sector.

As part of the visit, the Education Secretary will sign an agreement between the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training and the Welsh Government, which will see both countries sharing best practice in a system to system approach, and mutually beneficial research collaboration in a post-Brexit Wales.

The Education Secretary will also meet with the National Assembly Committee for Culture Education and Youth and other Vietnamese Government departments to discuss ongoing partnership projects, curriculum revision, and approaches to current issues within Education, including gender equality in teaching.

Kirsty Williams yesterday said:

“I am delighted that the relationship between Wales and Vietnam, our governments, universities and students, is going from strength to strength.

“There is much we can learn from Vietnam. They have undertaken a reform of their curriculum and have revised its pedagogy; similar to the reform journey we are currently undertaking in Wales. I’m eager to learn more about the barriers they faced, and how Vietnam develops its teacher workforce and school leaders.

“In a post-Brexit Wales, the internationalisation of higher education will play a crucial role in developing international cultural and diplomatic relations, helping us commit to building a Global Wales.

“By signing the letter of intent, we have proven our commitment to work with the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training to address the challenges of the global landscape in internationalisation of higher education”.

Prof. Iwan Davies, Chair of the Global Wales Board who is part of the Welsh delegation, yesterday said:

“I am delighted to be part of the delegation with the Welsh Government to meet with prospective partner universities in Vietnam.

“Vietnam’s extraordinary economic development and its appetite for internationalisation make it an exciting partner for Global Wales and I am pleased that we are developing this key international relationship in partnership.

“The prospect of welcoming Vietnamese students to Welsh universities, creating opportunities for international research collaboration, and securing partnerships with Vietnamese institutions will benefit the Welsh economy and enhance our global reputation and I look forward to some exciting discussions this week that will move the relationship forward.”