In June, representatives of AES Vietnam awarded AES Future Energy Scholarships to five students who are majoring in Civil Engineering at Phan Thiet University. The awards are part of an annual scholarship program implemented by AES Vietnam since 2017, aiming to develop a highly skilled workforce for Vietnam’s energy sector in the context of increasing demand for electricity in Vietnam.

This year, scholarships are given for the first time to students in Binh Thuan Province, home to AES’s 2,250 MW Son My No. 2 (CCGT) power plant together with the Son My LNG import terminal. With a total investment of $3,2 billion, the plant and the terminal will play a major role in shaping Vietnam’s energy future by diversifying the energy mix with imported LNG, helping the country meet its increasing demand for sustainable and affordable electricity.

Since 2017, more than 300 students who major in electricity have benefited from the program. The program has also supported 11 research conducted by university students in the North. Besides providing financial support, the program also organizes career orientation activities and soft skills training throughout the school year for students.

Daneal Blicblau, LNG Director, AES Vietnam, said: “We are delighted that in its sixth year, AES’s Future Energy Scholarship program has been expanded to Binh Thuan Province. The province has become a major energy hub in Vietnam, therefore the development of highly skills and high-quality human resources is critical. AES Vietnam hopes that the students taking part will have a meaningful time networking and gaining new knowledge and skills to help them prepar for their exciting future energy careers.”

Mr. Vo Khac Truong Thanh, Vice Rector, Phan Thiet University, said: “We are very happy and we appreciate AES Vietnam’ support for students of Phan Thiet University in general and students of the Faculty of Engineering in particular. The scholarship encourages and motivates students to strive to be successful in their study, while at the same time, gaining practical knowledge about the latest development of the energy sector”.

The AES Future Energy Scholarships is part of AES Vietnam social impact program. Since 2012, over 130 CSR initiatives, with a total value of more than VND12 billion, have been implemented, focusing on four main pillars – Health, Education, Livelihoods and Infrastructure. The activities have made a lasting difference and contributed to improving the quality of life of more than 200,000 people in communities.

Ms. To Kim Lien, Director of CED, said: "Converting energy from traditional energy to pro-environmental and climate energy sectors is an inevitable trend in countries around the world, including Vietnam. There are, however, still many obstacles in terms of institutions, policies, financial investment, facilities and especially human resources to develop this industry in Vietnam. Therefore, CED keeps looking for cooperation with experts, policymakers and businesses to promote training and support programs for students in the fields of energy in Vietnam, to contribute to the creation of highly skilled human resources meeting the needs of the Vietnamese market". 

Nguyen Huynh Cam Huong, majoring in Civil Engineering, Phan Thiet University, said: "I feel very lucky and happy to be awarded this scholarship. The scholarship is not only a source of material encouragement but also a great motivation helping me be more confident to pursue my passion for scientific research and contribute to society. In addition, the Future Energy Scholarship is also a valuable opportunity for me and others to meet the scholarship sponsors, and to attend the training courses on improving soft skills. It is a great opportunity for us to think of the energy industry more thoroughly, and get more practical experiences to improve ourselves."