Press release: FETP 20th Anniversary

THE TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FULBRIGHT ECONOMICS TEACHING PROGRAM

HCMC, 01/12/2015 - On January 17, 2015, the Fulbright Economics Teaching Program (FETP) is celebrating its twentieth anniversary, an event concurrent with the celebration of the 20th anniversary of Vietnam - U.S. diplomatic relationship.

“I am proud that a school in Saigon will bear the Fulbright name,” said Senator J. William Fulbright in 1994 when he learned about the establishment of the Fulbright Economics Teaching Program (also known as the Fulbright School or FETP) in Ho Chi Minh City. FETP is a bridge in the U.S. - Vietnam relationship with the mission to promote Vietnam’s renovation through research and training. For two decades the Fulbright Schoolhas been operating according to governance principles that are prerequisites for excellence: autonomy, meritocracy, accountability, and high standards. This foundation has enabled FETPto evolve through different stages of development, from the one-year program in applied economics to the two-year Master in Public Policy program. Research and policy dialogue also evolved to tackle issues of importance to Vietnam’s socio-economic development.

Since its inception FETP has enrolled twenty classes, training close to 1,200 participants who are strongly committed to contributing to the country’s development. FETP’scurriculum includes courses of global knowledge developed in collaboration with first-rate international universities and covers critical policy issues that Vietnam faces. To succeed in the intense training program at the Fulbright School, participants must be conscientious, determined and disciplined. Theyprize their experienceat the Fulbright School.

In addition to training, research and policy dialogue constitute the core FETP activities. Whether it is conducted independently or upon request by the Government in response to the country’s economic challenges, the Fulbright School’s research generates case studies and policy papers which infuse the curricula with a closeness to practice that is at the heart of the School’s approach to learning. It also creates intellectual capital, enabling the School to proactively engage in a dialogue with Vietnamese policymakers. These achievements would have not been possible without the continuous support of the U.S. and Vietnamese governments, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and especially the participants’ trust.

This event marks the twentieth anniversary of the Fulbright School. This milestone also represents a new start as Fulbright University Vietnam is established incorporating FETP’s knowledge, experience, and human capital. This event also reviews the School’s achievements and set the stage for the launch of Fulbright University Vietnam. This journey truly embodies the essence of FETP’s founding vision “Vietnamese roots, global partnership.”