The European Year of Skills 2023 aims at giving a fresh impetus to lifelong learning, empowering people and companies to contribute to green and digital transitions.

In line with this objective, the EU Delegation to Vietnam (EUD) launched the ‘Empowering Youth: Your Future is Our World’ campaign to inspire Vietnamese youths to participate in skills enhancement to meet the country’s development needs.

Held between 23 August and 13 October, the four visits to European businesses — DEEP C Industrial Zones, Bayer, Ericsson, and Heineken — gave over 160 youths opportunities to learn about the role of digital and green practices in driving sustainable development. They were selected from over 500 registrants.

At DEEP C Industrial Zones, a system of industrial zones and seaports initiated through collaboration between Belgian investor Rent-A-Port and Haiphong People’s Committee, the youths observed the various eco practices of the complex, including wastewater treatment system and AI applications that facilitate efficient energy usage.

The visit to Ericsson, which is a leading entity in the realm of 5G and digital transformation in Vietnam, armed the participants with valuable recommendations on essential skills required for their future career development, as Vietnam pursues the national strategies on digital economy, socio-economic development and green growth.

Participants of the tour to Bayer Vietnam Ltd interacted directly with the senior management team of the company and gained a peek at the European corporate work culture. The company, which specialises in the fields of pharmaceuticals, consumer health and crop science, showcased the practical application of digital transformation in shaping agricultural models, optimising productivity and increasing profitability for local farmers in Vietnam.

At Heineken, the participants learned about the use of AI and big data for international data exchange, and the brewery’s eco-friendly journey through renewable energy, circular economy and water conservation efforts.

Additionally, over 50 participants attended a talk with the clever title ‘AI Named This Seminar - Future-Ready Skills with AI’ on 8 October, in which four speakers — who are CEOs or founders of Vietnamese start-ups in the AI field — explored the implications of artificial intelligence. They elaborated on turning the challenges presented by AI into opportunities; the social, environmental and economic concerns as AI’s popularity grows; and the indispensable human factor.

EUD will continue to connect, engage and empower Vietnamese youths. Follow its Facebook and X for announcements on future events.