The ceremony was attended by many important guests from domestic and foreign agencies. On behalf of the German Embassy in Vietnam, there was the participation of Ms. Alexandra WESTWOOD – Attaché of the German Embassy in Vietnam. The representative from the German Sparkassenstiftung for International Cooperation (DSIK) was Ms. Anna SZALWICKI, Deputy Regional Coordinator for Southeast Asia and colleagues. On behalf of the Central Vietnam Women’s Union (VWU), there was the participation of Ms. TRAN Thi Minh Huong – Deputy Head of the International Department.

Welcoming the guests, on behalf of the Vietnam Women’s Academy, there was the presence of Assoc.Prof. Dr. TRAN  Quang Tien – Party Secretary, President of Vietnam Women’s Academy (VWA), leaders of the Officials Training Center – the unit assigned the responsibility of being the focal point of cooperation activities with other representatives of units under the Academy, and more than 200 students from 11 majors of the Academy.

Performances to welcome the event performed by students of Vietnam Women’s Academy

Speaking at the event, Ms. Anna SZALWICKI, Deputy Coordinator of DSIK Southeast Asia, affirmed the importance of international cooperation to improve financial capacity for students and shared about DSIK’s commitment to supporting sustainable financial activities in Vietnam.

Representing Vietnam Women’s Academy, Assoc.Prof. Dr. TRAN  Quang Tien – President of VWA emphasized the importance of cooperation with DSIK. President TRAN Quang Tien said that the Academy always strives to create a comprehensive learning environment, not only equipping students with professional knowledge but also helping students develop the necessary financial skills to enter life. This cooperation not only helps students raise their awareness of saving but also encourages the future generation of the country to become responsible citizens towards the community and the environment.

Signing international cooperation to promote green financial development

The signing ceremony marked an important milestone in the cooperation between VWA and DSIK, a prestigious international organization in the field of savings finance. This event marked a sustainable and effective cooperation relationship following the success of previous activities (since 2016), contributing to creating a solid foundation for future cooperation activities.

Ms. Anna SZALWICKY, Deputy Coordinator of DSIK Southeast Asia, representing the German Sparkassenstiftung for International Cooperation (DSIK), and Assoc.Prof. Dr. TRAN Quang Tien – President of Vietnam Women’s Academy signed a cooperation agreement between the two sides for the period 2024 – 2027.

The 2024-2027 cooperation program focuses on providing financial knowledge and skills to students of VWA through training courses, seminars, and practical programs. In particular, through the Green Savings – Digital Savings event series, the goal is to encourage students to not only learn how to manage their personal finances effectively, but also gain a deep understanding of green lifestyles in the digital age.

The cooperation agreement between the two parties aims to:

💚 Enhance students’ knowledge, skills, financial and business understanding.

💚 Contribute to building and developing a financial education network to promote financial inclusion among Vietnamese and international universities/training institutions.

💚 Promote the financial, institutional and environmental sustainability transformation of (micro)finance institutions pursuing sustainability goals, and the institutional sustainability of (micro)finance institutions at the sector level.

Specifically, the agreement will be jointly implemented by the two parties through the following activities:

💚 Ensure basic financial knowledge for students.

💚 Integrate Sustainable Financial Education into Student Curriculums, Establishing Foundational Knowledge.

💚 Improve students’ business and entrepreneurship skills.

In addition, to enhance and expand the scope of cooperation, VWA can integrate Digital Finance into the curriculum and expand awareness of financial products in the training program at the Academy and other affiliated programs.

Green Savings – An Important Step in Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development

The series of events Green Savings – Digital Savings is a special highlight in 2024, with the goal of not only conveying the message of saving in personal finance but also spreading the spirit of saving for the environment. In the face of climate change that is seriously affecting daily life, adopting a green lifestyle has become an urgent requirement. Not only helping to change healthy eating habits, classifying waste, or buying environmentally friendly products, saving in personal finance also contributes to creating a more sustainable life.

Accordingly, the use of digital technology makes saving more convenient and effective. Students can take advantage of digital financial applications and tools to manage spending, minimize waste and optimize resources. This saving not only brings personal economic benefits but also contributes to global environmental protection.

Ms. Alexandra WESTWOOD – Attaché of the German Embassy in Vietnam, Ms. TRAN Thi Minh Huong – Deputy Head of the International Department, Central Vietnam Women’s Union, Ms. Anna SZALWICKY, Deputy Coordinator of DSIK Southeast Asia, Assoc.Prof. Dr. TRAN Quang Tien – President of Vietnam Women’s Academy touched the ball to affirm sustainable cooperation and launch a series of events in 2024 with the theme “Green savings – Digital savings”

Launching the event series “Green Savings – Digital Savings” in 2024

Immediately after the signing ceremony, the Green Savings – Digital Savings event series in 2024 was officially launched. This is a series of 5 events held throughout the year, including competitions, seminars and financial education programs for students. The event not only aims to raise awareness about personal finance but also encourages students to practice sustainable savings behaviors towards green development.

In particular, an online contest on the topic Green Savings – Digital Savings was launched in September 2024, attracting the participation of many students of all courses. The contest received 40 entries, of which 10 were voted the highest via social networks and entered the final round. At the ceremony, the Organizing Committee awarded 1 first prize, 2 second prizes, 2 third prizes and 5 consolation prizes to the best works. The first prize went to the ORA group from class K12 Business Administration B.

The Importance of International Cooperation in Financial Education

The cooperation with DSIK brings great benefits to VWA and the students, helping to expand the international cooperation network and improve the quality of education. Equipping students with sustainable financial knowledge not only helps them manage their finances better but also promotes environmental protection awareness in their daily lives. At the same time, this cooperation also demonstrates the commitment of the Academy to training generations of dynamic students with social awareness and responsibility to the community.

The signing ceremony of the cooperation agreement between VWA and DSIK for the period 2024-2027 not only marks a new step forward in international cooperation but also marks the beginning of a series of meaningful events Green Savings – Digital Savings. With the spirit of saving and green living, these activities will contribute to raising students’ awareness and financial management skills, while creating practical values ​​for the community, contributing to building a healthy living environment and sustainable development.