On the morning of September 27, 2024, Vietnam-Korea University of Information and Communication Technology (VKU), the University of Danang, hosted the event series on “Fintech Development in the Digital World” to inaugurate the Fintech Hub for training, research, and innovation. The event also featured seminars and discussions for experience-sharing between governmental agencies, associations, universities, and investors from Thailand, Korea, the UK, and Australia, aiming to train a workforce in financial technology, promote innovation, and position Danang as an international financial hub. This effort aligns with the implementation of Conclusion No. 79-KL/TW and Resolution 136/2024/QH15, facilitating the development of a free trade zone, international financial center, and supporting innovative startups. This marks a significant step for VKU in asserting its leadership in providing high-quality human resources for Danang and the entire nation.

Overview of the VKU Fintech Hub Grand Opening

The event was attended by:

From Danang City: Mr. Ngo Xuan Thang, Member of the Standing Committee of the City Party Committee and Chairman of the City People’s Council; Mr. Ho Ky Minh, Member of the Standing Committee of the City Party Committee and Standing Vice Chairman of the City People’s Committee.

International and domestic guests included: Mr. Kang Boosung, The Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Danang; Colonel Nguyen Thi Ngoc, Deputy General Director of Military Commercial Joint Stock Bank; and representatives from fintech companies, investment funds, startup incubators, innovation centers, and fintech experts from Southeast Asia, South Korea, the UK, and Australia.

From the University of Danang: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Vu, President, along with leaders of functional departments under the University of Danang.

Sponsors included Mr. Sangil Kim, Managing Director of Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy at Hanwha Life Korea; Mr. Junwhan Hwang, CEO of Hanwha Life Vietnam; and Ms. Jin Kim, Global Program Director at ChildFund Korea.

From VKU: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Huynh Cong Phap, Rector; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Binh, Chairman of the University Council; Vice Rectors: Dr. Tran The Son, Dr. Huynh Ngoc Tho; and various department heads, faculty members, and students.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Huynh Cong Phap, Rector of VKU, delivers the opening speech

In his speech, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Huynh Cong Phap – Rector of VKU, expressed his deep gratitude for the support and direction from Danang’s leadership, The Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Danang, various agencies, the University of Danang, and numerous organizations and businesses in the technology, finance, and banking sectors, both domestically and internationally.

As a leading public university, VKU is crucial in providing high-quality human resources in IT, communications, and the digital economy. The university has proactively trained and developed strategic workforce areas such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and logistics. This year, it added digital financial technology (Fintech) to its portfolio. VKU’s training focuses on digital technology for finance (TechFin-Technology Finance), enhancing English and Korean language proficiency, and fostering lifelong learning and adaptability for students.

VKU Fintech Hub is a training, research and innovation center sponsored by Hanwha Life Group Korea and ChilFund Korea, a large project associated with the Innovation Center under the ODA Project funded by the Korean Government with a scale of 1,500m2 being implemented at VKU.

Remarks by Mr. Ho Ky Minh, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Danang and Standing Vice Chairman of the City People’s Committee

In his congratulatory remarks, Mr. Ho Ky Minh, Standing Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Da Nang City, highlighted that the establishment of the VKU Fintech Hub reaffirms VKU’s commitment and responsibility in cultivating high-quality talent for the digital technology and digital economy sectors, particularly in Fintech, not only for Da Nang but also for Vietnam and the global market. He expressed hope that the VKU Fintech Hub will serve as a catalyst for innovative ideas, a hub where investors, experts, and Fintech startups converge, fostering groundbreaking initiatives that will drive the growth of both the financial technology industry and Da Nang. This also presents an opportunity for the city to build a vibrant and dynamic Fintech community, enhancing Da Nang’s competitiveness on the global stage amidst international integration.

Speech by Mr. Sangil Kim, Managing Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at Hanwha Life Korea

Mr. Sangil Kim, Managing Director of Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy at Hanwha Life Korea, stated: “With our extensive experience and vision, Hanwha Life has long recognized the critical importance of digital transformation and financial technology. Accordingly, we have proactively developed and applied a variety of digital financial solutions within our business operations. We aim to help talented individuals quickly adapt to the innovative financial environment of the future and go a step further to become leaders and pioneers in this field. Therefore, Hanwha Life and VKU have partnered to provide training in Financial Technology (Fintech) and to establish the VKU Fintech Hub. We expect that VKU’s talented students will be at the forefront of innovation, leading transformative changes in financial and social development.”

Speech by Ms. Jin Kim, Global Program Director at ChildFund Korea

On the side of ChildFund Korea, Ms. Jin Kim expressed her hope that VKU Fintech Hub will not only be a center for fintech training at VKU but will also extend its influence on the entire city of Danang. She pledged continued support to help VKU students develop their talents and contribute positively to society.

VKU Fintech Hub is equipped with modern facilities, including specialized software system for Statistical Analysis System – SAS, simulations software (e-commerce trading floors, Business Strategy on Business Simulations Games, e-payment systems, digital marketing), and a comprehensive library of textbooks and references for fintech training. VKU plans to enroll students in Fintech from 2025 with 60 targets and training orientation to increase 100% English teaching, combine internships and practice at enterprises to meet the human resource needs of Da Nang city and major partners of Hanwha Life Group Korea and the global market.

Official Launch of VKU Fintech Hub

At the event, VKU Fintech Hub was inaugurated and put into operation with an operating model focusing on 3 main groups of tasks: Training, Incubation (Connecting businesses, investors, consulting on policies, technology solutions, organizing FINNOVATE startup competitions, calling for angel investors) and Research (Forming strong research groups in the field of Fintech, especially interdisciplinary combining many technologies such as AI in finance, …), along with research orientations on Governance models and market trends associated with Fintech; Support policies and management regulations for Fintech; Data technology and data analysis serving Fintech; New technologies applied to Fintech: Blockchain, AI, Machine Learning, …; Fintech startup ecosystem; Modern digital banking business model; Smart cooperation in the fields of finance, banking and Fintech.

Ribbon cutting to open VKU Fintech Hub

The opening event of VKU Fintech Hub marks a major step forward in the internationalization and innovation strategy of Vietnam-Korea University of Information and Communication Technology. The hub will become a place to connect and promote creative ideas in the field of financial technology, while meeting the demand for high-quality human resources for Da Nang city and the whole country. With the support of international partners, VKU Fintech Hub promises to be a platform to lead the development of Fintech in the region and globally.

Center for Learning Resources and Communication

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