On September 19, 2023, the Overseas Immersion Programme (OIP) was officially launched at International School – Vietnam National University (IS-VNU), marking the beginning of a 10-day journey of experiencing and exploring the country, culture, socio-economics, and people of Vietnam. This is the second exchange program in 2023, jointly organized by International School and Ngee Ann Polytechnic.

The opening ceremony of the OIP 2023 took place in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with the participation of representatives from the leadership of VNU, representatives of International School’s management board, faculty members from Ngee Ann Polytechnic, leaders of various departments of International School, and 50 students from Vietnam and Singapore.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Dinh expressed his pleasure in welcoming the faculty members and students of Ngee Ann Polytechnic to the school for learning and exchange.

“In his opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Dinh expressed his pleasure in welcoming faculty members and students from Ngee Ann Polytechnic to study and exchange at VNU. Vice Rector Nguyen Van Dinh emphasized that the timing of the program could be described as ‘favorable time, geographical advantage and social harmony’. Hanoi is currently entering the most beautiful time of the year – the cool and pleasant autumn weather.” After two years affected by the Covid pandemic, this year, IS-VNU once again welcomes students from Singapore for study and exchange. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Dinh recalled the visit of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to VNU earlier in September. During the exchange, sharing his insights with VNU students, Prime Minister Lee emphasized the paramount importance of excelling academically, mastering one’s chosen field, and embracing continuous learning as the world keeps evolving. Equally significant is knowledge, skills, resilience, perseverance, and being mentally prepared to adapt to future changes.
Mr. Tan Chin Chye, a lecturer from Ngee Ann Polytechnic, hoped that the students would grow fond of Vietnam and return here after graduation.

Following that, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Dinh urged the students from both institutions to seize this incredible opportunity to learn, mingle, and further understand each other, fostering friendships, sharing knowledge, and making every learning hour engaging and memorable. He also hoped that Ngee Ann Polytechnic students would have fascinating experiences in Vietnam and would return here multiple times in the future.

International School students welcomed their peers from Singapore.

Ngee Ann Polytechnic students embarked on their experiential learning journey with a Hanoi city tour on the morning of September 19. They were accompanied by 20 International School students, acting as guides, introducing them to Vietnamese life, culture, cuisine, and the knowledge shared by their lecturers. This is what sets the program apart, as it’s a collaboration between the two institutions. On the inauguration day, the Singaporean students also enjoyed a cultural performance showcasing the uniqueness of International School and introducing them to the essence of Vietnam.

Singaporean students were eager to engage in the opening ceremony.

“The first day of the program was quite impressive and joyful. I got acquainted with many fascinating things. I also love the current atmosphere and the weather in Vietnam,” shared Lee Kian, a student from Ngee Ann Polytechnic.

The students from Ngee Ann Poltechnic visited Hanois on their second day in Vietnam.

The “Overseas Immersion Programme” (OIP) is tailored for Ngee Ann Polytechnic students. Through academic exchanges in various countries, Singaporean students gain insights into the culture, socio-economics, and the people of their host nations. The 2021 OIP was the first experiential initiative in Vietnam, hosted online by International School in collaboration with Ngee Ann Polytechnic. This OIP follows another programme called TF-SCALE held in March 2021.

Wishing the Singapore students many great experiences in the coming days.

In the coming days, Singaporean students will have many experiential activities in Hanoi, including lessons and trips to familiarize themselves with many new things. Wishing you all great experiences in the upcoming activities.