On October 29, 2025, the University of Oxford hosted the launch of the Oxford Pioneer Scholarship Scheme, attended by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, Tô Lâm, and high-ranking officials from both nations.
General Secretary Tô Lâm (third from left) and Professor Irene Tracey, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford (second from left), witnessed Dr. Nguyễn Thị Phương Thảo (left) and Dr. Nick Leimu-Brown, Principal of Linacre College, Oxford (right), signing the Oxford Pioneer Scholarship agreement.
With an initial endowment of £17.83 million, including £13.7 million from Dr. Nguyễn Thị Phương Thảo and £4.13 million co-funded by the University of Oxford, the Oxford Pioneer Scholarship will provide long-term study and research opportunities for outstanding postgraduate students, particularly from Vietnam.
To date, £700,000 has been disbursed, supporting 11 exceptional scholars pursuing studies at Oxford in Education, Chemistry, Clinical Medicine, Genomic Medicine, and Business Administration (MBA).
Addressing the gathering, General Secretary Tô Lâm praised the collaborations between the University of Oxford and Vietnamese enterprises and research institutions, particularly highlighting partnerships with Sovico Group, Vietjet, and Oxford. He expressed hope that these collaborations would continue to grow, translating knowledge and technology into development programs benefiting the people and the nation. Educational and scientific research cooperation, he emphasized, are vital pillars in Vietnam-UK relations, poised to strengthen further as diplomatic ties elevate to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Professor Irene Tracey, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, stated, “We deeply value Dr. Nguyễn Thị Phương Thảo’s and Vietnamese enterprises’ partnership in the Oxford Pioneer Scholarship. We are proud to advance timely initiatives, celebrate our achievements, and expand collaboration in education, research, and innovation for global impact.”
Dr. Nguyễn Thị Phương Thảo shared poignant remarks: “Knowledge is the seed of peace and prosperity. I hope this scholarship empowers Vietnamese youth to confidently engage with the world, bringing knowledge and compassion to serve their homeland and community.”
Elevating Bilateral Ties: General Secretary’s UK Visit Set to Usher in a New Era of UK-Vietnam Relations
The upcoming visit of General Secretary To Lam marks a significant milestone in the relationship between the United Kingdom and Vietnam, paving the way for an elevated bilateral partnership, according to UK Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew.
Secretary-General: Rejecting ‘Term-Based Thinking’ and ‘Clinging to Local Interests’
Emphasizing the rejection of ‘term-limited thinking,’ ‘clinging to parochial interests,’ and the lack of courage to think, act, or innovate, General Secretary Tô Lâm stated: “Those who fall into these conditions without rectifying them must be promptly replaced.”
Secretary-General Tô Lâm: 90% of Recent Disciplinary Actions Against Officials Involve Land-Related Violations
“Land disputes dominate 90% of all complaints, and a staggering 90% of recent disciplinary actions against officials stem from land-related issues,” stated General Secretary Tô Lâm.
