From left to right: Mrs. Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy, First Secretary for Press, Culture, Education, and Tourism, Embassy of Vietnam in the Philippines; H.E. Hoang Huy Chung, Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to the Philippines; Prof. G.L.D. Wickramasinghe, Director General of Colombo Plan Staff College and Mr. Jan Michael Marasigan, Executive Secretary, Colombo Plan Staff College.

The Director General of the Colombo Plan Staff College, Prof. G.L.D. Wickramasinghe embarked on a visit to the Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in the Philippines on May 30, 2022. This is part of his activities to liaise with possible member states and explore opportunities for further collaboration and membership in the CPSC network of nations.

He and the Executive Secretary, Mr. Jan Michael Marasigan, was welcomed by the Head of Mission, H.E. Hoang Huy Chung, and the First Secretary for Press, Culture, Education, and Tourism, Mrs. Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy.

Ambassador Hoang Huy Chung (left) and Prof. G.L.D Wickramasinghe (right)

During their meeting, Prof. Wickramasinghe informed Ambassador Hoang of the relationship between CPSC and Vietnam which dates back to the inception of CPSC where Vietnam is a founding member and provided financial contribution from 1974 to 1977. He also acquainted the Ambassador with the training programs and activities of CPSC, especially the upcoming ones in which Vietnam may participate. He also informed him of the accreditation activities of CPSC through the Asia Pacific Accreditation and Certification Commission (APACC), and the initial talks with the Vietnam Association of Community Colleges (VACC).

In response, Ambassador Hoang expressed his appreciation for the courtesy visit and discussed various issues and concerns in the region. He also took note of the activities mentioned by the Director General, and looks forward to receiving further details of them. The Ambassador took note of the option of Vietnam’s re-entry as a member of CPSC and awaits further information regarding the process which shall be sent by CPSC.

Both parties expressed their optimism about CPSC and hope that Vietnam will play a major role in CPSC in the near future.