Vietnamese professionals, students in US deepen ties with homeland

On June 8 (U.S. time), the Vietnamese Professionals and Students Association in the United States (VPS) officially launched VPS 2.0, marking a new chapter in its 14-year mission of connecting Vietnamese professionals, students, entrepreneurs, researchers, educators and young leaders across the U.S..

More than a milestone for the organization, VPS 2.0 represents a shift from a community network to an action-oriented platform, linking Vietnamese talent worldwide with opportunities for collaboration in education, technology, innovation, public policy, workforce development and Vietnam-U.S. relations.

Huynh The Du, co-founder, chairman and CEO of VPS, said the organization’s core mission is to foster a community in which every member can contribute to the development of the Vietnamese community in the U.S. and to strengthening ties between the two countries.

“If VPS 1.0 laid the foundation for a connected community, VPS 2.0 is a commitment to turning that network into a force for action.

“VPS is not only about connecting people, but also about connecting knowledge, opportunities and responsibility to create a lasting impact on the community and on Vietnam-U.S. relation,” Du said.

The initiatives introduced under VPS 2.0 include STEM talent development programs, career mentoring, networking opportunities for Vietnamese professionals in the U.S., support for Vietnamese businesses seeking access to the U.S. market, expansion of community networks across states, promotion of academic and research collaboration, and communications activities aimed at sharing the stories of Vietnamese students, professionals, entrepreneurs and the global Vietnamese community.

Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to the U.S. Nguyen Quoc Dung praised VPS for its contributions to connecting Vietnamese professionals and students across the U.S., noting that networks such as VPS are playing an increasingly important role in linking Vietnamese knowledge, resources, experience and aspirations both in the United States and around the world.

“A strong and thriving VPS will be a valuable partner for all of us,” Dung said.

“When Vietnamese professionals and students in the U.S. are better connected, we not only create more opportunities for individuals, but also build lasting bridges for Vietnam-U.S. relations.”