Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and automation, is bolstering its commitment to technical education in Vietnam with the opening of a latest state-of-the-art laboratory focused on automation and renewable energy technologies. The facility, inaugurated at the Thu Duc College of Technology, represents a significant investment in preparing the next generation of Vietnamese engineers for the demands of a rapidly evolving industrial landscape. This initiative underscores the growing importance of skilled labor in areas like sustainable energy and advanced manufacturing, and aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application.
The new lab is the tenth such facility equipped by Schneider Electric through its Center of Excellence program, a cornerstone of the Schneider Electric Foundation’s educational outreach. The program is designed to provide students with hands-on experience using industry-standard equipment, fostering a deeper understanding of complex systems and preparing them for immediate contributions to the workforce. The focus on automation and renewable energy reflects Vietnam’s national priorities for sustainable development and technological advancement, as outlined in the country’s socio-economic development plans.
“Beyond providing a significant portion of the funding for the practical equipment, we are also supplying teaching materials and dispatching experts to train the school’s teachers,” said Dang Nguyen Ngu, General Director of Schneider Electric Vietnam and Cambodia, during the inauguration ceremony. “I am confident that through close collaboration between businesses and schools, we can make a substantial contribution to building a highly skilled technical workforce for our country’s digital age.” Schneider Electric’s commitment extends beyond simply providing equipment; it’s a holistic approach to education that includes curriculum development and ongoing support for instructors.
Investing in Future Skills: A 70% Contribution
The Schneider Electric Foundation is contributing 70% of the investment costs for the advanced technology equipment within the lab. This includes a comprehensive suite of tools designed to provide students with a broad understanding of modern industrial systems. Specifically, the lab is equipped with industrial control, drive, and automation systems; solar energy systems, with a focus on the hybrid Solar Home (Homaya) system – a solution designed for off-grid power access; industrial communication systems; and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. These technologies are critical for optimizing energy efficiency, improving operational reliability, and driving innovation in various sectors.
Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice
Pham Huu Loc, Rector of Thu Duc College of Technology, emphasized the school’s commitment to maximizing the impact of the new facility. “The school is committed to operating this creative research space effectively, continuously renewing training programs to maximize the value of the equipment, and is determined to train generations of students with solid skills and the ability to flexibly adapt to the increasingly high demands of the labor market,” he stated. The college plans to integrate the lab’s resources into its existing curriculum and develop new courses specifically designed to leverage the advanced technologies available.
Schneider Electric’s broader educational initiatives in Vietnam extend beyond this single lab. The company is currently implementing a range of education projects, supporting over 40 universities and colleges with the goal of reaching more than 70,000 students with training in new energy, automation, and sustainable development between 2026 and 2030. These projects include the Conserve My Planet program, focused on sustainable development education for students and lecturers; a support program for solar power installations; and a training program for the Competence Center.
The investment in the Thu Duc College of Technology’s lab is part of a larger trend of industry-academia collaboration in Vietnam, driven by the need for a skilled workforce to support the country’s economic growth. The focus on automation and renewable energy aligns with Vietnam’s commitment to transitioning to a greener, more sustainable economy. This partnership between Schneider Electric and Thu Duc College of Technology serves as a model for future collaborations aimed at equipping Vietnamese students with the skills they need to succeed in the 21st-century workforce.
Looking ahead, Schneider Electric plans to continue expanding its Center of Excellence program to additional educational institutions across Vietnam. The company will also be monitoring the impact of the new lab at Thu Duc College of Technology, tracking student performance and gathering feedback to refine its training programs. The next phase of the initiative will involve a comprehensive assessment of the program’s effectiveness, scheduled for completion in early 2027, to inform future investments and ensure alignment with evolving industry needs.
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