Today, we began the day following a similar schedule as yesterday. After breakfast, we headed to UEF to learn about the role of green transformation in Vietnam, through an enthusiastic lecture from Professor Minh. Relating to what we learned from GreenViet yesterday, Professor Minh reiterated the benefits and necessity of adopting a green transformation for Vietnam’s companies. Not only would companies reduce costs in the long run, but it would also preserve the environment, providing a better outlook for company prospects. He also mentioned many sustainable goals that Vietnam is implementing and setting for itself, such as a net-zero emission in the next few decades, as well as a transition from the use of coal to renewable energy. There also seems to be a goal of turning from gas cars to EVs, as exemplified by the influx of new EV taxis on the streets of Vietnam’s cities. This policy particularly resonates with me because China has also been implementing this policy to decrease the quantity of gas cars. Through government purchasing incentives, the streets of Shanghai today are filled majority by EVs. Thus, I believe that Vietnam will be able to fulfill its goals in time in just a few years.
After the lecture, we took a short break to a coffee shop, where I got a green tea latte. Later, we continued yesterday’s Vietnamese lesson and learned even more phrases. At noon, we left for lunch, getting a taste of Vietnam’s take on western foods, specifically pizza and pasta.
As our afternoon activity, we toured an FPT building, owned by one of the biggest software companies in Vietnam. The building itself was ginormous, capable of housing around 7,000 people. Its design also embodies green building architecture, holding tons of greenery in its center and designed with open-air corridors that both cut costs of air conditioning and preserves the element of nature in the office building. I especially liked the vines that hung from each floor’s walls, further adding to the natural feel of the building.
After the tour, Phil, an FPT business analyst, held an introduction session to help us understand the basic logistics of the company. I was particularly interested in learning about the different positions that made up a project team, and the variety of work FPT undertakes. I was also drawn to the employee benefits that FPT offers, such as free and discounted technical classes and work-from-home opportunities for its workers. Overall, FPT seems to be an environmentally and socially responsible company to work for.
To finish the day off, we got Korean BBQ. I also had the best durian ever! Vietnam’s durian is unbeatable.
