VPS Launches VPS 2.0, Announces Strategic Partnership with VNUHCM Innovation Hub, Unveils Strategic Initiatives, and Convenes Distinguished U.S.–Vietnam Leaders
June 1, 2026 | United States
June 2, 2026 | Vietnam
The Association of Vietnamese Professionals and Students in the United States (VPS) successfully launched VPS 2.0, marking a new chapter in its mission to connect, empower, and inspire Vietnamese professionals and students while strengthening people-to-people ties between the United States and Vietnam.
Held on June 1, 2026 (June 2 in Vietnam), the virtual launch event brought together 574 participants from across the United States, Vietnam, and around the world, including leaders from diplomacy, academia, business, technology, healthcare, and civil society. The event commemorated the organization's 14th anniversary and unveiled a renewed vision for the future of VPS.
The program featured remarks by Ambassador Nguyễn Quốc Dũng, Ambassador of Vietnam to the United States; the official launch of VPS 2.0; the introduction of a comprehensive portfolio of strategic initiatives; the announcement of a $20,000 fundraising campaign; the unveiling of a Memorandum of Understanding between VPS and the VNUHCM Innovation Hub; and a landmark discussion featuring distinguished U.S. and Vietnamese diplomatic, business, academic, and community leaders.
Remarks from Ambassador Nguyễn Quốc Dũng
The event featured special remarks by Ambassador Nguyễn Quốc Dũng, who highlighted the importance of educational exchange, professional collaboration, innovation, and people-to-people engagement in advancing the U.S.–Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
His remarks underscored the important role that overseas Vietnamese professionals, students, entrepreneurs, researchers, and community leaders can play in strengthening bilateral cooperation and creating opportunities for future generations.
VPS 2.0: A Renewed Vision
During the event, VPS leadership officially unveiled VPS 2.0, introducing a renewed vision centered on leadership development, professional collaboration, mentorship, community engagement, and stronger connections between Vietnam and the United States.
Building upon fourteen years of volunteer-driven growth, VPS 2.0 is guided by three core principles:
Creating community value
Fostering decentralized and shared leadership
Supporting action-oriented individuals and teams
As part of this next phase, VPS announced the formation of a new Advisory Council, which will bring together distinguished leaders from diplomacy, academia, business, and the community to provide mentorship and strategic guidance to VPS initiatives and future generations.
VPS also announced plans to strengthen its organizational capacity through professional operational support, enabling the organization to expand its impact while maintaining its strong volunteer-driven culture.
VPS Strategic Initiatives
A central component of the VPS 2.0 launch was the introduction of a comprehensive portfolio of strategic initiatives designed to strengthen Vietnamese identity, develop future leaders, foster professional and academic excellence, and expand the global impact of the Vietnamese community.
To expand community engagement and local leadership, VPS announced plans to strengthen and grow VPS Chapters across the United States, creating additional opportunities for networking, mentorship, professional development, and community-building.
To support students and professionals throughout their educational and career journeys, VPS highlighted initiatives such as Our American Journey, which provides guidance and resources for Vietnamese students and professionals navigating educational and career opportunities in the United States; Opportunities for Skilled Labor, focused on workforce development and career pathways; and PhD.Hub, a platform connecting doctoral students, researchers, and aspiring scholars across institutions and disciplines.
In the areas of innovation, research, and higher education, VPS introduced the Vietnam Innovation & Academic Network (VIAN), which seeks to connect universities, researchers, innovators, and academic leaders across borders; LOTUSnet (Global Initiative for Vietnam's Scientific Advancement), which promotes scientific collaboration and knowledge exchange; STER, supporting science, technology, education, and research initiatives; and the Higher Education Partnership, designed to strengthen collaboration among universities, researchers, students, and professional communities in Vietnam and the United States.
VPS also highlighted VUS Advisory, which supports business, investment, and professional collaboration; Urban Studies, connecting expertise in planning, policy, and sustainable development; Cultural Activities, which promote Vietnamese heritage and cross-cultural understanding; and the VPS Medical Professionals Network, which aims to connect healthcare professionals, researchers, and practitioners to advance collaboration, mentorship, and community impact.
Together, these initiatives represent VPS's commitment to transforming ideas into action and creating meaningful opportunities for Vietnamese professionals and students to contribute to their communities, strengthen U.S.–Vietnam relations, and create lasting impact across generations.
Strategic Partnership with VNUHCM Innovation Hub
A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between VPS and the VNUHCM Innovation Hub, establishing a framework for collaboration in research, innovation, technology, talent development, higher education, and international engagement.
The partnership seeks to create new opportunities for students, researchers, entrepreneurs, professionals, and institutions in both countries through collaborative programs, knowledge exchange, conferences, institutional partnerships, and innovation-focused initiatives.
VPS was honored to welcome Prof. Nguyễn Thị Thanh Mai, Chancellor and President of VNUHCM, who delivered special remarks on the importance of strengthening connections among universities, innovators, professionals, and global Vietnamese communities. The event also featured remarks by Mr. Trần Vũ, Deputy Director of the VNUHCM Innovation Hub, who shared the Innovation Hub's vision and opportunities for future collaboration.
VPS was pleased to welcome numerous leaders, faculty members, staff, and representatives from VNUHCM and the VNUHCM Innovation Hub, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing education, innovation, and international cooperation.
VPS 2.0 Fundraising Campaign
As part of the launch, VPS announced a $20,000 fundraising campaign to support the organization's next phase of growth and impact.
The campaign includes a goal of $10,000 in community contributions, which will be matched dollar-for-dollar by members of the VPS Board of Directors. Funds raised will support operational capacity, leadership development, student engagement, mentorship programs, professional networking opportunities, and new initiatives that strengthen connections between Vietnam and the United States.
The campaign reflects VPS's belief that long-term impact requires not only volunteer dedication, but also sustainable resources to support future generations of Vietnamese professionals and students.
Featured Discussion: From the Past to the Future
The event concluded with a landmark discussion titled "From the Past to the Future."
For the first time, an extraordinary group of former U.S. and Vietnamese ambassadors, senior diplomats, business executives, academics, and community leaders came together to reflect on the evolution of the U.S.–Vietnam relationship and explore opportunities for future cooperation.
Diplomatic Leaders
Ambassador Michael Michalak, U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam (2007–2011)
Ambassador Nguyễn Quốc Cường, Vietnamese Ambassador to the United States (2011–2014)
Ambassador Ted Osius, U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam (2014–2017)
Ambassador Phạm Quang Vinh, Vietnamese Ambassador to the United States (2014–2018)
Ambassador Hà Kim Ngọc, Vietnamese Ambassador to the United States (2018–2022)
Ambassador Vũ Quang Minh, Senior Ambassador and MOFA's Key Coordinator of the VELP Program at Harvard University
Ambassador Marc Knapper, U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam (2022–2026)
Consul General Mary Tarnowka, U.S. Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City (2016–2019) and Executive Director of AmCham Vietnam (2019–2022)
Business, Academic, and Community Leaders
Dr. Loi Nguyen, Executive Vice President (Retired), Marvell Technology
Ms. Christina Bui, Vice President, Robert Half
Mr. Nguyễn Anh Tuấn, Co-founder and CEO, Boston Global Forum
Ms. Thao Griffiths, Director of Public Policy (CLMV), Meta
Dr. Trần Ngọc Anh, Professor, Indiana University
Moderated by Ms. Bảo Lương, Founder of Greenfield & Associates and VPS Board Member, the discussion explored lessons learned from three decades of U.S.–Vietnam cooperation and shared perspectives on leadership, innovation, education, technology, and the future of bilateral relations.
Building the Next Chapter
Founded in 2012, VPS has grown into a nationwide network connecting Vietnamese professionals, students, entrepreneurs, researchers, educators, and community leaders across the United States and Vietnam.
Through VPS 2.0, the organization seeks to deepen its impact by empowering individuals, strengthening communities, fostering innovation, and creating opportunities for collaboration across generations and borders.
"VPS 2.0 is more than a new chapter for our organization. It is a renewed commitment to empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and building bridges between the United States and Vietnam for generations to come."
As VPS enters its next chapter, the organization remains committed to its guiding motto:
"United as One. Empowering Everyone."
About VPS
The Association of Vietnamese Professionals and Students in the United States (VPS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting Vietnamese professionals and students, promoting leadership development, advancing educational and professional opportunities, and strengthening U.S.–Vietnam relations through collaboration and community engagement.
For more information, visit: www.vpsusa.org
Media Contact
VPS Communications Team
