General Director Nguyen Thi Minh presented Professor Neil Quigley and Madame Nguyen Thi Lam Giang with medals “For the cause of social insurance”.

Speaking at the meeting, Viet Nam Social Security General Director Nguyen Thi Minh said since 2017, nearly 150 officers of the social insurance sector have attended courses on social welfare and English language skills at Waikato University.

Viet Nam Social Security is working closely with Waikato University in preparing the skilled labour force for the sector ahead of Industry 4.0. The effort is highly recognised by the government and creates considerable impacts. Besides, workers trained in New Zealand are doing excellent jobs, bringing positive changes in terms of working style and innovations. General Director Nguyen Thi Minh expressed the expectation to have Waikato University and Professor Neil Quigley continue their support in improving English language and other skills for Viet Nam Social Security’s staff.

Professor Neil Quigley presents General Director Nguyen Thi Minh with a medal.

Speaking at the meeting, Professor Neil Quigley expressed his admiration to the Vietnamese people and friendliness of Viet Nam Social Security and trainees. He wanted to see trainees, once returning to Viet Nam, become ambassadors, helping other Vietnamese people gain a better understanding of the people of Waikato University and New Zealand.

Keith Conway – Deputy Head of Mission at the New Zealand Embassy in Viet Nam said the Viet Nam – New Zealand partnership had been strengthened in recent years. New Zealand appreciates the relations with Viet Nam and considers the country a critical factor in its foreign policies with the Asia-Pacific region. Viet Nam and New Zealand established their comprehensive partnership in September 2019 and are working towards a strategic partnership.

2020 is an important milestone in Viet Nam – New Zealand relations, marking the 45th anniversary of establishing diplomatic ties between the two countries. There are various cooperation potentials in many fields, especially education and training. Therefore, Keith Conway said he hoped to see Viet Nam Social Security and Waikato University continue the mission of bringing the two countries closer and boosting cooperation. 

General Director Nguyen Thi Minh presented medals of “For the cause of social insurance” for Professor Neil Quigley – Director of Waikato University and Nguyen Thi Lam Giang regional manager for Southeast Asia at Waikato University. Professor Neil Quigley also presented General Director Nguyen Thi Minh with the university medal to recognise her personal contribution to the cooperation between Waikato University and Viet Nam Social Security./.