Kenan Foundation Asia is a non-profit organisation operating in economic development, education, public health and corporate social responsibility. Headquartered in Thailand, it runs projects in several Southeast Asian countries. In Vietnam, Kenan Foundation Asia has implemented projects in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Bac Ninh and Dong Thap.

Standing Vice Chairman of the Bac Ninh Provincial People’s Committee Mai Son talks with Richard Bernhard.

In Bac Ninh, recent projects include a USD 50,000 non-refundable grant to narrow knowledge and vocational skills gaps for students at Bac Ninh College of Industry; a USD 29,600 project for the 2025-2026 period at the same college and a USD 54,000 project on “For a green planet and AI education – shaping the future” in cooperation with Bac Ninh Department of Education and Training.

The PPC Vice Chairman Mai Son noted that from July 1, 2025, Bac Ninh province was merged with Bac Giang province under the name Bac Ninh. The province, part of the northern key economic region, has made significant and comprehensive socio-economic development achievements, ranking among the most developed localities nationwide.

By the end of June 2025, Bac Ninh had attracted more than 3,200 foreign-invested projects with total registered capital of around 45 billion USD from 44 countries and territories.

Currently, 30 foreign non-governmental organisations have registered to operate in Bac Ninh, with 10 organisations implementing a total of 13 aid programmes and projects in the province.

He praised Kenan Foundation Asia’s activities in Bac Ninh, particularly its support for vocational education and training of lecturers and students in artificial intelligence and semiconductors.

The provincial leader urged the organisation to continue effective cooperation to improve the quality of vocational training locally. The provincial government, he affirmed, will facilitate the implementation of Kenan Foundation Asia’s projects in line with local conditions.

Standing Vice Chairman of the Bac Ninh Provincial People’s Committee Mai Son presents gifts to the Kenan Foundation Asia delegation at the end of the meeting.

He emphasised that Bac Ninh will prioritise mobilisation of aid from NGOs in education and training, health care, agriculture and rural development, social issues, environment and climate change adaptation, disaster prevention and emergency relief, war consequence remediation, culture, sports, and tourism.

Also, the PPC Vice Chairman hoped that Kenan Foundation Asia will continue supporting new aid projects in Bac Ninh, especially AI training for students, officials, civil servants, and workers to meet scientific and technological development demands.

Richard Bernhard recognised Bac Ninh’s development potential, proposing further exchanges and cooperation to enhance socio-economic support activities and to deepen comprehensive bilateral partnership.

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