On November 27, 2024, in Ho Chi Minh City, Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology (PTIT) held the inauguration ceremony for the Centre of Excellence in Software Development and Training (CESDT). Distinguished attendees included H.E. Mr. Sandeep Arya, Ambassador of India to Vietnam; Dr. Phan Tam, Deputy Minister of Information and Communications (MIC); and Dr. Vipra Pandey, Consul General of India in Ho Chi Minh City. From PTIT, attendees included Prof. Dr. Tu Minh Phuong – Chairman of PTIT’s University Council, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dang Hoai Bac, President of PTIT, along with leaders of affiliated units under MIC and PTIT’s partner organizations.

The guests officially launched the Centre of Excellence in Software Development and Training (CESDT).

During the ceremony, Dr. Tan Hanh, Deputy Director of PTIT and head of the Ho Chi Minh City campus, shared that the IT training project was implemented within the framework of ASEAN-India cooperation. It was supported by non-refundable aid from India through the ASEAN-India Cooperation Fund (AICF), aiming to develop high-quality IT human resources across ASEAN, with Vietnam as a key participant. This project is spearheaded by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India. CDAC, recognized globally for its pioneering work in supercomputing and advanced IT solutions, also leads initiatives like CESDT to enhance the IT sector in ASEAN countries.

The project, valued at over $1.1 million, includes equipment, software, Master Trainer training in India, the deployment of Indian experts to Vietnam, authorized licenses, course copyrights, and more, enabling the establishment of a CDAC-authorized training center in Vietnam.

In Vietnam, PTIT is the sole beneficiary and implementing institution for this project under a decision by the Minister of Information and Communications. PTIT has made significant investments in infrastructure, integrated CDAC’s training programs into its long-term curricula, and collaborated with IT enterprises to deliver short-term training tailored to corporate needs. Students participating in the project’s training programs will follow international-standard curricula, engage in practical projects with enterprises, and receive international certificates upon completion. Additionally, they will acquire soft skills and language proficiency to secure promising employment opportunities after graduation.

H.E. Mr. Sandeep Arya, Ambassador of India to Vietnam, remarked that CESDT is a cornerstone of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and India. He emphasized that it continues a series of initiatives in IT, digital technology, and software services, strengthening ties between the two nations. The center is expected to deliver significant benefits to Vietnamese and regional students and professionals through courses on programming, data communications and networking, web technology, cybersecurity, and office automation.

Prof. Dr. Tu Minh Phuong – Chairman of PTIT’s University Council, presented a token of appreciation to Indian Embassy in Vietnam and Indian Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City for their contributions and goodwill toward PTIT.

Dr. Phan Tam, Deputy Minister of MIC, stated that for Vietnam, high-quality digital human resources—especially top talent—will be a transformative factor alongside digital institutions and infrastructure, enabling the nation to achieve its industrialization and modernization goals. Over the years, PTIT has been a leading institution contributing to the quantity and quality of Vietnam’s digital workforce.

According to Dr. Phan Tam, inaugurating the Centre of Excellence in Software Development and Training (CESDT) is a vital step in PTIT’s strategic development. MIC believes that, with its specialized IT training programs, CESDT will become an ideal hub for cultivating digital technology experts capable of meeting the demands of national digital transformation.

To maximize the project’s impact and strengthen bilateral cooperation, MIC proposed to the Indian Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the Indian Ambassador to Vietnam continued support for PTIT faculty in Master Trainer courses and expansion of the project in subsequent phases. This approach aims to enhance the project’s value and deepen diplomatic relations between Vietnam and India.

Looking ahead, on behalf of MIC, Dr. Phan Tam instructed PTIT and CESDT to expand collaborations with international training organizations to affirm and achieve recognition for CESDT’s short-term training programs at national, regional, and international levels. Additionally, PTIT was urged to strengthen connections through a three-pronged model involving academic institutions, research facilities, and enterprises, aligned with market needs and national training priorities, to make substantive contributions to Vietnam’s digital workforce.

CESDT was also tasked with swiftly implementing agreements with its partners through actionable measures to maximize the project’s effectiveness.

At the event, Posts and Telecommunications Training Center II (an affiliate of PTIT) was entrusted with managing and operating CESDT. It signed cooperation agreements with partners such as DevPlus JSC, to train and supply skilled personnel to meet the demands of software companies, and the Swiss Information and Management Institute, along with the UK’s National Qualification Framework, to certify CESDT’s short-term training programs.