In late February 2024, 29 students from the International School, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) embarked on a journey to Singapore to participate in the TF-SCALE 2024 (outbound) – a student exchange program. The TF-SCALE 2024 (outbound) program, organized by the Temasek Foundation and hosted at Ngee Ann Polytechnic, focused on the theme “Specialists’ Community Action and Leadership Exchange Programme 2024.”

It aimed to enhance the leadership abilities, integration skills, and development of future soft skills for students from Southeast Asian countries, while also increasing their understanding, awareness, and problem-solving capabilities within communities. The program included classroom activities such as lectures, workshops, and project development, as well as practical visits and explorations to learn about Singapore’s heritage, culture, and tourism.

This marked the fifth year that Ngee Ann Polytechnic welcomed international students from the International School for a three-week period of study, exchange, and interaction. The first program was held in 2019 prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, and 36 students from VNU had the opportunity to visit and experience the beautiful Lion Island nation for three weeks. The program left a positive and lasting impression on the participants, who gained valuable insights, learning experiences, and personal growth. The scheduled exchange program in Vietnam (Outbound Program) was initially planned for March 2020 but was continuously postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak. In 2021, the organizers decided to adopt a hybrid format, combining both online and offline elements. Notably, the program was conducted entirely online, involving the participation of three units from Singapore, Vietnam, and Thailand. The program spanned 12 days and offered diverse and enriching activities, providing students from the three countries with valuable knowledge about economics, culture, and the people of Vietnam, Singapore, and Thailand.

Founded in 1974 as a commercial investment company, Temasek Holdings currently owns and manages an investment portfolio valued at SGD 306 billion (equivalent to USD 222 billions) as of the end of the first quarter of 2020. It ranks 11th among the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds. Temasek invests globally, with a primary focus on domestic investments (24% of the total portfolio) and China (29% of the total portfolio). The organization employs 800 staff members across eight countries globally, including a branch office in Hanoi, Vietnam.

By participating in TF-SCALE this year, the students are expected to gain valuable lessons in leadership development, teamwork, creative thinking, and engagement in meaningful social activities. 

We wish the students from the International School a rewarding experience, where they can acquire useful knowledge and skills and form new friendships during this exchange program.