These scholarships are part of the "Nurturing Future Leaders Plan" program, implemented by Cathay United Bank – Ho Chi Minh City Branch (CUBHCM). The program helps financially disadvantaged students continue their education. Its goal is to expand financial education activities, STEM experiences, and career guidance to support students' holistic development.

The "Nurturing Future Leaders Plan" began in 2008, supporting nearly 25,000 students with total scholarships valued at approximately 14 billion VND. Beyond alleviating financial burdens for families, the program has gradually expanded its scope of support through learning activities and community engagement, contributing to local education systems.

CUBHCM awards scholarships to disadvantaged students in Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City. *Photo: CUBHCM*

This year, the program continues its implementation in coordination with the Ho Chi Minh City Association for the Promotion of Learning, the Da Nang Association for the Promotion of Learning, Dinh Thien Ly Middle and High School (LSTS), teachers, and local authorities. Rather than solely awarding scholarships, the program integrates various supplementary activities to create additional learning and experiential opportunities for students.

To further support students' long-term development, the program has expanded its educational activities beyond scholarships. In collaboration with Dinh Thien Ly School, CUBHCM has introduced several learning initiatives, including study skills workshops and practical financial literacy education integrated into daily contexts. Through interactive games and teaching tools, students learn about money management, differentiating between needs and wants, and applying basic financial concepts in their daily lives.

The bank organizes activities to help students understand basic financial management. *Photo: CUBHCM*

Additionally, the bank has integrated STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) related activities into this year's program through demonstrations, robot interactions, and hands-on experiences. These activities provide students, especially those from underserved areas, direct access to modern technology, broadening their perspectives on future learning and development opportunities.

Furthermore, the bank established a dedicated career counseling area at the event, where counselors provided practical guidance on academic pathways and future plans. This counseling activity offers students valuable insights to make informed decisions for their development journey.

The bank collaborates with Dinh Thien Ly Middle and High School to implement STEM learning activities, including robot demonstrations and hands-on experiences. *Photo: CUBHCM*

Regarding scholarship allocation, the program adopts a balanced approach across different educational levels. In Da Nang, 100 primary and secondary school students each receive one million VND, while 40 high school students are awarded special scholarships worth 12 million VND each to support their transition to higher education. In Ho Chi Minh City, the program includes 140 primary and secondary school students, each receiving one million VND, ensuring resources support both foundational education and continuous academic progression.

Lin Keng Yang, General Director of Cathay United Bank's Ho Chi Minh City Branch, stated that through the "Nurturing Future Leaders Plan" program, the bank aims to provide financial support and equip students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary for sustainable development. "This initiative demonstrates our long-term commitment to supporting local communities and nurturing Vietnam's future talent," he said.

Sharing this perspective, Truong Tinh Ha, Principal of Dinh Thien Ly Middle and High School, noted that collaborating with CUBHCM provides the school's students with additional opportunities to participate in community service activities, fostering leadership skills and a sense of social responsibility.

After nearly two decades of implementation, the "Nurturing Future Leaders Plan" has evolved from a scholarship program into a comprehensive support model combining education, skills, and practical experience. According to a CUBHCM representative, the bank will continue these activities with a long-term commitment to students, schools, and communities, contributing to building a foundation for the sustainable development of the younger generation.

Hoang Dan