• September 2, 2021

ARLINGTON, VA, September 2, 2021  – On October 1, 2021, the U.S. Support for Economic Growth in Asia (US-SEGA) program—funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the U.S. Department of State — launched the Workforce for an Innovation and Start-Up Ecosystem (WISE) activity — a two-year, US$ 2 million pilot activity with Vietnam’s Ministry of Planning and Investment’s National Innovation Center (MPI/NIC). The launch, a hybrid virtual and in-person event held in Hanoi, was attended by 100 representatives from government and industry. The event was livestreamed and generated strong media coverage in Vietnam.

Initially announced by Vice President Kamala Harris during her visit to Vietnam in August 2021, WISE will team with government and industry partners to develop scalable, market-driven, and sustainable approaches to prepare Vietnam’s workers for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). WISE activities include building capacity in basic digital literacy; providing information on 4IR career pathways; helping Vietnamese training institutions reskill or upskill Vietnamese workers at scale; and exploring innovative mechanisms for education finance.

WISE will also build the capacity of the MPI/NIC and other government agencies to collaborate effectively with industry on ICT/4IR workforce development, and prioritize targeting women and learners outside of large cities, to help narrow Vietnam’s digital divide.

WISE supports Vietnam’s National Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Strategy, USAID/Vietnam strategic objectives, and USAID’s Digital Strategy. The activity is implemented by Nathan Associates and its Vietnamese partner, Marketplace for Business Innovations (MBI),

For more information, please contact US-SEGA Chief of Party, Ann Katsiak at .

This article was updated on October 14, 2021. To further highlight the launch event that occurred in Hanoi on October 1, 2021.

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Nathan is a private international economic and analytics consulting firm that works with government and commercial clients around the globe to deliver practical solutions and achieve lasting results. Whether building frameworks for economic growth or navigating regulatory hurdles, securing infrastructure financing, or evaluating and assessing disputes, Nathan’s experts serve as trusted partners, offering clients the analysis, technical advice, and strategies they need for sound decision-making.

Known for both technical and service excellence, Nathan has corporate offices in the US, UK, and India and more than 40 program offices around the world. More information about Nathan can be found at nathaninc.com.

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