Monsanto and Vietnam University of Agriculture collaborate to develop talents in agricultural biotechnology

This scholarship aims to nurture and encourage the engagement of young talents in the development of agricultural biotechnology and products thereof to support farmers.

“Biotechnology research and development in Vietnam are mainly financed and undertaken by the public sectors. We are glad to see the participation of the private sector in this process and highly appreciate Monsanto for their commitment in developing talents in agricultural biotechnology,” said Tran Duc Vien, director of the Vietnam National University of Agriculture (VNUA).

According to Vien, biotechnology is a promising branch of science in the 21st century, offering great possibilities in improving human lives in various ways. The Vietnamese government is determined in bringing and developing this technology in Vietnam, and has focused on developing physical and human capacity in the biotechnology sector.

Under this partnership, Monsanto pledged VND1.5 billion ($71,430) in five consecutive years to VNUA undergraduate students who will be selected based on their academic and research excellence in the field of biotechnology.

“Monsanto understands Vietnam’s determination in applying this world-class technology and aspiration in developing made-in-Vietnam biotechnology crops. To realise those goals, nurturing a generation of talented, driven and passionate young people is of key elements and Monsanto is committed in working together with Vietnam in this process,” said Nguyen Dinh Manh Chien, country lead of Dekalb Vietnam, an entity wholly owned by Monsanto Company.

“The Vietnam University of Agriculture has a strong history of developing talents in agriculture. This is also where many leaders and members of Monsanto Vietnam were graduated. It is our hope that the Monsanto-VNUA scholarship will help to foster the next generation of leaders for Vietnam agriculture in general and Monsanto in particular,” he added.

In order to qualify for the scholarships, applicants are required to be a part of top 20 highest GPA, member of at least one research group (except for sophomore student), and plan to pursue a career in agriculture.

Applicants will also be evaluated on their academic excellence, research records and personal essays submitted to the Scholarship Committee as a part of the application process.

“I can not even imagine that I can win such a valuable scholarship. Being given this scholarship, I feel like I was given a very powerful engine to speed up confidently in my own race,” said Nguyen Duc Chinh, student of K57CNSHE, VNUA’s Biotechnology Faculty on behalf of the first students receiving the Monsanto – VNUA scholarship.

“After receiving the grant, I will buy a laptop for study - which I can not afford even until my third years in the university, pay the tuition fee, register for an IELTS course with the target of achieving at least 6.5 score and spend the remaining to cover living expenses,” he shared.

Monsanto is a global group in supplying agricultural products and solutions, helping to bolster crop productivity as well as food quality.

Dekalb Vietnam, representing Monsanto group in Vietnam, was founded in 2010 and pursues global Monsanto’s agricultural sustainable development approach.

Dekalb Vietnam trades in corn and vegetable seedlings, and emphasising biotechnology products.