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Lord Ashcroft’s VCs and GCs to have a new home at the National Army Museum

LONDON, March 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Lord Ashcroft’s collection of Victoria Crosses and George Crosses is to have a new home at the National Army Museum in London.

The collection is the largest of its kind in the world. It has been built up by Lord Ashcroft over the past 40 years and includes nearly 250 VCs and a smaller number of GCs. It was previously housed at the Imperial War Museum, London, which closed the Lord Ashcroft Gallery in September last year after 15 years.

The_Lord_Ashcroft_Medal_Collection
The_Lord_Ashcroft_Medal_Collection

Lord Ashcroft spoke today of his delight at the news: “I am thrilled to have found such a superb location for this unique collection of gallantry medals. I am so pleased that these VCs and GCs, spanning many major wars and conflicts of the past two centuries, will now be enjoyed by the public once again.

“The National Army Museum shares my passion for the decorations themselves and also to tell the incredible stories of bravery that go with them. I look forward to a long and happy partnership with the Museum for many years to come.”

Justin Maciejewski, the Director of the National Army Museum, said: “We are honoured to be entrusted with these VCs and GCs from the Lord Ashcroft Medal Collection. We are grateful to Lord Ashcroft for his continued generosity and commitment in championing these stories of extraordinary courage.

“The National Army Museum shares the history and heritage of our soldiers across the globe and down the centuries. Within that wider narrative, these medals, and the individual acts of extraordinary bravery and valour they represent, form a powerful part of the Army’s story.”

Chris Finney, a Trustee of the National Army Museum and the Chair of the VC and GC Association, said: “This rare and expansive collection spans centuries of military service, sacrifice, and extraordinary bravery across the Armed Forces.

“We are privileged to be given the opportunity to share these medals—and the inspiring personal stories they represent—with visitors, and online for the wider public, where they can continue to inspire people of all ages for generations to come.”

Lord Ashcroft began his collection of VCs in 1986 with the purchase of a single medal group at auction. The VC, instituted by Queen Victoria in 1856, is Britain and the Commonwealth’s most prestigious decoration for valour in the presence of the enemy. The GC, created by George VI in 1940, is Britain and the Commonwealth’s most prestigious decoration for gallantry not in the presence of the enemy and it has been awarded to several civilians for acts of valour.

Lord Ashcroft’s VCs and GCs are part of the wider Lord Ashcroft Medal Collection, which includes Special Forces decorations and medals for valour in the skies and at sea. Lord Ashcroft’s long passion for gallantry awards was initially inspired by his late father, Eric, who as a young officer took part in the D-Day Landings on June 6 1944.

Lord Ashcroft’s collection of VCs includes one of just three VCs and Bars—the equivalent of two VCs—that have been awarded over the past 170 years. This is the medal group awarded to Captain Noel Chavasse VC & Bar, MC, a medical officer who served and was killed during the Great War.

Following the closure of the previous gallery, Lord Ashcroft has made his collection accessible digitally through his website. This new partnership with the National Army Museum will allow the public to visit the collection and be inspired by the remarkable stories they represent.

The VC and GC collection will go on display at the National Army Museum within the next two years. In the meantime, from July onwards some of Lord Ashcroft’s medals will go on display at the museum, including pop-up exhibitions.

As the home of the Army’s history and heritage, the National Army Museum will be displaying items from the Lord Ashcroft Medal Collection alongside its existing collections of objects, archives and artworks, telling the stories of soldiers and their service—including the origins of the Victoria Cross in the Crimean War.

Lord Ashcroft’s VCs and GCs will be shared on a long-term loan with the National Army Museum. Alongside their display, the Museum is planning a programme of exhibitions, educational resources, talks, tours and digital content exploring the human stories of courage behind the decorations.

Further details of the new partnership between Lord Ashcroft and the National Army Museum relating to the display of his VC and GC collection will be released over the coming months.

NOTE TO EDITORS

For more information on Lord Ashcroft’s work, visit:

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More information on the Museum:

Opening times:
Tuesday to Sunday
10:00 – 17:00

Address:
National Army Museum, Royal Hospital Road, London, SW3 4HT

Website:
nam.ac.uk 

National Army Museum

The National Army Museum shares the history and heritage of our soldiers and their service in the Army, across the globe and down the centuries. Through our collections we explore the history of the Army from its origins to the present day. We aim to engage and inspire everyone with the stories of our soldiers and how their service shapes our world; past, present and future.

Rendeavour and Wellington College Education to open global British School in Tatu City, Kenya

TATU CITY, Kenya, March 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Rendeavour , Africa’s new city builder, and Wellington College Education , a leading British educational network, will open a co-educational day and boarding school for 1,500 students aged 3-18 in Tatu City , Kenya. Opening in September 2028, Wellington College International Kenya  will attract students and parents from Kenya, across Africa, and around the world to an unparalleled British education in the heart of the continent’s leading new city.

L-R: James Dahl, 15th Master of Wellington College, and Stephen Jennings, CEO and Founder of Rendeavour, owner and developer of Tatu City, during the official announcement of Wellington College International Kenya, a global British school that will open in Tatu City, Kenya, in September 2028.
L-R: James Dahl, 15th Master of Wellington College, and Stephen Jennings, CEO and Founder of Rendeavour, owner and developer of Tatu City, during the official announcement of Wellington College International Kenya, a global British school that will open in Tatu City, Kenya, in September 2028.

Wellington College International Kenya is the second school in Africa to come out of the partnership between Wellington College Education and Rendeavour. Wellington College International Lagos  is located in Alaro City, Tatu City’s sister city in Nigeria. By replicating the success of the Wellington College International Lagos campus at Alaro City, Rendeavour is creating a Pan-African network of education excellence that bridges West and East Africa.

Wellington College International Kenya will be the top school in East Africa, delivering an outstanding education that equips students with the knowledge, skills, and character to realise their potential and help shape a better world. Drawing students from neighbouring East African countries and beyond, the Tatu City campus is planned as a modern, purpose-built educational environment, providing advanced science laboratories and teaching spaces, innovative technology infrastructure, comprehensive sports and recreational facilities (including a 50-meter Olympic-standard swimming pool), creative and performing arts spaces, as well as dedicated areas supporting students’ personal and social development. The state-of-the-art school further underpins the success of Tatu City, which has attracted USD 3.5 billion of investment to Kenya and created more than 30,000 new jobs in the last five years.

Wellington College International Kenya will follow the rigorous English National Curriculum, culminating in the challenging A-level programme, as well as offering coaching and teaching excellence in sports, music, and the arts. As part of the global Wellington College Education family, students at Wellington College International Kenya will benefit from connections with sister schools across Europe and Asia, including opportunities for collaboration, shared academic initiatives, and international programmes. On graduation, pupils will join the Old Wellingtonian alumni network, offering lifelong links to an established global community.

James Dahl, 15th Master, Wellington College, said, “The launch of Wellington College International Kenya is a moment of great pride for our global family of schools. For our new partners in Kenya, this interconnectivity will provide immediate access to the vibrancy, talent, and experience of our entire community.”

Stephen Jennings, Founder and CEO of Rendeavour, said, “Receiving a top British education no longer requires sending children to the United Kingdom. Wellington College International Kenya offers a blend of academic rigour and extra-curricular activities and amenities found only at Tatu City and in Kenya, one of the most beautiful countries on earth. Kenya is on many families’ ‘bucket list’ of life goals and experiences, and now they can also consider relocating to Kenya and Tatu City for access to one of the best education experiences in the world.”

Sir Anthony Seldon, Founding Director, Wellington College Education, said, “Today’s announcement of Wellington College International Kenya marks a transformative moment for education in East Africa. Wellington College’s pioneering work at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Human Flourishing, developed in close partnership with the OECD, offers a model of schooling that is both deeply humane and boldly future-facing.”

 

Rendeavour and Wellington College Education to open global British School in Tatu City, Kenya

TATU CITY, Kenya, March 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Rendeavour , Africa’s new city builder, and Wellington College Education , a leading British educational network, will open a co-educational day and boarding school for 1,500 students aged 3-18 in Tatu City , Kenya. Opening in September 2028, Wellington College International Kenya  will attract students and parents from Kenya, across Africa, and around the world to an unparalleled British education in the heart of the continent’s leading new city.

L-R: James Dahl, 15th Master of Wellington College, and Stephen Jennings, CEO and Founder of Rendeavour, owner and developer of Tatu City, during the official announcement of Wellington College International Kenya, a global British school that will open in Tatu City, Kenya, in September 2028.
L-R: James Dahl, 15th Master of Wellington College, and Stephen Jennings, CEO and Founder of Rendeavour, owner and developer of Tatu City, during the official announcement of Wellington College International Kenya, a global British school that will open in Tatu City, Kenya, in September 2028.

Wellington College International Kenya is the second school in Africa to come out of the partnership between Wellington College Education and Rendeavour. Wellington College International Lagos  is located in Alaro City, Tatu City’s sister city in Nigeria. By replicating the success of the Wellington College International Lagos campus at Alaro City, Rendeavour is creating a Pan-African network of education excellence that bridges West and East Africa.

Wellington College International Kenya will be the top school in East Africa, delivering an outstanding education that equips students with the knowledge, skills, and character to realise their potential and help shape a better world. Drawing students from neighbouring East African countries and beyond, the Tatu City campus is planned as a modern, purpose-built educational environment, providing advanced science laboratories and teaching spaces, innovative technology infrastructure, comprehensive sports and recreational facilities (including a 50-meter Olympic-standard swimming pool), creative and performing arts spaces, as well as dedicated areas supporting students’ personal and social development. The state-of-the-art school further underpins the success of Tatu City, which has attracted USD 3.5 billion of investment to Kenya and created more than 30,000 new jobs in the last five years.

Wellington College International Kenya will follow the rigorous English National Curriculum, culminating in the challenging A-level programme, as well as offering coaching and teaching excellence in sports, music, and the arts. As part of the global Wellington College Education family, students at Wellington College International Kenya will benefit from connections with sister schools across Europe and Asia, including opportunities for collaboration, shared academic initiatives, and international programmes. On graduation, pupils will join the Old Wellingtonian alumni network, offering lifelong links to an established global community.

James Dahl, 15th Master, Wellington College, said, “The launch of Wellington College International Kenya is a moment of great pride for our global family of schools. For our new partners in Kenya, this interconnectivity will provide immediate access to the vibrancy, talent, and experience of our entire community.”

Stephen Jennings, Founder and CEO of Rendeavour, said, “Receiving a top British education no longer requires sending children to the United Kingdom. Wellington College International Kenya offers a blend of academic rigour and extra-curricular activities and amenities found only at Tatu City and in Kenya, one of the most beautiful countries on earth. Kenya is on many families’ ‘bucket list’ of life goals and experiences, and now they can also consider relocating to Kenya and Tatu City for access to one of the best education experiences in the world.”

Sir Anthony Seldon, Founding Director, Wellington College Education, said, “Today’s announcement of Wellington College International Kenya marks a transformative moment for education in East Africa. Wellington College’s pioneering work at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Human Flourishing, developed in close partnership with the OECD, offers a model of schooling that is both deeply humane and boldly future-facing.”

 

UpperHills: 2026 Spartan Race Shenzhen Station Kicks Off, Injecting Greater Bay Area Vitality into APEC

SHENZHEN, China, March 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On March 7, 2026, the globally renowned Spartan Race launched its new season in Shenzhen’s Bijiashan Park. The Event features a KIDS Race(March 7–8) , followed by the SPRINT, SUPER and HURRICANE HEAT for adults (March 17–18). Additionally, the Tough Mudder Kids event will take place at the same venue on April 18–19, continuously injecting fresh sports energy into the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area(GBA).

As the host city of APEC 2026, Shenzhen’s introduction of this international sporting event into its urban core vividly embodies APEC’s vision of sustainable urban development and high-quality living.


Held annually in over 42 countries and regions worldwide, Spartan Race stages more than 250 events each year, attracting over ten million participants to date. More than just a race, it represents a spirit and a lifestyle.

The recently concluded Kids Race in Shenzhen drew over 6,000 young participants, highlighting the new generation’s fearless spirit. For the second consecutive year, Bijiashan Park—strategically located in downtown Shenzhen and seamlessly connected to the international eco-lifestyle hub, UpperHills—serves as the venue. The park is a key node in Shenzhen’s “Five Parks Linked” Project and a model example of the innovative “Park + Commercial” urban development concept.

For this event, UpperHills used its “Park + Town + Street + Mall” model to offer one-stop services for Spartan warriors of all ages and their families. After crossing the finish line, participants can walk directly via a skybridge into UpperHills, where they enjoy exclusive Spartan-themed discounts at numerous dining, accommodation, leisure, and retail outlets—including the Mandarin Oriental, Shenzhen.

Thanks to its prime location, fashion-forward DNA, and rich cultural-sports programming, UpperHills has become a premier lifestyle and travel destination for residents of the GBA and global visitors alike. From March 27 to April 6, the Flower Show 2026 will be held at Bijiashan Sports Park, while the 2026 International Exotic Plants Show & Sale returns to UpperHills—adding vibrant touches of nature and artistry to the spring season and potentially driving visitor numbers to new highs.

As an iconic Shenzhen landmark and key showcase of GBA culture, UpperHills leverages global cultural, sports, and entertainment events to create integrated, immersive experiences—helping build a high-quality, livable, and vibrant GBA lifestyle circle and showcasing Shenzhen’s openness and urban dynamism to the Asia-Pacific as a pioneer demonstration zone.

 

The CHANGAN DEEPAL S05 Arrives in the UK—Engineered Globally, Tuned Locally

  • Long range, premium comfort, and five-star safety—the CHANGAN DEEPAL S05 delivers a high-tech electric driving experience.
  • Cutting-edge EV technology that brings together global design, engineering, and manufacturing.

BIRMINGHAM, UK – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 March 2026 – Changan UK has launched the all-electric CHANGAN DEEPAL S05, a compact C-SUV blending premium design, intelligent technology, and everyday practicality.

“The CHANGAN DEEPAL S05 is designed for people who want an electric SUV that fits effortlessly into everyday life,” Nic Thomas, Managing Director of Changan UK, said, “It delivers reassuring performance, thoughtful comfort, and technology that simply works—all without the premium price tag. ”

The CHANGAN DEEPAL S05: Range, Comfort, Safety

Powered by a 68.8kWh LFP battery, the CHANGAN DEEPAL S05 delivers WLTP ranges of up to 303 miles (RWD) and 278 miles (AWD). Inside, the aircraft-inspired cockpit features vegan leather heated and ventilated front seats, including a full-recline zero gravity passenger seat. A 15.4-inch rotating touchscreen, AR-HUD, 14-speaker audio system, and wireless smartphone connectivity complete the high-tech cabin.

Safety is central to the CHANGAN DEEPAL S05, earning it a five-star Euro NCAP rating. It comes standard with 17 intelligent driver assistance systems, enabling L2 autonomous driving through a network of cameras, radars, and ultrasonic sensors—including a 540-degree surround-view camera system.

More Than a Model: How the CHANGAN DEEPAL S05 Embodies a Global Vision

Changan is now present in 16 European markets, with launches in Italy, Spain, and Poland coming soon. The UK anchors this footprint as a strategic hub for local development. Leading this momentum is the CHANGAN DEEPAL S05, a model built on a truly global foundation. Designed at Changan Design Center Europe in Turin and calibrated at the Changan UK R&D Centre in Birmingham, it has been meticulously tuned for local roads.

For the UK market, the CHANGAN DEEPAL S05 is produced at Changan Rayong Factory in Thailand—established in 2023 as a dedicated hub for global right-hand drive markets. With approximately 60% local sourcing, the facility ensures consistent quality, testing, and supply, while its strategic location enables worldwide logistics. More than a new model, the S05 stands as a testament to Changan’s global ambitions—integrating design, engineering, and production across continents to deliver a truly international electric vehicle.

Hashtag: #Changan

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Inside VEVOR’s Houston Opening Where Home Creators Gather to Build, Test, and Create

HOUSTON, March 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On March 9, VEVOR unveiled its first global flagship store in Houston—a 32,000-square-foot space signaling a new chapter in the brand’s expansion into experiential retail. The launch drew a lively mix of home creators, DIY enthusiasts, and makers eager to experience VEVOR’s tools firsthand, including renowned automotive YouTuber ChrisFix, whose presence added extra excitement to the day.

Bridging the Gap Between Pro and DIY

For many creators, the gap between imagining a project and completing it is often the cost and accessibility of professional tools. VEVOR is closing that gap. As soon as the doors opened, the Houston flagship quickly came alive with visitors moving through hands-on experience zones—testing tools, exchanging project ideas, and sharing practical tips. More than a typical retail launch, the space felt like a creative workshop, where inspiration met action.

Reflecting on VEVOR’s global physical debut, automotive content creator ChrisFix said, “As someone who has been helping the DIY automotive community for years, I’m excited to see VEVOR open this store, bringing pro-level gear and high-performance tools within reach for every car enthusiast ready to take their garage to the next level.”

VEVOR Houston Grand Opening
VEVOR Houston Grand Opening

VEVOR Houston Grand Opening
VEVOR Houston Grand Opening

Other creators expressed similar enthusiasm. One visitor shared her excitement after exploring the crafting area: “I loved the DIY section of the store. I enjoy learning new skills, so seeing all the options for vinyl cutters and heat presses was so fun. I also love that there are so many items I could actually use at home—from appliances to tools.”

Many attendees noted that being able to see and try such a wide range of tools in one place sparked fresh ideas for future projects. From home upgrades and furniture restoration to garage builds and custom creations, the experience made DIY feel more approachable, inspiring, and achievable for creators of all levels.

Hands-On Confidence

Supporting this growing community is central to VEVOR’s brand vision. The company focuses on making capable, professional-grade tools more widely accessible. VEVOR, which built its customer base through e-commerce before opening its first physical location this year, positions itself around professional-grade tools at accessible price points.

“Our goal is to support the growing community of creators who want to make things themselves,” said Gavin Wu, VEVOR Brand Director, “When more people have access to capable tools, they gain the confidence to take on projects of their own. That’s why the Houston store is staffed by people who can talk through a project with you—not just ring up a purchase.”

Designed as both a retail destination and an experience center, the Houston flagship reflects that philosophy—bringing tools, inspiration, and a creator community together in one place.

Located at 10951 Farm to Market 1960 Road W in Houston, the store is open Monday–Friday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Saturday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Throughout the year, VEVOR will host community workshops and neighborhood improvement initiatives—creating a space where creators connect, skills grow, and ideas come to life.

About VEVOR

VEVOR is a global home improvement brand that empowers home creators, who actively reshape living spaces to express their inner pursuits, finding joy in turning visions into reality with their own hands to upgrade spaces with pro-level gear at fair prices. From backyard makeovers to apartment innovations, VEVOR delivers uncompromised quality through vertical integration — combining precision engineering with the joy of making.

Founded in 2007 as an eBay seller, VEVOR began selling on Amazon in 2013 and launched vevor.com in 2020. The brand unveiled its refreshed identity in 2025. Today, VEVOR operates in over 50 countries, with a network of 200+ global warehouses and a catalog of over 15,000 products spanning tools, outdoor equipment, and home improvement solutions.

The brand’s promise is built on four pillars: professional-grade performance, unexpected value, complete home ecosystem coverage, and uncompromising quality. This commitment is reflected in its 90% customer satisfaction rate, supported by 24/7 assistance and a 30-day hassle-free return policy.

For more information, visit www.vevor.com or search “vevor” on Amazon.

Media Contact: media@vevor.com 

Vantage Foundation and Banking Academy of Vietnam Launch Nationwide AI Finance Programme with Vietnam’s Top Universities for More Than 1,500 Educators and Students

HANOI, Vietnam, March 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Vantage Foundation, in collaboration with the Banking Academy of Vietnam (BAV) and more than 10 leading universities, has launched a nationwide programme equipping more than 1,500 educators and students with advanced skills in AI-driven financial data analysis and decision-making, drawing interest from more than 3,000 students nationwide.

Held on 12 and 14 March at BAV’s Hanoi campus, the initiative comes at a time when Vietnam’s financial sector is rapidly strengthening its digital capabilities, with artificial intelligence playing an increasingly central role in financial analysis, risk management and strategic decision-making.

The programme, titled “Financial Data Analysis and Decision-Making in the Era of Artificial Intelligence (AI)”, combined in-person sessions with nationwide virtual participation.

More than 10 universities co-organised the initiative, including the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), National Economics University (NEU), Vietnam National University – Hanoi (VNU-Hanoi), Vietnam National University – Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM) and Foreign Trade University (FTU). Together, these institutions represent some of Vietnam’s most influential centres for financial education and a key talent pipeline for the country’s banking and financial services sector.

Hosted at the Banking Academy’s Hanoi campus, the programme explored how AI-powered analytics, predictive modelling and financial data visualisation are transforming how financial institutions interpret market data and make strategic decisions.

Strengthening AI Capabilities Across Vietnam’s Finance Education Network

A central component of the initiative was a Training-of-Trainers (ToT) programme designed to strengthen AI-driven financial analytics capabilities among lecturers. The faculty session attracted more than 250 professors who participated both in person and online. Among them were the dean and lecturers from Can Tho University, who travelled more than 1,500 kilometres from the Mekong Delta to Hanoi to attend.

A key component of the initiative was a Training-of-Trainers (ToT) programme designed to strengthen AI-driven financial analytics capabilities among university lecturers from the leading schools.

The ToT session on 12 March drew strong engagement from professors across Vietnam’s finance education network, with more than 250 academics participating both in person and online.

Among those attending were the dean and lecturers from Can Tho University, who travelled more than 1,500 kilometres from the Mekong Delta to Hanoi to participate in person, underscoring the growing demand among educators to integrate AI-driven financial analytics into university curricula.

By equipping educators with these frameworks, the programme enables advanced financial data capabilities to cascade into classrooms nationwide, extending its long-term impact across Vietnam’s finance education ecosystem.

Industry Expertise and Real-World Financial Applications

Industry experts also shared practical insights into real-world AI applications across financial markets, providing participants with practical exposure to how AI is being applied across financial data analysis and trading technologies.

Ms. Truong Thi Minh Trang, M.Sc., Managing Director of Financial Information Services at FiinGroup, Vietnam’s leading financial data and analytics provider, delivered a session on financial data analytics. FiinGroup counts Nikkei Inc. and QUICK Corp among its strategic shareholders, while its credit-rating subsidiary FiinRatings has S&P Global as a strategic investor.

Participants also attended a live demonstration led by Dr. Vu Xuan Tung, AI Solution Architect at Goline Financial Technology JSC, a Vietnamese fintech developer of securities trading systems used by brokerage firms, showcasing AI-enabled trading software and emerging AI-powered technologies used in modern securities trading systems.

The demonstration showcased AI-enabled trading software and emerging AI-powered trading technologies, giving participants direct insight into how artificial intelligence is already being deployed in modern financial market infrastructure.

Preparing Finance Professionals for an AI-Driven Industry

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Phuong, Deputy Director of the Banking Academy of Vietnam, artificial intelligence is rapidly redefining the capabilities required of finance professionals.

“Artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept. It has already become a reality reshaping the structure of the global financial industry,” he said.

He noted that financial professionals increasingly need the ability to interpret complex datasets and respond to market developments in real time.

“In today’s digital economy, data is the new fuel. Without the skills to collect, analyse and interpret data effectively, professionals may struggle to keep pace with the industry’s development.”

He added that modern financial institutions increasingly require professionals who combine technical data expertise with strong risk awareness and strategic decision-making capabilities.

Strengthening Global Collaboration in Financial Education

The Banking Academy highlighted that its collaboration with Vantage Foundation reflects a shared commitment to advancing financial education while expanding international knowledge exchange.

“As Vietnam implements its National Digital Transformation Strategy, it is crucial that our students and educators develop the technological competencies required for the future financial industry,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Phuong said.

He noted that partnerships with international organisations help ensure that Vietnamese students engage with both academic theory and global financial industry perspectives.

Investing in the Future of Intelligent Finance

During the programme’s opening session for students on 14 March, Mr. Adam Siew, Vice President of Business Development, representing Vantage Foundation, highlighted the accelerating convergence between finance and advanced technologies.

“Artificial intelligence is transforming how financial institutions interpret data, understand markets and make decisions. Processes that once required weeks of analysis can now be completed in seconds.”

He emphasised that technological advancement must remain guided by responsible human judgment.

“Data becomes meaningful only when guided by human insight, responsibility and sound judgment.”

Bringing together educators and students from across Vietnam’s leading finance universities, the initiative aims to strengthen the country’s pipeline of data-literate financial professionals capable of navigating increasingly complex global markets.

“By investing in education today, we are investing in the future leaders who will shape the next era of intelligent and responsible finance,” he said.

The programme concluded with a certificate presentation ceremony jointly conducted by Mr. Floyd Wong, Head of Vietnam representing Vantage Foundation, together with representatives from the Banking Academy of Vietnam.

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape financial systems worldwide, collaborations between leading academic institutions and organisations connected to the global fintech ecosystem will play an increasingly important role in preparing the next generation of finance professionals.

Vantage Foundation

Vantage Foundation is an independent charitable organisation launched at the McLaren Technology Centre in the UK in 2023. The foundation partners with organisations worldwide, including Grab Indonesia, the iREDE Foundation in Nigeria, Teach For Malaysia and Instituto Claret in Brazil, to support impactful social initiatives.

For more information, please visit:
www.vantage.foundation

Banking Academy of Vietnam

The Banking Academy of Vietnam (BAV) is a leading public higher education institution specialising in banking, finance, economics and business administration. Established under the State Bank of Vietnam, BAV has played a pivotal role in developing the nation’s financial and banking workforce. With a strong emphasis on academic excellence, applied research and industry relevance, the Academy serves as a key talent pipeline for Vietnam’s public and private financial sectors.

For more information, please visit:
https://en.hvnh.edu.vn/

Vantage Foundation and Banking Academy of Vietnam Launch Nationwide AI Finance Education Programme for 1,500 Students and Educators

HANOI, Vietnam, March 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Vantage Foundation formalised a strategic academic collaboration with the Banking Academy of Vietnam (BAV), one of the country’s leading finance universities, to advance financial education in the era of artificial intelligence.

Hosted at the BAV campus on March 12 and 14, the programme brought together leading academic institutions across Vietnam to equip both educators and students with practical knowledge in AI-driven financial analysis and decision-making.

The initiative was co-organised with more than 10 leading universities nationwide, including University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), National Economics University (NEU), Vietnam National University – Hanoi (VNU-Hanoi), Vietnam National University – Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM), and Foreign Trade University (FTU). These institutions represent some of Vietnam’s most respected centres for economics and financial education and collectively formed a national academic coalition supporting the programme.

At the centre of the initiative was the jointly developed course “Financial Data Analysis and Decision-Making in the Era of Artificial Intelligence (AI)”, designed to introduce practical applications of AI within modern financial systems.

A defining feature of the programme was its Training-of-Trainers (ToT) model, which equipped lecturers and professors from participating universities with contemporary AI-finance teaching frameworks. By empowering educators, the initiative allowed knowledge to cascade across institutions, enabling trained lecturers to bring advanced financial analytics and AI-driven decision-making concepts back into their own classrooms.

The faculty training session saw participation far exceed initial expectations. While the programme was originally designed for around 20 participants, more than 250 professors from over 10 leading universities across Vietnam ultimately joined the session, including over 50 attending in person and more than 200 participating online.

Among them was a delegation from Can Tho University, one of Vietnam’s leading finance universities, whose dean and lecturers travelled more than 1,500 kilometres from the Mekong Delta to Hanoi to attend the training in person, despite having the option to participate remotely.

Following the faculty training session on March 12, the programme delivered in-person learning to 500 university students on March 14 at the BAV campus in Hanoi. To expand access beyond the capital, the programme was also broadcast nationwide, enabling up to 1,000 additional participants to join online.

The programme’s academic sessions were delivered by lecturers at BAV, namely Dr. Vu Xuan Tung, AI Solution Architect at Goline Financial Technology JSC; and Ms. Truong Thi Minh Trang, M.Sc., Managing Director of Financial Information Services at FiinGroup, Vietnam’s leading financial data and analytics provider backed by global financial information institutions including Nikkei and S&P Global. Dr. Tung led sessions covering AI applications in finance, macroeconomic models, and credit decision making, while Ms. Trang guided participants through real time financial data dashboards and practical AI adoption cases.

The programme concluded with a certificate presentation ceremony jointly conducted by Mr. Floyd Wong, Head of Vietnam representing Vantage Foundation, as well as representatives from the Banking Academy of Vietnam.

In total, the programme reached approximately 1,500 students and educators nationwide. Participation was capped due to venue capacity and technical limitations, with demand for the programme exceeding available places. The organisers viewed this initiative as the foundation for future collaborations aimed at expanding AI-driven financial education to a broader audience across Vietnam.

“At Vantage Foundation, we believe education is a catalyst for sustainable progress. Our collaboration with the Banking Academy of Vietnam on the training programme Financial Data Analysis and Decision Making in the Era of AI reflects our dedication to strengthening financial education in a rapidly evolving landscape,” said Mr. Adam Siew, Vice President of Business Development representing Vantage Foundation, who delivered the opening address during the programme.

“Co-organised with more than 10 leading institutions including University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam National University, and National Economics University, the initiative equips lecturers through specialised ToT sessions while also engaging more than 1,500 students both in person and online. Through this effort, we are investing in the educators and future leaders who will shape the next era of intelligent, responsible finance.”

Nguyễn Thanh Phương, Associate Professor, PhD and Vice Director of the Banking Academy of Vietnam, said the programme reflected the growing need for financial professionals to adapt to rapid technological change.

“The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a prediction; it has become a reality reshaping the structure of the global financial industry. In Vietnam, traditional financial professionals are facing critical challenges, including a shortage of specialised skills and tools for collecting, analysing, and processing data, as well as increasing pressure for high speed processing and absolute accuracy in real time transaction environments.

The modern financial and banking sector also requires rigorous risk management thinking and the capability to personalise services. Each professional is no longer simply an operational executor but must become an expert who deeply understands customers and can design tailored financial solutions while still ensuring system safety.”

He added that the partnership also aligns with the Academy’s broader strategy to strengthen international collaboration and innovation in financial education.

“BAV has always been a pioneer in integrating financial technology and AI trends into its curriculum. Our decision to collaborate with Vantage Foundation is part of our roadmap for internationalisation and innovation in training methods. We believe this partnership will connect academic learning with international practice and create a solid launchpad for students to confidently enter the global labour market.”

Through this collaboration, Vantage Foundation continues to support youth development and financial literacy initiatives aligned with Vietnam’s national focus on digital capability, fintech innovation, and workforce readiness in the financial sector.

Vantage Foundation

Vantage Foundation is an independent charitable organization launched at the McLaren Technology Centre in the UK in 2023. The foundation has partnered with organisations worldwide, including Grab Indonesia, the iREDE Foundation in Nigeria, Teach for Malaysia, and Instituto Claret in Brazil, to drive impactful social initiatives.

For more information, please visit www.vantage.foundation

Banking Academy of Vietnam

The Banking Academy of Vietnam (BAV) is a leading public higher education institution specialising in banking, finance, economics, and business administration. Established under the State Bank of Vietnam, BAV has played a pivotal role in developing the nation’s financial and banking workforce. With a strong emphasis on academic excellence, applied research, and industry relevance, the Academy serves as a key talent pipeline for Vietnam’s public and private financial sectors.

For more information, please visit https://en.hvnh.edu.vn/