Vietnam and the United Kingdom have long shared a strong partnership in education, built on a foundation of mutual commitment to academic excellence, cultural exchange, and workforce development. Over the past few decades, this collaboration has expanded across multiple domains, including higher education, vocational training, English language learning, and research partnerships. With a growing number of joint degree programs, scholarship opportunities, and institutional linkages, the UK remains one of Vietnam’s most important education partners.

The British Council, the UK’s international organisation for educational and cultural relations, has played a crucial role in strengthening this relationship. According to deputy Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Vietnam, Mr. Marcus Winsley, since establishing its presence in Vietnam over 30 years ago, the British Council has facilitated knowledge transfer, provided high-quality English education, and supported educational reforms that align with Vietnam’s ambitions for global integration. This partnership has not only helped Vietnamese students gain access to world-class education but has also fostered cross-cultural understanding and innovation between the two nations.

A new chapter

Marking a new milestone in this long-standing cooperation, the British Council has officially relocated its head office in Vietnam to the Lancaster Luminaire Building at 1152 Lang Road, Dong Da District, Hanoi. This move reflects the organisation’s ongoing commitment to growth, sustainability, and enhancing learning experiences for students, teachers, and stakeholders.

Mr. James Shipton, Country Director of the British Council in Vietnam, emphasised the deeper significance of this relocation: “The grand opening of the Lancaster Luminaire Building is so much more than just a celebration of a new physical space. As we celebrate new beginnings, we are more assured than ever of our relevance and remain hugely positive about our partnerships and role in helping young people fulfil their aspirations. Through English and Education, Arts and Culture, we will continue to create opportunities that strengthen the bonds between our nations. The shared purpose that has inspired our work over the years has only grown stronger and fills us with optimism for the decades ahead.’

The new office features a world-class English teaching centre, the British Council’s largest centre in Hanoi, as well as a cutting-edge IELTS on Computer test centre. With upgraded facilities, the British Council is set to enhance the quality of education and assessment services, further solidifying its role as a key driver of Vietnam’s educational development.

British Deputy Ambassador Marcus Winsley highlighted the broader impact of this milestone within the Vietnam-UK relationship: “Vietnam is a nation with ambitious goals—aiming to achieve high-income status by 2045 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The newly appointed political leadership sees the country entering a new era, with bold targets for 10 per cent growth, digital transformation, and investment in high-value technology. Achieving these goals will require determination, focus, and the right partnerships. The British Council is at the heart of this new era of collaboration.”

Fostering growth and innovation

The grand opening ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including representatives from the Ministry of Education and Training, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and nearly 200 guests from the education, arts, and language teaching sectors. Ms. Nguyen Phuong Hoa, Director General of the International Cooperation Department, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, praised the British Council’s contributions: “The British Council has been a vital bridge between our two countries, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation in education, arts, and language learning. The opening of this new office is a testament to the strength and future potential of this partnership.”

The Lancaster Luminaire Building itself represents a forward-thinking vision for sustainable and innovative learning spaces. As an A-class building with LEED Gold certification, it promotes energy efficiency, water conservation, and improved air quality, aligning with the British Council’s commitment to sustainability.

To mark the occasion, the British Council organised a series of engaging activities, including roundtable discussions, workshops, networking sessions, a student award ceremony, and an interactive tour of the new test centre. These events provided an opportunity for educators, students, and industry leaders to explore new possibilities for collaboration and exchange.

With its expanded presence in Vietnam, the British Council is set to continue driving educational excellence and cultural engagement, reinforcing the strong Vietnam-UK partnership. This new milestone is not just about a physical space—it represents the next phase of a shared journey toward a more connected, innovative, and globally competitive education system.