Dr Trần Văn—former Vice-Chairman of Việt Nam’s National Assembly’s Committee of Financial and Budgetary Affairs—won the alumni award at The New Zealand Embassy in Việt Nam’s second annual Ambassador’s Alumni Awards.
The awards celebrate educational links between New Zealand and Việt Nam and recognise individuals who excel in their field.
Dr Văn has a long association with New Zealand, coming to Victoria shortly after being elected to Viet Nam’s legislative body, the National Assembly.
He took part in the English Language Training for Officials (ELTO) programme, which brings government officials from developing countries to New Zealand for English language training.
At the awards, Dr Văn was described as a ‘strong advocate of Việt Nam—New Zealand relations, serving as president of New Zealand-Việt Nam Parliamentary Friendship between 2011 and 2016, leading various delegations to visit New Zealand’s Parliament and publishing articles on its effective governance structure and scenery.