Participants at the launching ceremony of YouthSpark programme 2015. — Photo thoibaotaichinhvietnam.vn

HA NOI (Biz Hub) — The YouthSpark 2016 programme was officially launched on April 4 with an investment of US$270,000.

Co-organised by Microsoft Viet Nam and the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce Industry (VCCI), this year's programme is entitled "Career Readiness" and aims to empower the youth by providing them with opportunities for education, employment and entrepreneurship.

Of the total investment, Microsoft Viet Nam has funded about $230,000 and VCCI has provided more than $40,000. According to the programme's initial plan, about 4,600 adolescents would directly benefit from the support provided by the programme.

During the launching ceremony, nearly 200 participants including youth, lecturers and representatives of enterprises gathered to share their practical experiences in training and entrepreneurial opportunities. Experts provided youth with the latest information on education and business, and nurtured their passions while encouraging their entrepreneurial spirits.

There was also a discussion between local and foreign experts about the opportunities and challenges that the Vietnamese labour market is facing as Viet Nam has recently signed many Free Trade Agreements and joined regional and international economic communities.

This programme served as an open dialogue between experts, businesses and universities as well as vocational schools, aiming to strengthen the links between businesses and educational institutions, said General Secretary of VCCI Pham Thi Thu Hang.

"Not only do enterprises provide information about their demand for employers, but they also directly participate in the vocational training process so they can conduct an objective assessment of their labourers, providing them with practical knowledge and experiences," she said.

Microsoft's YouthSpark is a global initiative that aims to offer opportunities to 300 million youth in more than 100 countries around the world. The programme aims to provide technological skills in training, along with connections for employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for youth.

In Viet Nam, it focuses on three areas including employment, investment for youth and support for young leaders across the country. — VNS