On July 18, the developer of the Hong Hac City project officially entered into a strategic partnership agreement with EQuest Education Group to develop a comprehensive education complex with a total investment capital of approximately $40 million. This landmark collaboration aims to establish a world-class K-12 educational infrastructure within the Hong Hac City township, located in Bac Ninh province, marking a significant expansion of Phu My Hung’s footprint into Northern Vietnam. The project is designed to provide a seamless educational pathway from preschool through high school, integrating international standards with local requirements to serve the growing community of residents and expatriate experts in the region.
A Vision for International Standard Education in Bac Ninh
The education complex at Hong Hac City is envisioned as a cornerstone of the township’s social infrastructure. Spanning a total area of more than 22,000 square meters, the facility will be developed in two distinct phases. According to the strategic agreement, the K-12 complex will cater to approximately 2,500 students upon completion.
The first phase of the project will focus on the construction of a three-story preschool and a five-story multi-level school (covering primary to high school levels) on a site area of nearly 11,000 square meters. The developers have set an ambitious yet realistic timeline, with the first intake of students expected in September 2028. This phased approach ensures that the educational facilities grow in tandem with the residential population of the township, providing immediate value to early homeowners.
To ensure the highest standards of functional and aesthetic design, the project has been entrusted to Gensler, a world-renowned architecture and design firm. Gensler’s involvement signals a commitment to creating a modern, creative, and safe learning environment that fosters student engagement and well-being. The architectural plan emphasizes green spaces, natural lighting, and specialized zones for different age groups, reflecting the "human-centric" design philosophy that Phu My Hung has championed in its previous developments.
Curriculum and Pedagogical Innovation
The pedagogical framework of the Hong Hac City education complex is designed to equip students with the skills necessary for success in an increasingly globalized and technology-driven world. The training program will be a sophisticated blend of the national curriculum mandated by the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) and the prestigious Cambridge International program.
A key highlight of the curriculum is the deep integration of modern disciplines, including Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Robotics. These subjects are not merely elective but are woven into the educational fabric to encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital literacy from a young age. Furthermore, the school will offer robust programs in the arts, life skills, and comprehensive physical development, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education that balances academic rigor with creative expression and emotional intelligence.
By offering a Cambridge pathway, the school provides students with a globally recognized qualification that facilitates entry into top-tier universities worldwide. This international outlook is a critical draw for both Vietnamese families seeking global opportunities for their children and foreign experts living in Bac Ninh who require educational continuity for their families.
Strategic Alliance: Phu My Hung and EQuest
The partnership between Phu My Hung and EQuest Education Group is built on a foundation of shared values and a proven track record of excellence. Gary Tseng, General Director of Phu My Hung and Chairman of the Board of Vietinbank Unions Investment Joint Stock Company (VTU), emphasized that this project is more than just a business transaction; it is a long-term commitment to the future of Vietnam’s youth.
"This is a milestone that marks the beginning of a long-term journey of cooperation, built on a shared vision: to bring high-quality education and a solid foundation for future generations to thrive in an increasingly connected world," Mr. Tseng stated during the ceremony.
For EQuest, this project represents a significant northward expansion of its successful collaboration with Phu My Hung. Truong Hoang Nam, Chief Financial Officer of EQuest, noted that the group already operates several prestigious institutions in South Saigon, including the Canadian International School (CIS) and Sedbergh Vietnam.
"We do not view education merely as an ‘amenity’ of an urban area, but as a core social infrastructure that creates attraction and builds long-term value for the project," Mr. Nam explained. He highlighted that EQuest’s operational expertise in managing international-standard schools will complement Phu My Hung’s decades of experience in urban planning and development.
The Economic and Social Context of Bac Ninh
The decision to invest $40 million in an education complex in Bac Ninh is backed by a thorough analysis of the province’s economic trajectory. Bac Ninh has emerged as a premier industrial hub in Northern Vietnam, consistently ranking among the top provinces in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). With the presence of global giants such as Samsung, Amkor Technology, and Foxconn, the province has seen a massive influx of domestic and international specialists, engineers, and corporate executives.
This demographic shift has created a surging demand for high-quality, international-standard social infrastructure, particularly in education and healthcare. Currently, many expatriates and high-income professionals working in Bac Ninh choose to reside in Hanoi due to the perceived lack of international schooling options in the province. By establishing a world-class K-12 complex within Hong Hac City, Phu My Hung and EQuest are positioning the township as a primary residential destination for this elite workforce, thereby contributing to the sustainable urban development of the province.
Integrated Urban Living: The Hong Hac City Model
Hong Hac City, located in Song Lieu ward, Bac Ninh, is being developed as an "integrated township" (the "all-in-one" model). This development philosophy, which Phu My Hung pioneered in its iconic South Saigon development, focuses on creating a self-sustaining ecosystem where residents can live, work, learn, and play within a single, cohesive environment.
In addition to the education complex, Phu My Hung recently introduced the second model home in its "Bespoke Collection" at Hong Hac City. While the first model home featured an Indochine style, the new unit is designed in the "Zen" (meditation) style of Japan, developed in collaboration with Nomura Real Estate. This style emphasizes minimalist elegance, a connection to nature, and spaces that promote mental well-being—a growing trend in modern luxury real estate.
Bui Duy Toan, a representative of Phu My Hung, noted that the company aims to offer diverse living styles to meet the varied needs of its residents. Furthermore, Phu My Hung will provide interior finishing packages to allow homeowners, particularly foreign experts, to move in immediately. These packages are implemented with long-term partners to ensure that the construction quality matches the overall design aesthetic of the project.
Timeline and Broader Implications
The timeline for the Hong Hac City education complex is carefully synchronized with the overall development of the township:
- July 18, 2024: Strategic partnership signed between Phu My Hung and EQuest.
- 2024 – 2027: Detailed design finalization by Gensler and construction of Phase 1.
- September 2028: Official opening and first student enrollment.
- 2028 – 2034: Expansion into Phase 2 and full integration of the K-12 system.
Dr. David Armstrong, Vice President of Academic Affairs and International Relations at EQuest, added that the group is currently developing preferential tuition policies specifically for the residents of Hong Hac City. This incentive is designed to foster a sense of community and reward the township’s early adopters.
The broader implications of this $40 million investment are significant for the regional real estate market. By prioritizing education as a "core infrastructure" rather than an afterthought, Phu My Hung is setting a new benchmark for township development in Northern Vietnam. This approach not only enhances the project’s liquidity and value over time but also contributes to the provincial goal of upgrading Bac Ninh’s urban status.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Phu My Hung and EQuest Education Group at Hong Hac City represents a powerful synergy of real estate development prowess and educational excellence. As Bac Ninh continues its transition into a high-tech industrial powerhouse, the provision of high-quality, international-standard education will be a critical factor in retaining talent and building a vibrant, sustainable community. With a $40 million investment and a world-class design by Gensler, the new education complex is poised to become a landmark of progress in Northern Vietnam, offering a bright future for the 2,500 students who will eventually walk through its doors. Through this project, Phu My Hung reaffirms its commitment to creating "livable" cities that go beyond bricks and mortar to nurture the human spirit and the next generation of leaders.
