The launch of the Phu Quoc Community English Initiative for 2026-2030 prioritizes market vendors, taxi drivers, service workers, and students to help them communicate more effectively with international visitors and official delegates, the People’s Committee of the Phu Quoc Special Zone announced on Aug. 3.
The announcement coincides with the inaugural Phu Quoc English Day, which attracted over 600 delegates, residents, and tourists.
According to a report on the Phu Quoc Special Zone online portal, the initiative aims to build a capable workforce for APEC 2027 while accelerating Phu Quoc’s transformation into an internationally recognized hub for eco-tourism, luxury resorts, and major conferences.
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Foreign tourists at Khem Beach on Phu Quoc Island, December 2025. Photo by Read/Thanh Nguyen |
Nguyen Thi Kim Loan, vice chairwoman of the committee, said Phu Quoc has kicked off a campaign encouraging residents across all sectors—from street vendors and taxi drivers to local students—to serve as representatives of a welcoming, civilized, and hospitable destination.
“For every resident to confidently take on the role of a tourism ambassador, improving foreign language proficiency is an urgent priority,” Loan said, as quoted by the portal. “The program has been designed with a practical approach, focusing on groups that interact frequently with international visitors, with an emphasis on real-world application and effective communication.”
The Phu Quoc Community English Initiative outlines a structured, multi-phase rollout. During the initial phase from September 2026 to June 2027, Phu Quoc will launch a pilot program across 10 to 15 primary, lower secondary, and upper secondary schools, while concurrently rolling out community-based language classes in Duong Dong, Ganh Dau, An Thoi, and Duong To.
Between 2026 and 2030, the educational model will expand to cover at least half of the island’s general education schools, while the number of community-based language classes will double. By the 2031-2035 period, the initiative aims to reach 100% of general education schools across Phu Quoc.
To mark the launch, the Phu Quoc Special Zone People’s Committee signed strategic cooperation agreements with educational organizations, language centers, and the Tam Tri Luc Company alongside a team of memory champions. Several English-language scholarships were also awarded during the event. Residents interested in enrolling in courses or volunteering as instructors can register through the official portal at phuquochelloworld.com.
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The APEC Convention Center complex, built on reclaimed land at Bai Dat Do in the Phu Quoc Special Zone, in mid-July 2026. Photo by Read/Dinh Van |
Phu Quoc will host APEC in November 2027, marking the first time a Vietnamese island serves as the venue for the high-level economic summit.
Massive preparations are already underway, centered on infrastructure upgrades that include a VND22 trillion (US$836 million) airport expansion and a new ocean-inspired VIP terminal.
Covering more than 570 square kilometers across 51 neighborhoods, the Phu Quoc Special Zone is Vietnam’s largest island.
Under the provincial master plan, the island is envisioned as a world-class eco-tourism destination and a premier venue for international events, high-end services, and healthcare.