Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Special Zone has launched a large-scale community English programme to prepare residents for the 2027 APEC Economic Leaders’ Week, with a focus on improving communication with international visitors and delegates.
The Phu Quoc Community English Initiative 2026–2030 will prioritise market traders, taxi drivers, tourism workers and students to strengthen their English language skills ahead of the major international summit.
The programme was officially launched on Aug. 3 alongside the island’s first-ever Phu Quoc English Day, which attracted more than 600 participants, including residents, visitors and officials.
According to the Phu Quoc Special Zone People’s Committee, the initiative aims to build a skilled workforce for APEC 2027 while supporting the island’s ambition to become a globally recognised destination for eco-tourism, luxury resorts and international conferences.
Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Loan said the campaign encourages everyone—from street vendors and taxi drivers to students—to become tourism ambassadors by confidently engaging with foreign visitors.
She said improving English proficiency is an urgent priority, with the programme designed to provide practical language skills for people who regularly interact with international tourists.
The first phase, running from September 2026 to June 2027, will introduce pilot English programmes in 10 to 15 primary, secondary and high schools, while community language classes will begin in Duong Dong, Ganh Dau, An Thoi and Duong To.
Between 2026 and 2030, the programme will expand to at least half of Phu Quoc’s general education schools, while the number of community English classes will double.
By 2031 to 2035, the initiative aims to cover 100 per cent of general education schools across the island.
To support the programme, the People’s Committee signed cooperation agreements with education providers, language centres and private organisations. English-language scholarships were also presented during the launch ceremony, while residents can register for courses or volunteer as instructors through the official programme portal.
Phu Quoc will host the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week in November 2027, becoming the first Vietnamese island to stage the high-level international summit.
Preparations are already underway, including a VND22 trillion (US$836 million) expansion of Phu Quoc International Airport and the construction of a new ocean-themed VIP terminal.
Spanning more than 570 square kilometres, Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s largest island and is being developed into a world-class eco-tourism destination and premier venue for international events, luxury hospitality and healthcare services.
