In celebration of World Food Day (October 16), the Vietnam Foodbank Network (Foodbank Vietnam), in collaboration with Can Tho University, the C.P. Vietnam Youth Union, and the Can Tho City Student Association, organized the Student Conference on Sustainable Food Development and the launch ceremony of the Food Hero Scholarship 2025 at Can Tho University.
The event brought together more than 200 students, lecturers, and representatives from enterprises in the fields of food, agriculture, and sustainable development to discuss solutions toward a safe, waste-free, and environmentally friendly food system.
Overview of the Student Conference on Sustainable Food Development and the Launch of the FoodHero Scholarship 2025 – A Place to Connect Knowledge, Nurture Dreams, and Spread Compassion.
The conference served as an open forum for students to share innovative ideas in food supply chain management, food waste reduction, and raising community awareness on food security. Through these discussions, it spread the spirit of “Leaving no one behind” – the core message that the Vietnam Foodbank Network has upheld throughout nearly a decade of operation.
Introducing the Food Hero Scholarship: Spreading the Spirit of Sharing and Sustainable Development.
The Food Hero Scholarship was established from the Food Hero Awards, a prestigious initiative launched by the Vietnam Foodbank Network in 2023 to honor individuals, enterprises, and organizations that pioneer efforts in reducing food waste, alleviating hunger, and protecting the environment.
This is the first scholarship of its kind in Vietnam, designed to celebrate the spirit of sharing, social responsibility, and creativity for food security, while encouraging students to pursue academic and career paths in agriculture, food, and sustainable development.
The first 30 scholarships were awarded to students of Can Tho University — the “young heroes” who continue striving for their dreams and future.
Speaking at the ceremony, Professor Dr. Nguyen Trong Ngu, Vice Rector of the College of Agriculture, Can Tho University, emphasized: “The Food Hero Scholarship is a meaningful and humanitarian initiative, aiming to nurture a generation of young students who possess both professional competence and a strong sense of responsibility toward sustainable development. The agriculture and food sectors carry not only an economic mission but also a social one — to nourish life and secure the nation’s future. We deeply appreciate the companionship of organizations and enterprises like C.P. Vietnam, who join hands to foster compassion and inspire dedication among the younger generation.”
As one of the pioneering companies co-creating the scholarship, C.P. Vietnam has not only contributed to the Food Hero Scholarship Fund but also actively participated in initiatives to raise awareness of green food development, food waste reduction, and the training of human resources in the agriculture and food sectors.
Mr. Nguyen Quoc Khang – C.P. Vietnam Vice President making his speech at the ceremony
“C.P. Vietnam has always regarded sustainable development as its guiding principle in every activity. By partnering with Foodbank Vietnam and universities to launch the Food Hero Scholarship, we hope to inspire students — the future generation who will continue the mission of nurturing life, protecting the environment, and striving for a greener future. This scholarship is not only a financial support, but also a means of spreading faith, compassion, and social responsibility within the community.”
The delegates together performed the launching ceremony of the “Food Hero Scholarship 2025”, marking the beginning of a journey to spread knowledge and nurture the dreams of Vietnamese students.
According to Ms. Nguyen Hoang Truc Linh – Chief Executive Officer of the Vietnam Foodbank Network, the Food Hero Scholarship was inspired by the Food Hero Award, which was established to honor organizations, businesses, and individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of food and national food security.
“The Food Hero Scholarship continues the spirit of the silent heroes — entrepreneurs, leaders, and managers who have been spreading humanistic values through food. We truly appreciate the companionship of C.P. Vietnam, a company that is not only strong in expertise but also full of compassion.
The collaboration between businesses, universities, and the community is the foundation for nurturing a new generation of Food Hero students — those who act for a sustainable and humane food ecosystem in Vietnam,” Ms. Linh shared.
The Food Hero Scholarship will be implemented annually at universities nationwide, targeting students with outstanding academic achievements and innovative ideas in the fields of food, agriculture, environment, and community development.
