Đăng Kỳ (PNV alumnus, Class of 2020-2023) has always been known for his eagerness to learn and his initiative in pursuing personal growth. Yet, what makes Kỳ stand out is not just the knowledge he has gained along the way, but his willingness to share it with others.

During his time at PNV, Kỳ was always curious about new ideas and eager to explore beyond what he learned in class. Even when the COVID-19 pandemic brought challenges to his studies, he adapted and persevered, gradually turning self-learning into one of his strengths.

His teachers remember him as an enthusiastic and hardworking student, while his classmates fondly knew him as the “know-it-all” friend who was always ready to lend a hand with their studies. Sharing knowledge seemed to come naturally to Kỳ, becoming part of how he learned and connected with others. Even after graduation, he continued to embrace this spirit of sharing, returning to PNV in a new role as a tutor and mentor, supporting junior students in their learning journey.

“If what I know can help someone, I’m always willing to share it. Besides, PNV helped me when I was going through a difficult time, so I feel I should give something back, right?” – Kỳ shared

For Kỳ, sharing knowledge does not have to begin with grand gestures. Sometimes, helping someone better understand a concept they are struggling with is meaningful enough. Whenever he meets junior students again, especially at graduation ceremonies, he is happy to find that they still remember him. Seeing those he once supported complete their studies and receive their diplomas makes him appreciate even more the value of the time and knowledge he has shared with them.

Sharing knowledge does not mean he has nothing left to learn. On the contrary, guiding others is also a way for him to keep learning and growing. Every new question from a student gives him a reason to explore a topic more deeply and find clearer, more accessible ways to explain what he knows.

“When it comes to programming, understanding the fundamentals makes it much easier to fix bugs! Understanding the underlying principles also helps us explore related topics more easily. Learning to code is not just about memorizing a programming language’s syntax. It is about developing logical thinking and understanding concepts such as OOP and the principles behind how things work. Once you understand these fundamentals, a programming language becomes a way to express your thinking and define how a system works.” – Kỳ shared

This is also the mindset Kỳ hopes to pass on to his juniors: rather than trying to learn a little about everything, take the time to understand the fundamentals and build a strong foundation. Once you truly understand how something works, learning and exploring new things becomes much easier.

And Kỳ’s story is just one of many inspiring journeys like this at PNV.

Many PNV alumni continue to return as dedicated tutors and mentors, quietly supporting younger students as they navigate unfamiliar concepts and challenges. This willingness to give back is something PNV and teachers take great pride in, strengthening the meaningful bonds between generations of students and keeping the spirit of sharing alive long after graduation.

Last September 17, 2026, four students from Passerelles Numériques Philippines (PNPh) Class of 2027 won first place at the Waku Work Social Innovation Contest with their proposed solution, BALIK (Bridging Assistance, Livelihood, Intervention, and Knowledge).

The winning team, composed of Rodel Tan, Cryslet Raganas, Rhealyn Cabarloc, and Ashley de Borja, presented BALIK, a system designed to connect people experiencing homelessness with social welfare services.

Their proposal reflects the potential of technology and innovation to respond to community needs.

As first-place winners, the team will receive ₱50,000, along with mentorship and networking opportunities to further develop their solution.

This achievement highlights the ability of PNPh students to apply their technical knowledge and problem-solving skills beyond the classroom.

By exploring solutions to real-world challenges, they demonstrate how digital education can equip young people to contribute to their communities and create meaningful change.

PNPh congratulates Rodel, Cryslet, Rhealyn, and Ashley on this achievement and looks forward to seeing how BALIK develops in the future.

The solemn and heartfelt ceremony was made even more meaningful by the presence of representatives from local authorities, valued partners, sponsors, volunteers, PNV and DNC teachers, graduates’ families, as well as current students and alumni, who gathered to celebrate this proud milestone with the graduates.

Three years at PNV was a road with many challenges. Every PNV26 graduate has their own story of effort and of overcoming hardship. Representing these journeys, H.L. Kim Sa, a graduate from Quảng Trị, shared her reflections on the path she had taken and the valuable lessons she had gained throughout her years at PNV.

My teachers let me fix my mistakes, improve, and grow. And today, I can develop software, I can learn new technologies, I can use English in my studies and my work, and I can work with confidence with people from many different backgrounds. PNV believed in me even before I believed in myself.

Kim sa – PNV26 Graduate

The trust that PNV and DNC gave to Sa is the same trust they place in every graduate on their path to growing up. Ms. Đặng Nguyễn Uyên Phương, Deputy Country Director of Passerelles Numériques Vietnam, spoke on behalf of PNV and shared meaningful words with the graduates before they step onto their new path.

“You have learned how to stand up after failure, how to change to become better, and how to believe in yourselves. This is also the greatest value PNV hopes to give you: not only knowledge, but also strength and belief, so that you can walk into the future with confidence.”

From the point of DNC as PNV’s academic partner, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vũ Thị Phương Anh, Acting Rector of DNC, also shared her joy at seeing the graduates grow. She shared her hopes for their future and the positive contributions they will make to society and their communities.

Galloping into the future, driven by knowledge and trust

The most awaited moment of the ceremony came when each graduate went up on stage with their family to receive their diploma after three years of study and training. It is not only the result of each graduate’s own work. It is also a source of pride for their families and for everyone who stayed by their side and gave them strength along the way.

Beyond the joy of graduation, the graduates’ dedication and outstanding achievements throughout their studies were also celebrated, as DNC honored six top-performing graduates of the 2023-2026 cohort: Kỳ Bá, Đức Tài, Xuân Nguyên, Đức Đạt, Kim Sa, and Tố Nga.

Carrying knowledge, skills, and the strength they have built, the IT graduates are ready and excited to start running toward the future. This spirit was also shown in a lively dance by the graduates together with PNV teachers. The energetic moves not only spread joy on this special day, but also helped close the graduates’ journey with memorable moments and open a new chapter full of hope.

The graduates’ achievements and growth would not have been possible without the support of their teachers, partners, donors, alumni, volunteers, staff, and families. PNV extends our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been part of this meaningful three-year journey.

On September 30, 2025, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck, with its epicenter located offshore northeast of Bogo City in northern Cebu, causing widespread destruction across Regions VII and VIII.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), families across Bogo, Tabogon, Medellin, Daanbantayan, and Bantayan were among those affected by the earthquake. Among them were 11 families of PNPh students, who faced severe challenges, including limited access to clean and safe water and significant structural damage to their homes. These post-disaster conditions posed serious threats to their health and recovery.

Responding to the Needs of Affected Communities

On October 2, 2025, PNPh initiated an online donation drive to support families affected by the earthquake. The donation drive aimed to address these critical needs and provide support to families as they faced the difficulties brought by the disaster. We appealed to the generosity of our community to help these families overcome the challenges they were experiencing and support their recovery and rebuilding efforts.

Through the online donation drive, we raised a total of Php 28,444.08 locally and $169 internationally during the first wave of contributions. These funds were utilized to purchase relief packs that included sacks of rice, canned goods, noodles, medicine, water, and a rechargeable lamp.

Bringing Support Directly to PNPh Student Families

On October 4, 2025, the PNPh team set out on a lengthy journey of over 12 hours to personally deliver relief packs and provide support to 11 families of our students in the affected areas of Bogo, Daanbantayan, and Tabogon.

The visit allowed the team to bring assistance directly to PNPh student families who were among those affected by the earthquake and to witness firsthand some of the challenges they were facing in its aftermath.

The response was made possible through the generosity of the PNPh community and donors who came together to support families during this difficult time.

Continuing the Response

PNPh’s earthquake response reflects our commitment to supporting our students and their communities in times of need. The generosity of donors helped turn the call for support into concrete assistance for families affected by the disaster.

To learn more about the donation drive, funds raised, relief efforts, and the support provided, please read the full PNPh Earthquake Response Report below.

Building on the successful collaboration launched in 2023, Mapletree has renewed its support for Passerelles Numériques Vietnam (“PNV”) through a new three-year commitment (2026-2028) that will fund scholarships for seven students from underserved backgrounds, an increase from six students in the first edition. The sponsorship of over US$70,000 will support these students throughout their three-year educational journey at PNV, from enrolment to graduation, covering all programme-related costs, helping young people facing socio-economic barriers to education secure jobs, develop careers in the Information Technology (“IT”) sector and respond to Vietnam’s growing demand for skilled tech workers.

The partnership aligns with Mapletree’s Corporate Social Responsibility (“CSR”) Framework, which focuses on enriching communities through the arts and environment, and empowering individuals through education and healthcare. Under the education pillar, Mapletree’s support includes  dedicated programmes that help underprivileged students overcome financial barriers and access opportunities that can transform their futures. 

Mr Edmund Cheng, Chairman, Mapletree, said, “Mapletree’s renewed partnership with PNV to support disadvantaged youths reflects our continued commitment to expanding access to education. We are pleased to support PNV once again in helping young people acquire industry-relevant skills, creating opportunities for upward social mobility. As Mapletree strengthens its footprint in Vietnam, we will also deepen our impact on the community.” 

“We are delighted and deeply grateful for Mapletree’s renewed sponsorship of PNV students. This is wonderful news for our organization. The growing number of sponsored students reflects Mapletree’s strong confidence in PNV’s mission and serves as a tremendous source of encouragement, not only for the students, but for our entire team,” said Ms Trang Vo, Country Director, Passerelles Numériques Vietnam.

This renewed partnership follows the success of the first Mapletree-PNV Scholarship programme launched in 2023. The six students supported through the initial initiative are now completing their final year of studies and taking their first steps into the professional world through internships. Among them, one student is currently interning as a Software Engineer after ranking first in his class, while others are gaining valuable professional experience through internships and projects related to software development, DevOps, and emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence. 

“Mapletree’s sponsorship has given me the opportunity to focus on my studies, projects, internships and personal growth. Beyond financial support, Mapletree’s generosity has given me motivation, confidence and a renewed sense that my aspirations and future matter. The programme has changed the way I see my future and the opportunities I can create for my family,” said Phạm Đức Đạt, PNV graduate, class of 2026.

Several students have also distinguished themselves through academic and innovation achievements, including winning prizes in entrepreneurship competitions and participating in learning and cultural exchange opportunities with industry professionals. Their progress demonstrates how access to quality education and holistic support can unlock opportunities and help disadvantaged youth build promising professional futures.

Despite Vietnam’s strong economic progress over recent decades, access to higher education and digital skills remains uneven. While the country’s tertiary education gross enrolment rate reached 38% in 2024¹, many young people from low-income and rural communities still face significant barriers to pursuing higher education. Digital inclusion also remains a challenge, particularly for disadvantaged populations and women. Recent research found that nearly three-quarters of Vietnamese women lack basic digital skills², highlighting the importance of initiatives that combine education with digital employability training. 

By investing in the next generation of digital talent, Mapletree and PN are helping create pathways to sustainable employment and contributing to a more inclusive digital future for Vietnam.

¹ World Bank Data, School enrollment, tertiary (% gross), Vietnam, 2024.
² Pham CTL, Bui QTT, Le AH, Khuong LQ. Unequal access in a digital age: women’s digital exclusion and socioeconomic inequalities in Vietnam. Front Big Data, 4 December 2025.

About Mapletree: Headquartered in Singapore, Mapletree is a global real estate development, investment, capital and property management company committed to sustainability. Its strategic focus is to invest in markets and real estate sectors with good growth potential. By combining its key strengths, the Group has established a track record of award-winning projects, and delivers consistently attractive returns across real estate asset classes.

The Group manages three Singapore-listed real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) and 11 private equity real estate funds, which hold a diverse portfolio of assets in Asia Pacific, Europe, the United Kingdom (“UK”) and the United States (“US”). As at 31 March 2026, Mapletree owns and manages S$76.2 billion of logistics, office, data centre, student housing and other properties.

The Group’s assets are located across 13 markets globally, namely Singapore, Australia, Canada, China, Europe, Hong Kong SAR, India, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, the UK, the US and Vietnam. To support its global operations, Mapletree has established an extensive network of offices in these markets.

For more information, please visit  www.mapletree.com.sg. 

A new chapter began at Passerelles Numériques Philippines (PNPh) on August 8, 2026, as we warmly welcomed 70 new students from the Class of 2028 to the PNPh Center.

For many of our newest students, this marks the beginning of an exciting journey filled with new experiences, challenges, friendships, and opportunities. As they take their first steps into life at PNPh, they are not embarking on this journey alone.

Making their arrival even more meaningful was the warm welcome from our Class of 2027. As their seniors, they welcomed the new students into the PNPh community, shared their own experiences, and offered a glimpse into what the coming years may look like. Through their stories and encouragement, Class 2027 reminded their new peers that while the journey may bring challenges, it is also filled with opportunities to learn, grow, and discover their potential.

The Class of 2028 also received School, Hygiene, and Care Kits, made possible through the generous support of JPMorganChase. These essential kits provide students with items they need as they settle into their new environment and begin this important chapter of their lives.

To our Class of 2028, welcome to PNPh! Your journey starts here. May your time with us be filled with learning, growth, friendship, and opportunities to discover the person and professional you aspire to become.

Here’s to a new class, new dreams, and new possibilities!

Nea Piset, 21, From Pursat Province, lost his father when he was only six years old. Raised by a single mother who struggled to provide, Piset’s early life was filled with uncertainty. “Sometimes I thought I should stop studying and just find work to help my mom,” he says.

When circumstances make the path difficult, access to education can open the door to new possibilities.

But fate took a turn when he was introduced to Passerelles Numériques Cambodia (PNC) by one of its partner organizations, and learned about the scholarship program supported by the Skills Development Fund (SDF). “I was scared to leave home and come to the city,” he recalls. “I didn’t know anyone, and I wasn’t confident speaking or expressing myself.”

The first few weeks were difficult. The rules were strict, and life in Phnom Penh felt overwhelming. But soon, Piset realized the structure and mentorship were exactly what he needed. “The teachers always motivated us,” he says. “They didn’t just teach us lessons; they guided us in life.” PNC’s unique approach, where students live in dormitories with peer leaders and receive continuous mentorship that helped him open up and grow.

“I used to be
shy and quiet, now I can lead, share ideas, and work in a team.
I feel responsible for my own future.”

Over time, Piset became known among his classmates as someone proactive, well-mannered, and dependable. He takes every opportunity to prepare for his future from building relationships with PNC alumni to connecting with companies during career events and company visits.

He has already started exploring potential internship placements for his second year, aiming to put his growing IT knowledge into practice. With each step, he is becoming more confident and career-ready.“Without PNC and SDF, there would be no today’s Piset,” he says with emotion. “They didn’t just give me education; they gave me a chance to believe in myself.”

For more than two decades, PNC has been committed to empowering disadvantaged youth through quality digital education and holistic support. With over 1,800 alumni and an estimated 7,000 lives uplifted from poverty through the ripple effects on graduates and their families, PNC has witnessed the transformative power of education in creating lasting change. Today, 98% of PNC graduates secure employment after graduation, reflecting the quality, relevance, and industry alignment of its training programs. Behind every graduate is a story of resilience, determination, and opportunity. Through the valued support of Skills Development Fund (SDF), more disadvantaged youth have been able to access industry-relevant digital skills training, gain professional experience, and pursue meaningful careers in Cambodia’s growing ICT sector. Together, this partnership is not only transforming individual lives but also helping to build a more inclusive and skilled digital workforce for Cambodia’s future.

These heartfelt words from Thanh Nga, a PNV alumna from the Class of 2019-2022, capture the dreams that inspired her throughout her years as a student. Today, those dreams are no longer distant aspirations. Step by step, the determined young girl has built a stable career, becoming not only financially independent but also a pillar of support for her family.

Family has always been her greatest motivation

Growing up in a difficult family situation and witnessing her mother’s daily sacrifices, Nga treasured every opportunity she was given at PNV. For her, PNV became the door that opened a new future, where the dreams she once kept quietly in her heart finally had a chance to come true.

The first time Nga truly realized that her hard work had made a difference was when she sent her mother money from her very first salary – an amount far beyond what she had ever imagined earning. It was more than the reward for years of dedication and perseverance. It was the moment she knew she could finally help shoulder her mother’s burdens. From then on, her mother no longer had to work as tirelessly as before, while Nga found even greater motivation to keep striving toward the dreams she had set for her family.

After years of holding onto that dream, this year Nga fulfilled one of her biggest wishes: helping her family rebuild their home. For her, this achievement was the happiness of finally giving her mother a safe and comfortable home – a place that would protect her from heavy rains and scorching sunshine while Nga continues pursuing her career far from home.

A strong foundation to thrive wherever life takes her

Today, Nga is based in Ho Chi Minh City, working as an Associate Engineer at NAB Innovation Centre Vietnam. Every experience in a professional environment has reinforced one lesson: a willingness to keep learning and the resilience to overcome challenges are the keys to continuous growth and success. These are also the values that PNV patiently nurtured throughout her student journey.

“Everything PNV taught me became the foundation that helped me secure my internship and eventually my job. I’m truly grateful to PNV for opening a new chapter in my life and giving me the foundation to become independent and support both myself and my family.” – Nga shared.

For Nga, the greatest gift PNV provided was not limited to technical knowledge in Information Technology. It was also the confidence built through English, soft skills, and a professional mindset. From someone who once struggled to pronounce the English alphabet correctly, she has grown into a confident professional working in an international environment – continuing to advance her career while caring for the people she loves.

This is the message Nga hopes to leave with current PNV students: keep learning, keep going, and never let temporary difficulties stop you from pursuing your dreams.

And Nga’s story is just one of many inspiring journeys like this at PNV.

For more than 15 years, Passerelles Numériques Vietnam has empowered hundreds of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to build brighter futures. Every graduate and every milestone – whether big or small – is a reminder that when young people are given an opportunity and choose to persevere, they can overcome their circumstances, shape a better future for themselves, and create lasting, positive change for their families.

On April 17, Passerelles Numériques Madagascar campus in Ampandrianomby came alive with music, dancing, and laughter during the traditional mid-semester festive break. Marking the end of the first semester, this day transformed the training center into a true showcase of talent and an all-cohorts gathering.

This special event allowed the young people to take a break after several months of intensive academic work, while showcasing their artistic talents and team spirit. More than just a celebration, this gathering reflected the energy, creativity, and solidarity that drive the Passerelles Numériques Madagascar community.

Performances Brimming with Talent and Creativity

For the occasion, each student club prepared an original performance to liven up the day. The dance, music, and sports clubs presented dynamic and enthusiastic performances, captivating the audience throughout the event. Songs, choreographed routines, and various activities followed one after another in a festive and colorful atmosphere.

The French and English language clubs left a lasting impression with humorous and creative skits, showcasing the students’ language skills and stage presence. Laughter and applause followed one after another, strengthening the sense of unity among the students and the members of the Passerelles Numériques Madagascar team.

More than just a celebration, this event took on deep symbolic meaning thanks to the presence of students from previous graduating classes. They contributed to the festivities with dance performances, adding a touch of nostalgia and camaraderie to this memorable day. The current students particularly appreciated the presence of their seniors, as they were able to interact with them in a relaxed and inspiring atmosphere.

A Celebration That Strengthens Bonds

Through this festive event, Passerelles Numériques Madagascar continues to promote a fulfilling student life, where academic learning is complemented by moments of sharing, self-expression, and solidarity. This celebration will undoubtedly remain a memorable experience for all participants and once again highlights the human richness that brings the Passerelles Numériques Madagascar family to life.