Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, has launched a major community English language training initiative to prepare local residents for the 2027 APEC Economic Leaders’ Week. The Phu Quoc Community English Initiative for 2026-2030 prioritizes practical communication skills for market vendors, taxi drivers, service workers, and students who regularly interact with international visitors and official delegates.
The People’s Committee of the Phu Quoc Special Zone announced the program on August 3, 2026. The launch coincides with the inaugural Phu Quoc English Day, which attracted more than 600 delegates, residents, and tourists.
Nguyen Thi Kim Loan, vice chairwoman of the committee, emphasized the importance of language skills in positioning the island as a welcoming destination. “For every resident to confidently take on the role of a tourism ambassador, improving foreign language proficiency is an urgent priority”, she said. “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".
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The initiative aims to build a capable local workforce for APEC 2027 while accelerating Phu Quoc’s transformation into an internationally recognized hub for eco-tourism, luxury resorts, and major conferences. Officials view strong English skills as essential for delivering high-quality hospitality and supporting the island’s growing role as a venue for international events.
The program follows a structured, multi-phase rollout. In 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. At the same time, community-based language classes will begin in key areas including Duong Dong, Ganh Dau, An Thoi, and Duong To.
Between 2026 and 2030, the educational model is expected to 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 percent 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, along with 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.
Phu Quoc will host the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week in November 2027, marking the first time a Vietnamese island serves as the venue for the high-level economic summit. Preparations are already well underway. Infrastructure upgrades include a VND22 trillion (approximately US$836 million) airport expansion and a new ocean-inspired VIP terminal. The APEC Convention Center complex, built on reclaimed land at Bai Dat Do, is also progressing as a key venue for the event.
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.
By equipping local residents with practical English skills, authorities aim to ensure that visitors and delegates encounter a hospitable, professional, and communicative community. The English training initiative forms part of a broader effort to elevate service standards and strengthen Phu Quoc’s readiness for its role on the global stage in 2027.
