Local travel firm Vietravel has purchased a 66% stake in HCMC-based Kent International, the owner of Kent International College.

Nguyen Quoc Ky (L) and Kam Hing Nam, chairman of Kent International, pose for a photo after signing the agreement on March 22

The purchase seeks to expand Vietravel’s presence in the education sector and improve human resources for the tourism sector, according to officials speaking during the signing ceremony on March 22.

Although the value of the agreement remains unknown, the two parties have reportedly developed plans to convert Kent International College into a university.

After the purchase, Vietravel will connect its current training centers with Kent International College so students can continue their studies and take practice courses at Kent, as well as at domestic and internationally linked schools. In addition, the firm intends to expand the training of courses related to the tourism field.

“We expect to strengthen practice skills and foreign language skills for tourism staff,” Vietravel general director Nguyen Quoc Ky said, adding that the purchase of the 66% stake in Kent will help the travel firm complete its education system.

Apart from its operation in the tourism industry, Vietravel offers other services, including training and courses on consulting overseas. Further, the firm has written to authorities seeking approval to establish an airline, according to Ky.

Having operated for 15 years in Vietnam, the college offers a series of majors, including business administration, marketing management, human resource management and information technology, and offers short-term job training courses and programs to students. The college has graduated over 3,000 bachelors and more than 10,000 short-term course graduates.

SGT