Vietjet and the University of Oxford have announced the findings of a landmark Aviation Net Zero Research initiative on solutions for global aviation, a development that also aligns with Singapore’s national goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
In conjunction with this milestone, Oxford has also unveiled the Oxford Pioneer Scholarship Scheme, a landmark initiative for collaboration in education and scientific research between Vietnam and the United Kingdom, co-founded by Dr Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, Chairwoman of Sovico Group and Vietjet.
These announcements took place during the official visit of Vietnam’s General Secretary To Lam to the United Kingdom.
As Singapore advances its green aviation efforts, Vietjet’s ongoing investment in sustainable research mirrors these ambitions and supports a shared vision for a cleaner, connected future. The airline currently operates direct flights from Singapore to Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and Phu Quoc.
Through the Oxford Net Zero initiative, led by Professor Myles Allen, Director of the centre, Oxford University has been collaborating with Vietjet to explore Geological Balance Fuel (GBF) – an innovative form of aviation fuel that offsets carbon emissions through long-term geological storage of CO₂.
Initial findings from the research indicate that GBF could offer a practical pathway for the aviation sector to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050, with the added advantage of being compatible with existing global fuel infrastructure, thereby minimising disruption and additional costs.
Dr Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, Chairwoman of Sovico Group and Vietjet, said: “I deeply value this collaboration with the University of Oxford as we work together to advance green innovation, connecting knowledge, technology, and compassion.
“Vietjet is committed to partnering with international institutions to build a humane, prosperous, and sustainable future for generations to come.”
Dr Thao is also investing into education funding with the Oxford Pioneer Scholarship Scheme in partnership with the University of Oxford.
The Scheme has an initial endowment of £17.83 million (approx. SGD30.52 million), comprising £13.7 million (approx. SGD23.25 million) contributed by Dr Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, and £4.13 million (approx. SGD7.07 million) co-funded by the University of Oxford.
It aims to provide long-term opportunities for exceptional students and researchers, with a particular focus on Vietnamese scholars.
According to Professor Irene Tracey, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, the University celebrates the achievements made together and looks forward to expanding collaboration in education, research, and innovation in the partnership with Vietnam.
