In January 2026, TechCoop launched its Chief Digital Officer (CDO) program to support the next generation of agricultural enterprises and cooperatives through mentoring, coaching, internships and scholarships. The program helps young people develop strategic thinking, digital knowledge and leadership skills. In 2026, TechCoop awarded the TechCoop Scholarship 2026 to four outstanding students pursuing an international education, including Phan Thien Tri.
Born and raised in a family long tied to rice, Tri hopes to support the family business in modernizing its operations, expanding into international markets and raising the value of Vietnamese agricultural products. To achieve this goal, Tri realized the need for business knowledge and the ability to adapt to an international environment, and decided to pursue studies abroad.
Guided by the CDO program, Tri took English foundation courses at RMIT to strengthen language skills and get used to an international learning environment, while gaining experience through community activities to build skills and complete the application.
Thien Tri visiting the RMIT learning environment with the CDO program
A mentoring and career-direction session of the CDO program at TechCoop
After a long period of planning and mentoring sessions, Tri confidently applied to several universities in the United States and received offers of admission from the University of Massachusetts Boston, Adelphi University, the University at Buffalo, Arcadia University and Suffolk University. After weighing the options, Tri decided to study International Business at American University and also received a USD 25,000 scholarship from the International Accelerator Program.
The TechCoop Scholarship 2026 ceremony for four students, including Thien Tri
In August 2026, Thien Tri was officially granted a US student visa. Tri has now begun studying at American University, continuing to build knowledge and experience toward the goal of growing the family business in the future. TechCoop continues to accompany and guide
The CDO team seeing Thien Tri off at the airport before the departure for the United States
Thien Tri’s journey shows the value of preparation and the right support in achieving the goal of studying abroad. CDO TechCoop is proud to have supported Tri along the way, laying the foundation for Tri to keep growing and to contribute to the family business as well as to Vietnamese agriculture.