In January 2026, TechCoop officially launched its Chief Digital Officer (CDO) program to promote sustainable development in Vietnam’s agricultural sector. The program supports the next generation of agricultural enterprises and cooperatives through mentoring, coaching, internships and scholarships. Through these activities, CDO aims to equip young people with strategic thinking, digital knowledge and decision-making skills so they can grow, gain hands-on experience and step by step become future leaders. In 2026, TechCoop awarded the TechCoop Scholarship 2026 to four outstanding students preparing to study abroad, including Phan Thien Tri.
Born and raised in a family devoted to rice farming, the family behind TAM LANG JOINT STOCK COMPANY, Thien Tri long hoped to modernize the traditional agricultural trading model, take the family brand to international markets and help raise the standing of Vietnamese agricultural products. To pursue that goal, Tri realized that passion alone was not enough: it also took a solid foundation in business, a modern mindset and the ability to adapt to an international environment.
With that goal in mind, Tri began preparing to study abroad with the support of the CDO program. Tri took English foundation courses at RMIT to strengthen language skills and get used to an international learning environment, while also gaining experience through community activities to build skills and complete the application.
Alongside these studies, TechCoop supported Tri through mentoring sessions and career-direction conversations, preparing step by step for the demands of studying abroad. From finalizing the application to practicing for interviews, Tri had more opportunities to review the preparation, build confidence and approach key turning points more proactively. This continuous support helped Tri lay the foundation needed to pursue the goal of studying in the United States.
In January 2026, Tri became one of four students awarded the TechCoop Scholarship 2026, in recognition of the potential and effort shown in pursuing an international education. Tri then received offers of admission from five universities in the United States: 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. Before enrolling, Tri also received a USD 25,000 scholarship from the International Accelerator Program, adding momentum to the academic journey ahead.
In August 2026, Tri received a US student visa and officially set off in September 2026. Tri has now begun studying at American University, gradually stepping into an international business environment and building knowledge for the path ahead.
From the first steps of preparation to arriving in a US university classroom, Tri’s journey reflects the combination of personal effort and timely support. Through training, mentoring, interview practice and financial support, CDO TechCoop aims to help the next generation not only access new opportunities but also build the skills and confidence to realize their long-term goals step by step.
CDO TechCoop is proud to have accompanied Thien Tri on this journey, as the knowledge and experience gained today become the foundation for Tri to keep pursuing the goal of contributing to the family business and to the future of Vietnamese agriculture.