Building for the Future - HMS Spey - Building for the Future - HMS Spey
WRITTEN BY
Chantal Gamble
Communications
01 March, 2023

Building for the Future - A Special Invite to His Majesty’s Ship (HMS) Spey

Building for the Future - HMS Spey - Building for the Future - HMS Spey

This month eighteen exceptional STEM students from Year 6 received a special invite from the British Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City to visit His Majesty’s Ship (HMS) Spey of the Royal Navy, which was docked at Nha Rong Port in Ho Chi Minh City for 5 days. 

HMS Spey and 50 Years of Diplomatic Relations Between the UK and Vietnam 

Building for the Future - HMS Spey - Building for the Future - HMS Spey

The offshore patrol vessel visited as part of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the UK and Vietnam. The 2023 celebrations are titled The UK and Viet Nam: Building for the Future, with a focus on three main themes, of which the first is Education. So, in the year in which we celebrate our 25th anniversary, it was quite fitting that our students would be invited to join the celebrations on board the Royal ship. 

 

Building for the Future - HMS Spey - Building for the Future - HMS Spey

Building for the Future - HMS Spey - Building for the Future - HMS Spey

 

HMS Spey is the fifth and final second generation of River Class Offshore Patrol Vessels built for the Royal Navy, and the crew fondly describes the ship as “Last of class, best of class.” 

Commander Michael Proudman, HMS Spey’s Commanding Officer commented “This visit does not only represent an opportunity for us to intensify our collaboration with our Vietnamese counterparts but also underline the UK's ongoing commitment to promoting global stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region.”

 

A STEM Lesson Led by Naval Engineers 

Building for the Future - HMS Spey - Building for the Future - HMS Spey

 

The chance to explore a working ship and talk to Royal Navy Engineers was a once in a lifetime opportunity for our students to explore what STEM looks like in the real world. 

Our students had the chance to visit the engine room, the medical room, and the bridge. Some were even lucky enough to sit in the captain’s chair overlooking the ship. They heard from top navy engineers on the navigation system and some of the unique technology on board. 

 



Celebrating Relationships


As the UK and Vietnam celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations, we also celebrate and recognise our own special relationships in Vietnam. Our strong relationship with the British Consulate-General made this fantastic opportunity possible for our students. 
 

British Consul-General Emily Hamblin, British Deputy Consul-General Sam Wood and Chair of the Nord Anglia Education Advisory Board Lord David Puttnam


This month we welcomed the British Consul General Emily Hamblin, together with the British Deputy Consul General Sam Wood, to our 25th Anniversary Garden Party. Emily Hamblin joined our co-founders Maurice Nguyen and Rosie Ngo and the chair of the Nord Anglia Education Board Lord David Puttnam in unveiling the newly refurbished Founders Auditorium.


 

In addition to these visits, the Consulate regularly invites our BIS choir to perform at their annual Remembrance Day Ceremony. We were also honoured to be entrusted with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s Book of Condolences for a short time last year to give our community a chance to send a personal message to the Royal Family. We are continually grateful to the British Consulate-General for their ongoing support and opportunities made available to the families of BIS HCMC. 

 


Congratulations on 50 years! Here’s to “Building for the Future”, not only for the UK and Vietnam but for our 18 curious STEM explorers.