The programme, announced on August 2 by the People's Committee of the Phu Quoc Special Zone in An Giang Province, aims to expand foreign language education across schools and local communities.
Speaking at the launch, An Giang People's Committee Chairman Ho Van Mung said improving foreign language skills among residents was essential to raising Phu Quoc's international profile and preparing the island to welcome delegates from the 21 APEC member economies.
He said the initiative would also help address shortages of skilled tourism workers by promoting technology, curriculum reform and broader participation from the private sector.
According to Nguyen Thi Kim Loan, vice chairwoman of the Phu Quoc People's Committee, the programme will be rolled out in three phases.
The first phase, from September 2026 to June 2027, will pilot classes at 10-15 schools and open community courses in Duong Dong, Ganh Dau, An Thoi and Duong To.
Between 2026 and 2030, the programme will expand to at least half of the island's schools and double community classes, with a review due in 2031. A second phase through 2035 aims to cover all schools and extend the programme across the wider community.
Training will focus on frontline tourism workers, including market vendors, taxi drivers, service staff and students, with the goal of building basic communication skills and confidence rather than full language proficiency.
At the launch ceremony, the Phu Quoc Special Zone administration also signed cooperation agreements with education providers and language centres and awarded English scholarships to local students.
