Professor Sir Graeme J. Davies was Chairman, President and Chancellor of British University Vietnam (BUV). He played a leading role in working with the founders of BUV beginning in 2007 when Khalid Mahmood approached him to see whether the University of London would be involved. An official delegation, which included the Prime Minister of Vietnam, was hosted by Sir Graeme in London in 2008 with the result that the Government of Vietnam agreed to the establishment of British University Vietnam.


From 2009 until 2018, Sir Graeme was BUV’s Chairman and President and, in 2018, he became the Chancellor and Chairman of the University Council. During his lifetime, he led and transformed a number of institutions of higher education, including as Vice-Chancellor of the University of London between 2003 and 2011, after which he was named as their only Emeritus VC. Sir Graeme also held roles as the Principal of the University of Glasgow from 1995 to 2003 and as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Liverpool from 1986 to 1991. In between these periods, he was the Chief Executive of the Higher Education Funding Council for England, from 1991 to 1995. In 1996, he was knighted for his services to Higher Education and he received over a dozen honorary degrees, nationally and internationally, for his contributions to the sector.  He passed away on 30 August 2022 following a brief illness.

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To honour Sir Graeme’s memory and his commitment to increasing access to Higher Education, the family has established a charity to provide scholarships to deserving young people pursuing their education at the British University Vietnam in Hanoi. In 2023, one scholarship will be awarded to the most distinguished candidate from high schools nationwide.

It is envisaged that the Sir Graeme Davies scholarships would be, in the initial stages, awarded to students applying to study the University of London International Foundation Course - IFP at BUV. Currently, the IFP is one of the most widely accepted foundation programmes in the world. This course provides students with the fundamental academic knowledge, skills, and learning approaches required to gain direct entry to undergraduate degrees and to ensure that its students can quickly adapt to international university environments across the world.


UK Charity Registration Number: 1201661.

THE OPENING OF SIR GRAEME DAVIES MEMORIAL THEATRE AT THE BRITISH UNIVERSITY VIETNAM

On 18 October 2023, the British University Vietnam officially unveiled the new Sir Graeme Davies Memorial Theatre on the campus, in memory and respect of the University's late Chancellor and Chair of the University Council.
Prof. Raymond Gordon - Vice Chancellor and President, BUV
Today, we gather here to pay tribute to an extraordinary individual who played an integral role in shaping the very essence of our university. We are here to commemorate the life and legacy of Sir Graeme Davies.

This theatre, much like Sir Graeme himself, holds a special place in our hearts. It has been a space where ideas have been born, creativity has flourished and bonds have been forged. It is only fitting for it to bear his name as a symbol of the impact he had on the University, its students and its staff.

The plaque and the theatre will serve as a constant reminder of the contributions that Sir Graeme made to BUV and education throughout the world as well as the principles and values he stood for – innovation, diversity, and respect. Let it be a place where current and future generations of the University’s community can draw inspiration from his legacy.
Lady Svava Davies 
Graeme would be so very honoured to be recognised in this way and to have his name given to this beautiful auditorium.

Sir Graeme carried a deep belief in the value of investing to increase access to education to improve life chances and opportunities. He loved coming to preside at BUV graduation ceremonies and to meet students and staff.
His family and I thank you for honouring Sir Graeme in this way and I know he would wish you every success as the university moves forward.
Mai Hong Anh - Sir Graeme Davies Scholarship Winner 2022
Thank you for believing in me and seeing the potential in my abilities. I am grateful for the time and effort you dedicated to reviewing my application and giving me this incredible opportunity to pursue the prestigious British degree.

I would also like to offer my sincerest thanks to Sir Graeme Davies’ family for setting up the scholarship in his name. This scholarship has opened doors for me that I never thought possible and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities it has provided. I hope to honour Sir Graeme’s legacy through my dedication to my studies and my commitment to making a positive impact on the development of Vietnam.

WORDS FROM THE THEATRE

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Together we can support young talented students with opportunities to access high-quality British standard education in Vietnam. 

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Email: SirGJDaviesScholarships@gmail.com 

"Sir Graeme Davies made a lifelong contribution to education in many countries throughout the world. This was especially the case for the people of Vietnam.
Sir Graeme was instrumental in forming the British University Vietnam (BUV), which recently became the first university in Vietnam to be awarded an international QS 5 Star quality rating. He was the University’s founding President and Chancellor, as well as the Chair of the University Council.
His knowledge and experience in the formation and operation of international universities has been invaluable to BUV and its UK partners. His leadership, dedication, and commitment built the foundations that now facilitate the opportunity for many young Vietnamese and British students to enjoy an international learning experience and form networks and friendships that will last a lifetime. These experiences help shape the future of education and bilateral relations between Vietnam and the UK.
On a personal level, Sir Graeme was a mentor and great friend of mine, a man of vision, great experience and a delightful disposition. He had a genuine love for BUV, its staff, and especially its students. Through his foresight and dedication many young Vietnamese students have been given the opportunity to achieve an education that, prior to the development of BUV, they could only dream of – they are now changing the world.
He is missed greatly by all at BUV."

Professor Ray Gordon
Vice Chancellor & President,
British University Vietnam.

"Without Sir Graeme, the British University Vietnam would not be where it is today. His wisdom, guidance and leadership were invaluable. When he joined us, we had a small meeting room within one of our Apollo English language centres that was designated as the University project office. During his time with the University, under his leadership as founding Vice Chancellor, it blossomed from that one small meeting room to a 165 mil USD state of the art campus that today has well in excess of 3000 students.

The Vietnam Government always enjoyed meeting with him because they knew he didn't just care for the University. He cared about higher education in Vietnam."

Khalid Muhmood, MBE and Arabella Peters
Founders of Dragonfly Education Group
British University Vietnam

“I was fortunate to meet with Sir Graeme on his first trip to Vietnam. I had felt nervous about meeting Sir, but Sir Graeme was so kind and made me feel like we had met before. Later, I was involved in arranging a small group meeting between Sir Graeme and a few media people, VIPs, and loyal Apollo students. Everyone was impressed with his stories and wisdoms, we all felt we went away with some learning. We had the same comments that he was so vibrant for his age and very personal in the way he treated younger generations.

We all live once. Sir Graeme’s passing away reminds us that we can lead a meaningful life and make impacts in great ways. Sir Graeme has left international legacies. Many of those people lucky enough to have had his touches will continue to make impacts on their communities and societies. Sir Graeme will be missed.”

Phan Thi Hoang Hoa,
Managing Director,
Sky International Preschool – Vietnam

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