A non-profit research fund with an initial capital of over VND5 billion (US$237,000), made its debut at a ceremony held in Hanoi on Thursday.

>> World community backs VN’s stance on East Sea The Foundation for East Sea Studies (FESS) was licensed by the Vietnamese Ministry of Home Affairs on August 14, 2013. Many state-owned agencies donate a total of over VND100 million ($4,750) to FESS at the launching ceremony at the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam. On this occasion, FESS presented 13 excellent and special prizes to Vietnamese students and postgraduates, both at home and abroad, for their outstanding studies on the East Sea during its debut formalities. The fund was co-founded by the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, Le Cong Phung – former Vietnamese Ambassador to the U.S. and former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Do Duc Hung – former Vietnamese Ambassador to Singapore and Canada. The chairman of the FESS Management Council is Dr. Dang Dinh Quy, director of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam. The foundation will sponsor scientists, researchers, research students, individuals, and organizations to write articles or carry out research works on the East Sea, contributing to the protection of Vietnam’s sovereignty over its seas and islands, and maintaining peace, stability and cooperation in Southeast Asia. In addition, the foundation will provide support for activities intended to enhance public awareness of the safeguarding of the country’s sovereignty over its seas and islands in accordance with relevant policies and laws of the Party and the State. Speaking at Thursday’s ceremony, former Prime Minister Vu Khoan, a senior advisor to FESS, said the fund is seeking donors and welcomes financial contributions from individuals and organizations that are interested in studies on the East Sea. Within this year, the fund will continue offering many other prizes to prominent studies, Khoan said. FESS is headquartered at 69 Chua Lang Street, Dong Sa District, Hanoi.