Six officials from the Ho Chi Minh National Political Academy of Vietnam, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Office of Government have just completed an intensive Graduate Certificate in Translating and Interpreting facilitated by the Vietnam Australia Centre.
Graduate Certificate in Translating and Interpreting Short Course – Cohort 2
Accurate translation and Interpreting are vital for effective communication and understanding between countries. Delivered by RMIT University in Melbourne, the program has provided participants with significant improvement in language interpreting, cultural awareness, and contextual adaptability. Additionally, the program fostered high-level cognitive, technical, and creative skills essential for complex interpreting tasks, while also enhancing professional communication in multilingual environments—key for roles in government and diplomacy. Delegates developed a critical understanding of interpreting practices grounded in both Australian and international standards.
Participants in an Advance Interpreting Class
From February to June 2025, the participants immersed themselves in a rigorous academic program in Melbourne, blending classroom theory with hands-on practice, industry engagement, and rich cultural experiences. The program included practice-based learning in RMIT’s state-of-the-art United Nations-style interpreting labs, with lessons reinforced by field trips to the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court and the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters.
Participants in Ethic Class
Participants networking with experts at the Australia-Vietnam Policy Institute
Reflecting on the experience, Mr Nguyen Hong Phuc – Official of the State Protocol and Interpretation Directorate, MOFA, said: “I feel now more confident in interpreting in English (both consecutive and simultaneous) compared to when I just started the course.”
“The course’s practical approach helped me integrate knowledge into different interpreting contexts. For example, we had the opportunity to observe interpreters in legal situations, which opened our minds,” said Ms Hoang Bao Chau, Official of the Department of Local and Cultural Diplomacy, MOFA.
Participants during Conference Interpreting Practice.
Since returning to Vietnam, participants have begun applying their new skills in high-level bilateral and multilateral meetings and plan to support capacity-building within their ministries by sharing techniques and resources with colleagues.
The Graduate Certificate course is part of the VAC’s commitment to deliver high-quality professional training for Vietnam’s public sector, reflecting the shared priorities under the Vietnam–Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to build the capabilities of Vietnam’s emerging leaders, strengthen cross-cultural communication and deepen bilateral cooperation.
With two cohorts now successfully graduated, the program is already creating positive ripple effects in how Vietnamese officials approach multilingual diplomacy, regional engagement, and international representation. Ten officials across two cohorts have now participated in the program.
Cohort 1 of Graduate Certificate in Translating and Interpreting visits Australia’s Language Loop.
The VAC is a joint initiative of the Australian and Vietnamese Governments to build the skills of Vietnamese leadership and unite Australia and Vietnam on common regional issues and shared challenges./.
