Australian alumni in Vietnam exchanged their wealth of knowledge on responsible growth at this year’s final Alumni Symposium, inspiring people to start collaboration towards building stronger, more inclusive and resilient communities in Vietnam.
Symposium 3, held in Hanoi 23 September, is among a series of three events showcasing alumni’s achievements in their professional and community work to the wider community.
Throughout three symposiums, more than 50 alumni presenters shared their inspiring stories to hundreds of in-person and online participants who are fellow alumni and their colleges, friends, and students from across Vietnam.
In addition, a dozen of alumni-led enterprises introduced their contributions to responsible growth in Vietnam through business displays on the sidelines of the symposium, ranging from digitalisation solutions to organic farming and telemedicine.
Ho Thai Binh, RMIT and University of Queensland alumni and keynote speaker at Symposium 3, introduced Survival Skills Vietnam – SSVN, an alumni-led social enterprise providing first-aid training for Vietnamese. “SSVN came to be as a collaboration between Australian alumni from very different backgrounds. It is amazing to continue meeting like-minded people from many fields through alumni activities and I would encourage other alumni to take this wonderful opportunity to compile our diverse knowledge,” Binh said.
Ho Thai Binh introduces several ways alumni can contribute to improving survival skills for themselves and their communities.
Ly Thi Thuy Duong, University of Melbourne alumni, discusses sustainable community tourism development in Thai Nguyen Province
Through Aus4Skills, Australia is supporting the long-term professional development of alumni, including skills and networking. This is part of Australia’s support for Vietnam’s inclusive socioeconomic development, contributing to strengthening the two countries’ partnership.
Nguyen Tung Anh, University of Melbourne alumni discuss enabling Vietnam’s green finance market.
Dr Vo Thi Hoang Yen, La Trobe University alumni, introduces DRD Vietnam’s model in improving quality of life for disadvantaged groups.
Ms Cherie Russell, Counsellor of Development Cooperation at the Australian Embassy in Vietnam, said “Education is the strongest link in Australia and Vietnam’s bilateral relationship. Alumni symposiums is one of the many ways we are collaborating to support knowledge sharing in priority development areas of Vietnam.”
There are over 80,000 Vietnamese alumni of Australian education since 1973. Many have become leaders, advocates and influencers contributing towards Vietnam’s inclusive socioeconomic development both as individuals and through professional networks.
Alumni engagement is among key components of Aus4Skills and activities celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations between Australia and Vietnam.
Presentations at the symposium highlighted alumni’s achievements thanks to benefits they have gained as alumni after their experience in the world-class Australian education.
