Alumni gain benefits from engagement and knowledge exchange among community

Australian alumni in Vietnam gained new connections and explored opportunities at the second Alumni Symposium, held in Da Nang 17 June.

Symposium 2, themed “Human and Society”, attracted over 200 participants who are alumni and their colleges, friends, and students from across Vietnam.

 

Alumni presenters and officers of the Australian Embassy in Vietnam 

It is among a series of three events showcasing alumni’s achievements in their professional and community work to the wider community. 18 presenters shared their stories in person and 8 contributed their digital presentations.

“It takes just one person to inspire many, and meeting and hearing from other alumni has inspired me to push myself even further in the future, and apply new learnings in my own projects,” said Van Dinh Trang, University of Sydney alumni and facilitator at the symposium.

Alumni and presenter Bui Huong Giang said, “Being alumni is not just about getting an education, but it also lets me be a part of these kinds of opportunities – hearing from other people who are making a real difference in Vietnam and being inspired for my own future.”

 

Nguyen Trong Dan, Flinders University alumni, share his journey “From a teacher of one child with disability, to the supporter of a thousand children.”

 

Dao Thu Huong, Victoria University alumni and Disability Inclusion Officer – United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Vietnam discuss “The rights of a minority are benefits of the majority”.

Ms Jenifer Bahen, Counsellor for Education and Research at the Australian Embassy Vietnam, says every alum is an important member of a community of 80,000 Australian Alumni in Vietnam who are experts and leaders in various areas in Vietnam.

 

Ms Jenifer Bahen, Counsellor for Education and Research at the Australian Embassy Vietnam delivers the opening remarks.

“Alumni are contributing enormously to the development of Vietnam and also to the enhancement of our bilateral relation,” Ms Bahen said.

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.

Presentations at the symposium have highlighted alumni’s achievements thanks to benefits they have gained as alumni after their experience in the world-class Australian education.

Alumni enjoyed opportunities to Australian Alumni Grants Funds (AAGF), launched each year and offering up to VND 325 million to implement projects that contribute to the development of Vietnam.

Previous grantees shared at Symposium 2 the results of their own AAGF projects in tourism and culture, community well-being, and mobile health.

 

Dr Nguyen Thi Thuy, University of Melbourne alumni, introduces her AAGF-funded project “Using traditional crafts for self-sustenance and disaster preparedness: a case study of Sung village.”

In addition, regular activities hosted by six Professional Groups have helped alumni maintain connections in their fields as well as develop new skills.

Prior to the two recent symposiums, high-level celebrations including an annual reunion and a bi-annual award ceremony have honoured alumni’s contributions to Vietnam’s development.

Six outstanding alumni received the Australian Alumni Awards this year. The next Awards nomination will be in 2025.

The Alumni Reunion is a key event hosted by the Ambassador or the Consul-General where alumni reconnect with old friends, make new connections, and foster collaborations.

Alumni engagement is among key components of Aus4Skills and activities celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations between Australia and Vietnam.

The third Australian Alumni Symposium will take place in Hanoi in September.