On December 4th, 2021, the Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, H.E. Ms Robyn Mudie, formally announced the Australian Alumni Grants Funds (AAGF) during a welcome home ceremony for more than 70 Australia Awards (AAS) alumni.
The Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, Ms Robyn Mudie making her announcement
The AAGF will provide AUD350,000 (VND5.6 billion) in funding for alumni-led projects that contribute to Vietnam’s development in various sectors. Ambassador Mudie encourages alumni to initiate projects where they can make a difference by promoting organisational and community changes, as well as strengthening the relationship between Australia and Vietnam.
“After completing their studies, it is important that alumni have the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills gained in Australia to realise their ambitions in Vietnam. For instance, the Australian Government’s AAGF is established to help them apply both their professional knowledge and skills, contribute to organisational change, and promote linkages between Australian and Vietnam” – said Ambassador Mudie.
The AAGF provides alumni with opportunities to contribute to Vietnam’s development through funded projects. These projects enable alumni to apply their professional knowledge and skills gained from Australian education, influence organisational and institutional change, and strengthen linkages between Australia and Vietnam in select areas.
Since its establishment in 2017, more than A$1.7 million has been awarded to 362 alumni to implement 143 projects, aiming to address issues in gender equality, disability, education, agriculture and rural development, governance and economic growth, water and sanitation, climate change, health, regional stability and human rights. Australian alumni are now invited to apply for Round 4 of the AAGF.
Currently, AAS graduates returning from their studies in Australia are working in a diverse range of sectors (central and provincial governments, NGOs, academic institutions and the private sector), different parts of Vietnam and in various professional areas, including natural resources management, food science, entrepreneurship, gender equality, disability inclusion, and vocational education management, amongst many other fields.
Australia is a leading provider of scholarships to Vietnam, contributing directly to Vietnam’s development objectives. To date, the Australian Government has awarded over 6,000 Australia Awards Scholarships to Vietnamese citizens to study in Australia. On their return to Vietnam, Australia Awards alumni have contributed to initiating Vietnam’s development and further hold senior positions in business and the government.
The Australian Government continues to support alumni after their return to Vietnam. Six Australian Alumni Professional Groups have been established accompanying the priority themes of Agriculture, Education and Research, Economics and Business, Legal and Justice, Gender and Disability Inclusion. Since their establishment in 2016, the Groups have attracted over 3,500 members, and organised 67 professional development activities for around 4,000 participants.
Source: Education & Times
