On 25 November 2017, in Hanoi, more than 500 Australian alumni and their family members came together at the Aussie Alumni Reunion to celebrate their achievements and to highlight the White Ribbon Day. Those alumni are part of a dynamic network of nearly 60,000 alumni of Australian education in Vietnam. They represent a wealth of knowledge, expertise and influence and they are making valuable contributions to Vietnam’s development and strengthening linkages between Vietnam and Australia.
More than 500 Australian alumni and their family members at the Aussie Alumni Reunion 2017
Australian alumni are leaders and influential experts in both the public and private sectors. Many of them have set up their own businesses in a wide variety of fields, including safe agricultural products, IT software, trade, accounting and education services, or they have established NGOs to support women and other vulnerable groups, particularly ethnic minorities in remote areas.
Mr Craig Chittick welcomed alumni and their family members at the Aussie Alumni Reunion 2017
“Similar to other Australian alumni, the knowledge and skills that I acquired in Australia have made my dream come true. Together with three other Aussie alumni I have established a centre to support vulnerable groups in Ha Giang. I appreciate the opportunities that this Aussie Alumni Reunion has provided not only me but all of my friends to promote our work and seek assistance from others.” said Ms Hoang Dieu Thuy, Director of Ha Giang Centre of Community Assistance.
Mr Craig Chittick visited a product display by an Australian alumnus
“Today, we are proud to celebrate the achievements of Australian alumni.The most important aspect of their Australian education is not what they studied and did in Australia, but how they have used that education to contribute to Vietnam’s development since returning home.” said HE Mr Craig Chittick, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam.
“This year’s Aussie Alumni Reunion coincides with White Ribbon Day, also known as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls. It is important for all of us to reflect on the role we can play to promote positive non-violent relationships at home with our families, and beyond – especially as men.” the Ambassador continued.
Australia is committed to preventing violence against women and working collaboratively to drive positive social change by getting men involved, helping women break the silence, and encouraging everyone to come together to build a better world for all. Gender equality promotion and women’s empowerment is one of the top priorities of Australia’s support to Vietnam.
