The Aus4Skills Symposium was held in Hanoi on 4 December 2025, celebrating a decade of achievements of the program. Co-hosted by the Australian Embassy and the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET), the event brought together representatives from government ministries, Communist Party of Vietnam organisations, and Aus4Skills partners and beneficiaries. The symposium highlighted Aus4Skills’ vital role in strengthening Vietnam’s skilled workforce, advancing inclusive education, and responding to the country’s evolving human resource development needs—critical for sustaining economic growth and global competitiveness.
The Australia-Vietnam Human Resource Development program (Aus4Skills) builds on a long history of partnership in education and workforce development. Over the past decade, it has responded to Vietnam’s rapid economic growth and the rising need for skilled leaders and professionals. Through scholarships, training, and institutional partnerships, the program equips Vietnamese participants with global expertise and practical skills, empowering them to drive innovation and lead transformative change.
HE Ms Gillian Bird PSM, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam presents certificates of appreciation to Vietnamese partners of the Aus4Skills program.
In her opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thu Thuy, Director General of the International Cooperation Department, MOET, emphasised the strategic importance of the collaboration:
“Over the past 10 years, Aus4Skills contributed to building capacity for higher education, modernising vocational education and training, strengthening equality and inclusion. Through Aus4Skills, thousands of officials and educators have improved their capacity and formed a sustainable network between our countries. We want to continue our collaboration in the next phase of the program towards our shared goals of innovating education, developing and high-skilled workforce, and leaving no one behind.”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thu Thuy, Director General of the International Cooperation Department, MOET, delivers opening remarks at the symposium.
Speaking about the program, H.E. Ms Gillian Bird PSM, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, noted: “Over the past decade, Aus4Skills has been more than a program; it has been a bridge—connecting people, ideas, and opportunities between our two nations. Together, we have strengthened Vietnam’s human resource capacity in critical sectors, empowered thousands of individuals through education and training, and fostered leadership that drives innovation and inclusive growth.”
H.E. Ms Gillian Bird PSM, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam delivers opening remarks at the symposium.
Highlighting the importance of gender equality in human resource development, Ms Michelle O’Byrne, Australian Ambassador for Gender Equality, stated: “Gender equality is not just a social goal—it is an economic imperative. It drives inclusive growth, strengthens governance, and ensures reforms benefit everyone.”
Ms Michelle O’Byrne, Australian Ambassador for Gender Equality delivers remarks at the symposium.
Working across higher education, vocational education and training (VET), and leadership development, Aus4Skills has supported initiatives to modernise curricula, strengthen governance, and align with international standards. In VET, the program has helped make training more practical and connected to real jobs—introducing industry partnerships and new approaches so graduates have the skills employers need. These efforts keep Vietnam’s workforce competitive in an interconnected world. Equally important, the program promotes inclusive growth by advancing gender equality and creating opportunities for disadvantaged groups, reinforcing Vietnam’s commitment to social equity.
