We would like to provide you an update regarding the recent VASEA activities in Vietnam.
For the first time since its establishment in 2023, the VASEA Executive Board, along with its members, gathered in Hanoi for a series of meaningful activities that took place on 15th to 18th September 2024. The key events included:
A video summary can be found here [Video VASEA Roadshow Recap]
1. Participation in the VTV live show “Vietnam Fulcrum” at 20:10 on 15 September 2024
Typhoon Yagi and its aftermath have caused significant damage to the northern provinces of Vietnam. Severe flooding, flash floods, and landslides in highland provinces such as Lào Cai, Yên Bái, Sơn La, Tuyên Quang, Cao Bằng, have resulted heavy losses for the affected communities.
In the spirit of solidarity and compassion, the Vietnamese Australian Scholars & Experts Association (VASEA), in collaboration with the Australasia Social Impact Foundation (ASIF), an international charity of Vietnamese people, launched the “Love to Love” donation campaign. Its goal is to support those impacted as they begin their recovery journey after the storm and floods. Detailed report on fundraising and fund transfer to Vietnam will be published in the next communication email.
VASEA participation in this VTV live program re-affirms our commitment to helping people in these provinces to return their normal lives as quickly as possible.
VASEA Board of Directors sat at the third row
2. Meeting with the Minister of Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST)
The VASEA Board of Directors met with the Vietnamese Minister of Science and Technology and leaders from various MOST agencies, including the International Relations Department and the Vietnam Institute of Science, Technology, and Innovation (VISTI). During the meeting, a shared agenda covering topics such as joint research between selected Institutions in Vietnam and Australia was extensively discussed as well as the possibility of Vietnam sending researchers to participate in research initiatives hosted by Australian Institutions. Additionally, MOUs between VISTI and Australian institutions are currently under discussion.
3. The “Promoting Green Innovation in Agriculture” Conference
VASEA, in partnership with Vietnam National Innovation Centre (NIC), an agency of Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI), organised the conference “Promoting Green Innovation in Agriculture”. The event featured the participation of Deputy Minister of MPI (Madam Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc), Mr. Todd Sanderson (Research Program Manager for Social Systems, Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR)). During the conference, Madam Ngoc indicated that agriculture contributes approximately 12% of Vietnam’s GDP and provides livelihoods for about 30% of the workforce. However, the sector faces significant challenges, particularly from climate change. The Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s largest rice-producing region, is projected to lose between 500,000 and 1 million hectares of agricultural land by 2050 due to rising sea levels, potentially causing annual losses of up to 3% of GDP. These challenges underscore the urgent need to shift agricultural production towards a more sustainable and low-emissions practices.
For more information, please visit the links below.
[Nhan Dan Newspaper featuring the conference]
[Cong Thuong Newspaper featuring the conference]
4. Signing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between NIC (MOPI) and VASEA
To strengthen the partnership, on the same day as the conference “Promoting Green Innovation in Agriculture”, VASEA and NIC signed an MOU, marking a significant step forward for the bilateral relationship. This agreement aims to promote green innovation in Vietnam in an effective and economical way.
5. Signing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with between VASEA and ASIF
ASIF is an international charity fund of Vietnamese people, aimed at effectively connecting global resources to drive systemic changes in key areas such as healthcare, education, clean water and sanitation. Signing the MOU and partnering with ASIF will enable VASEA to streamline procedures for charity fundraising. Recently, VASEA collaborated with ASIF to assist in restoring lives and mitigating the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi. Donations from the VASEA community and ASIF matching fund has been sent directly to the “Tam Long Viet Fund” to support flood victims through the Vietnam Nation Television Network (VTV), while also notifying the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese for supervision and oversight.
6. Meetings and discussions with the Australian Embassy in Vietnam, AusTrade, Aus4Innovation and Aus4Skills
On 17 September 2024, the VASEA Board of Directors visited the Australian Embassy in Hanoi, as well as AusTrade and Aus4Skills. At the meetings, VASEA reported to the Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, His Excellency (H.E.) Andrew Goledzinowski, Ms. Jen Bahen (Education Counsellor), and Mr. Kim Wimbush (CSIRO Counsellor, Director Vietnam and Aus4Innovation Program), Ms Huong Ngo (AusTrade Senior Business Development Manager) and Ms. Jennie Dehn (Aus4Skills Program Director). The talk covered VASEA’s activities for 2023-2024 and outlined strategies for the next 5 years.
VASEA expressed its desire to contribute as part of the Australian Government’s efforts to strengthen ties with the Vietnamese Government. The discussion focused on cooperation in four key areas: International Education, Training and Relations; Science & Technology Transfer; Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) and Sustainability; and Policy, Trade & Investment.
Below are some photos from the visit.
7. The event “Connecting Minds – Bridging Cultures”
This special event offered a unique opportunity to connect with a diverse group of scholars, experts, professionals and leaders from both Vietnam and Australia. The evening featured the following activities:
- A celebration of the strong partnership between Australia and Vietnam, with participation from distinguished guests who have deep connections to both countries.
- Insights from distinguished guests, including government officials, academic leaders, and industry experts.
- An introduction to VASEA’s initiatives and future plans to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange between the two nations.
- A showcase of the “Chap Canh” Program, an exciting initiative led by Mdm. Ta Bich Loan, Managing Director of VTV3.
The event was joined by several distinguished guests, including Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Madam. Le Thi Thu Hang; Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, His Excellency Andrew Goledzinowski; Madam. Ta Bich Loan, Managing Director of VTV3; and Mr. Jimmy Pham, Founder of KOTO. Also in attendance were prominent representatives from government agencies of both Vietnam and Australia, as well as leaders from universities, institutions, and various industries in both nations.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the governmental agencies, our partners and friends in Vietnam and Australia for their support, cooperation, and assistance throughout this journey.
From the bottom of our hearts, we sincerely thank you!
