VASEA scholars and experts propose action-focused innovation partnership

VASEA outlines practical priorities to strengthen talent, finance, entrepreneurship and expert collaboration through a triple helix approach

Sydney, 10 August 2026, the Vietnam–Australia Scholars and Experts Association (VASEA) has presented an action-oriented framework for mobilising the Vietnamese intellectual community in Australia to support Vietnam’s innovation strategy, with a focus on practical cooperation among government, universities and research institutions, and industry.

At a high-level meeting with the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the President of Vietnam, H.E. Mr. To Lam, VASEA Board of Directors outlined proposals designed to translate expertise and international connections into tangible initiatives. The discussion emphasised that cooperation should move beyond sharing experience and lead to implementable actions, even when beginning with targeted, small-scale projects.

Four priorities for practical cooperation

• Developing high-quality human resources: Professor Nam-Trung Nguyen (Australian Laurette Fellow, Griffth University, VASEA Honourary Member) presented approaches to building the advanced skills and leadership capabilities needed for innovation-led growth.
• Strengthening the financial foundations for innovation: Ha Nguyen, VASEA Vice President (Finance and Legal), proposed ways to mobilise capital, reduce risk and encourage greater investment in research and innovation.
• Building a connected innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem: Professor Dao Viet Dung, VASEA Vice President (Science and Technology), discussed the pathway from research and start-up formation to growth, including how founders can draw on ecosystem resources and how a stronger Vietnam–Australia start-up ecosystem could be developed.
• Connecting Vietnamese, Australian and global expertise: Jane Tran, VASEA Vice President (Education and Training), proposed a model to link experts in Vietnam with Vietnamese professionals abroad and wider international networks, enabling sustained knowledge exchange and project collaboration.

From discussion to delivery

The meeting included an extended discussion in which VASEA Board of Directors listened to the General Secretary’s guidance. Professor Long Nghiem, President of VASEA, concluded by summarising proposed actions and putting forward the basis for a follow-up program.

QUOTE from Professor Long Nghiem, President of VASEA
“Vietnam and Australia have tremendous complementary strengths in knowledge, innovation and human capital. VASEA’s role is to help turn those strengths into practical collaboration by connecting the right expertise, institutions and resources around shared priorities. Our discussion today was not simply about exchanging ideas, but about identifying actions that can be implemented and sustained. We look forward to working with partners in both countries to translate these proposals into tangible outcomes.”

The agenda also envisages a follow-up next year, reinforcing a shared commitment to continuity, accountability and measurable progress. VASEA will work to convert the meeting’s priorities into a focused action plan and identify opportunities where its members can make an immediate and practical contribution.

Photo (Credit to TTXVN): VASEA Board of Directors, Chapter Presidents and Honorary VASEA Members at the meeting.

This meeting has been broadcasted by several new agencies. For further details, please follow the links:

https://www.vietnamplus.vn/tong-bi-thu-chu-tich-nuoc-to-lam-tiep-tri-thuc-nha-khoa-hoc-tieu-bieu-nguoi-viet-nam-tai-australia-post1129267.vnp

https://baotintuc.vn/chinh-tri/tong-bi-thu-chu-tich-nuoc-to-lam-tiep-tri-thuc-nha-khoa-hoc-tieu-bieu-nguoi-viet-nam-tai-australia-20260810150428596.htm