EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE - WA CHAPTER

Dr Thien Tran is a Postdoctoral Researcher at Murdoch University’s Centre for Crop and Food Innovation (CCFI) and WA State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre (SABC). He completed his PhD in Plant Biology at The University of Western Australia, where his research focused on the molecular genetics of fertility restoration in wheat.
His research spans plant biotechnology, molecular genetics, CRISPR genome editing, plant transformation and functional genomics, with a focus on translating advanced molecular technologies into crop improvement. He has contributed to collaborative research projects involving leading industry and research partners, including Limagrain Groupe, Australian Grain Technologies (AGT), BASF and the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).
Beyond research, Dr Tran has been actively involved in the Vietnamese academic and student community in Australia. He served as Vice President of the Vietnamese Students in Australia (SVAU) from 2020 to 2025 and as President of the Vietnamese International Student Association in Western Australia (VISAWA) from 2019 to 2025.
As State Chapter Co-President (Academic) of VASEA Western Australia since 2025, Dr Tran is committed to connecting scholars, researchers, and professionals; supporting students and early-career researchers; and strengthening Australia – Viet Nam collaboration in research, innovation, and knowledge exchange

Hong Jackson has over 30 years of experience in accounting and finance and holds a Master of International Business (Accounting) from Edith Cowan University (2006). She has owned and operated an accounting practice for more than 20 years, providing financial and strategic advice to businesses and not-for-profit organisations.
A passionate community leader, Hong is the former President of the Western Australia Vietnamese Women Association Inc. (WAVNWA) and is committed to empowering communities while strengthening Australia–Viet Nam relationships. Her contributions have been recognised through the United Nations Association of Australia Gender Equality Award, recognition from the Consulate General of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam in Western Australia for community service, and the Embassy of Viet Nam in Australia for fostering cultural, business, and educational connections between the two countries.
As a Community Ambassador, Hong contributes to consultations and policy discussions that support more inclusive Australian Government initiatives.
As State Chapter Co-President (Industry & Government) of the Viet Nam-Australia Scholars and Experts Association (VASEA), Hong is dedicated to raising VASEA’s profile in Western Australia by connecting scholars, professionals, and industry leaders, promoting knowledge sharing, and strengthening collaboration between Australia and Viet Nam for the benefit of both communities.

Dr Hue Luu is a Lecturer in Food Science and Technology at Curtin University, Western Australia. She earned her PhD at KU Leuven (Belgium) and her Master’s degree in Belgium, Germany, and Portugal under the Erasmus Mundus scholarship. She then worked at Viet Nam National University, Hanoi for six years before moving to Australia.
Dr Hue Luu is passionate about advancing excellence in higher education, research, and international collaboration. With extensive experience in teaching, curriculum development, and research supervision, Dr Hue Luu has mentored numerous undergraduate and postgraduate students and is committed to creating engaging, inclusive, and student-centred learning environments that prepare graduates for successful careers in academia and industry. In addition to her academic work, Dr Hue Luu has contributed to initiatives that strengthen international education and research partnerships, particularly between Australia and Viet Nam, through collaborative projects, student mobility programs, and academic exchange.
As Vice President of the VASEA WA Chapter, Dr Hue Luu will be fostering meaningful connections among Vietnamese scholars, professionals, and students in Australia and beyond. She is committed to promoting knowledge exchange and supporting collaborative initiatives that contribute to education, innovation, and sustainable development in both Australia and Viet Nam.

Dr Lili Loan Vu is a Research Fellow at Curtin University. She holds a PhD in Economics from The University of Western Australia, a Master of Business in Finance from the University of Technology Sydney, and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Foreign Trade University, Viet Nam. Her expertise spans health economics, labour economics, social policy, and economic evaluation, with a focus on using evidence to inform policy and improve community wellbeing.
Over the past decade, Loan has worked with government, industry, and community organisations on research and evaluation projects in healthy ageing, mental health, disability, employment, gender equality, and family and domestic violence. She is passionate about translating research into practical insights that improve policies, services, and community outcomes.
As Vice President (Industry & Government) of the VASEA WA Chapter, Loan is committed to strengthening partnerships between researchers, industry, government, and the Vietnamese-Australian community. She looks forward to building collaborations and supporting initiatives that strengthen connections between Australia and Viet Nam.