On 8 February 2026 in Canberra, the Embassy of Viet Nam in Australia hosted Homeland Spring 2026, creating a warm and culturally rich Lunar New Year setting for the Vietnamese community in Australia, alongside international friends and partners.
The event brought together senior Vietnamese and Australian officials, diplomatic representatives, scholars, business leaders, community organisations, and members of the Vietnamese diaspora. In his remarks, Ambassador Pham Hung Tam highlighted Viet Nam’s key achievements in 2025 and reaffirmed that overseas Vietnamese are an integral part of the nation, serving as an important bridge in strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Viet Nam and Australia.
Traditional Tết celebrations were vividly brought to life through cultural performances, festive décor, and Hue Royal Court Music, fostering community connection while promoting Vietnamese cultural values among younger generations and international guests.
💬 Professor Nghiem Duc Long, University of Technology Sydney, President of the Vietnamese Association of Scholars and Experts in Australia (VASEA), shared:
“This year’s community Tết celebration has brought me a deep sense of joy and warmth. I am proud to see the Vietnamese community in Australia growing stronger and more united, not only contributing actively to the host country but also consistently turning towards our homeland and country.
From fundraising activities to support communities affected by the 2025 floods, to the VietNest project promoting Vietnamese language education for younger generations, and initiatives aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate change in Viet Nam — all of these efforts reflect a strong sense of responsibility and a deep, enduring bond with our homeland.”
🎖 On this occasion, the Embassy presented Certificates of Commendation to VASEA members in recognition of their contributions to cooperation in agricultural science, technology, and green growth between Viet Nam and Australia, including:
- Prof Nguyen Tuan Anh – National Ageing Research Institute & Swinburne University of Technology, Vice President, VASEA
- Prof Tran The Truyen – Deakin University, VASEA Member, VIC
- Dr Nguyen Nhat Mai – The Australian National University (ANU), President, VASEA ACT
- Ms Nguyen Thi Thuy Duong (MSc) – University of Technology Sydney (UTS), VASEA Member, NSW
- Ms Nguyen Viet Ha (Sarah Aiken) – Chair, VACEO, VASEA Member, NSW
- Dr Tran Thi Hong Van – Western Sydney University / VietSchool, VASEA Member, NSW
- Dr Nguyen To Loan – The University of Queensland (UQ), VASEA Member, QLD
- Dr Vo Doan Tat Thang – The University of Queensland (UQ), VASEA Member, QLD
- Dr Ngo Thi Diem Hang – Mount Carmel College, Vice President, VASEA SA
- Assoc Prof Pham Minh Thong – The University of Adelaide, Vice President, VASEA SA
- Dr Pham Duc Truc – Treasury Wine Estates, Vice President, VASEA SA
- Ms Tran Thi Tuyet Hong (Hong Jackson, MSc) – Hofmann Engineering Pty Ltd, VASEA Member, WA
- Assoc Prof Pham Duc Son – Curtin University, VASEA Member, WA
VASEA warmly congratulates the members of the State Chapter Boards and all Members who have been awarded Certificates of Merit – a well‑deserved recognition of their positive contributions over the past period.
✨ Homeland Spring 2026 not only strengthened bonds and rekindled cherished Tết memories for Vietnamese living abroad, but also nurtured pride in Viet Nam’s rich cultural heritage. The programme highlighted the role and recognition of the overseas Vietnamese community in advancing long-term, sustainable cooperation between Viet Nam and Australia.
