On March 13, the Vietnam Association of Scholars and Experts in Australia (VASEA) officially launched its South Australia Chapter at a special event held at the University of Adelaide in Adelaide, South Australia. This marked a significant milestone in promoting academic, professional, technological, and engineering cooperation between Vietnam and Australia.
The event received enthusiastic support from the state government, university leaders, experts, business representatives, and students, all of whom expressed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
Attendees included Vietnam’s Ambassador to Australia, Pham Hung Tam; Professor Jessica Gallagher, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement) at the University of Adelaide; Professor David Lewis, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Sciences, Engineering, and Technology at the University of Adelaide; Dr. Bui Viet Khoi, Science and Technology Counselor at the Vietnamese Embassy in Australia; Dr. Tran Nam Nghiep, President of the VASEA South Australia Chapter and Associate Dean for International Collaboration at the University of Adelaide; Ms. Jane Tran, Co-Founder and Vice President of VASEA, and CEO of TET Education Group (Australia); VASEA Vice President Nguyen Nhue Ha; Dr. Vuong Thanh Huyen, Secretary General of VASEA; Mr. Thomas Ha, Director of MLEI Consulting Engineers; along with scholars, researchers, experts, business representatives, and outstanding students in South Australia.
During the launch ceremony, Ambassador Pham Hung Tam delivered a speech commending VASEA’s pioneering role in connecting and fostering a network of Vietnamese intellectuals and professionals in science, engineering, innovation, and education.
The Ambassador emphasized that VASEA is not only a platform for connecting the Vietnamese community in Australia but also plays a crucial role in promoting bilateral cooperation. He highlighted VASEA as one of the most reputable and influential organizations representing Vietnamese scholars, scientists, and professionals who have made significant contributions across various fields in Australia.
Notably, the Vietnamese government highly values this organization. During Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s visit to Australia in March 2024, he dedicated over an hour to discussions with VASEA members, acknowledging their insightful ideas, detailed recommendations, and substantial contributions to national development and Vietnam-Australia relations.
One of VASEA’s recommendations led to the establishment of a government-funded mechanism—the Forum of Overseas Vietnamese Scholars and Experts—which was convened for the first time in August 2024.
Ambassador Pham Hung Tam expressed his hope that the VASEA South Australia Chapter would become a beacon of cooperation and serve as a strong bridge between South Australia and various provinces in Vietnam.
The Ambassador affirmed that South Australia, with its strengths in education, agriculture, information technology, and digital transformation, offers abundant opportunities for collaboration that will benefit both nations and further advance the Vietnam-Australia strategic partnership.
In her remarks, Professor Jessica Gallagher stated that the establishment of the VASEA South Australia Chapter marks a significant step in expanding VASEA’s influence at the state level. She emphasized that it will enhance opportunities to strengthen South Australia’s ties with Vietnam, particularly in education, research, and business collaboration, fostering friendship and paving the way for effective future partnerships.
Professor David Lewis highlighted VASEA’s role as a bridge between scholars, businesses, and policymakers, acknowledging its efforts in promoting academic excellence and professional collaboration between Australia and Vietnam.
Dr. Tran Nam Nghiep, President of the VASEA South Australia Chapter and Associate Dean for International Collaboration at the University of Adelaide, emphasized the importance of collaboration, mentorship, and knowledge exchange in empowering Vietnamese scholars and professionals in South Australia. He asserted that the Chapter is not just a professional network but also a hub for academic exchange, research collaboration, and business connections among Vietnamese scholars and professionals in the state.
According to Dr. Tran Nam Nghiep, the launch of the VASEA South Australia Chapter is a significant milestone for the Vietnamese intellectual and professional community in the state, reflecting a strong belief in the power of networking, mutual support, and a bright future for the Vietnamese community.
He expressed his commitment to actively promoting the activities of the VASEA South Australia Chapter alongside VASEA’s broader initiatives to build an intellectual network, create opportunities, foster innovation, and enhance the Vietnam-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Speaking to Vietnam News Agency reporters on the sidelines of the event, VASEA Vice President Jane Tran highly appreciated South Australia’s contributions and collaboration with Vietnam in various fields, including science, technology, and especially education.
For instance, the University of South Australia (UniSA) is highly regarded by Vietnamese students and parents for its effective career guidance programs, enhanced graduate outcomes, and strong support for international students.
Flinders University and emergency medical experts from South Australia have provided training to help Ho Chi Minh City improve its emergency response services. As a result, Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training approved a new major in emergency medical services starting in 2024.
Jane Tran expressed her hope that, with over 500 members from various professional fields in Australia and a rapidly growing membership base across different states, VASEA would serve as a strong platform for the South Australia Chapter to drive initiatives and implement high-quality cooperative programs between South Australia and Vietnam. She also envisioned VASEA fostering a vibrant community of Vietnamese intellectuals and professionals in both South Australia and Australia as a whole.
Expressing his excitement over the launch of the VASEA South Australia Chapter, Mr. Thomas Ha, Director of MLEI Consulting Engineers, viewed it as an excellent opportunity to connect businesses with scholars and both governments. He emphasized that this collaboration would bring benefits not only to Vietnamese professionals in Australia but also to the economic and social development of both nations.
Discussing the future activities of the VASEA South Australia Chapter, Dr. Tran Nam Nghiep outlined three key initiatives:
- Career Mentorship Program – This program will provide young scholars and professionals with opportunities to connect with experienced experts in their respective fields, offering career guidance, professional development, and community service capacity-building.
- Quarterly Academic-Industry Forum – A platform for scholars, experts, and businesses to connect, ensuring that research aligns with real-world industry needs.
- Community Networking Events – These events will foster talent development, mutual support, and the establishment of a strong Vietnamese intellectual and professional community in Australia.
(Source: Báo Tin tức)
VASEA launched the State Chapter – South Australia
VietnamPlus – VASEA launched the State Chapter South Australia
