Vietnamese Australian scholars – a bridge for bilateral ties: congress

The Vietnamese Australian Scholars and Experts Association (VASEA) has made important contributions to developing human resources as well as cooperation projects between the two nations, Vietnamese Deputy Ambassador to Australia Nghiem Xuan Hoa said while attending the association’s first annual congress on June 2.

Since its establishment in August 2023, VASEA has become a common house for scholars and specialists of the Vietnamese origin to exchange knowledge, expertise and experience, contributing to the development of the two countries as well as their bilateral ties.

Various activities have been held by the association, including conferences and short courses on digital transformation, energy efficiency, carbon market, climate change, leadership skills for sustainable development, digital economy and energy transition.

In his online speech, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Andrew Goledzinowski held that the Vietnam – Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership should be endorsed not only by government agencies but also the private sector, universities, and organisations like VASEA.

He spoke highly of VASEA’s activities which back Vietnam’s transition to green energy, and encouraged it to serve as a bridge to further connect Vietnam and Australia for the common prosperity and success.

From Hanoi, Vice Chairman of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Nguyen Manh Dong said that the association’s practical activities have helped bolster the cooperation between the two countries, affirming contributions by overseas Vietnamese intellectuals and businessmen are important to the homeland and the international community amidst strong development of science technology, innovation, digital transformation and green transition.

According to Professor Nghiem Duc Long, VASEA President, along with monthly conference, the association will arrange programmes to improve knowledge and leadership ability for young members.

VASEA will prioritise projects in key areas agreed upon by the two nations so as to contribute more to the bilateral cooperation, he said, adding programmes on science exchange, technology transfer and training that serve the development of circular economy and climate change response in Mekong Delta will be carried out.