Australian Foreign Minister visiting and talking to UEH students

On the afternoon of August 23, 2023, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) is absolutely honored to welcome the Australian Minister and Foreign Affairs Delegation to attend the Seminar - Live Dialogue titled “Student Town Hall with Australia's Minister of Foreign Affairs” at UEH with the purpose of celebrating the 50^th anniversary of the establishment of the Vietnamese - Australian relationship. This event attracted the participation of more than 250 UEH students along with representatives of Leaders and Officials at UEH University.

On the morning of August 23, 2023, Prof. Dr. Su Dinh Thanh - President of University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) welcomed Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs - Senator Penny Wong and Secretary of HCM City Party Committee - Mr Nguyen Van Nen at Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Headquarter.

Delegates taking memoir photos

An opportunity for the Young Generation of Vietnam - Australia to share their views on international issues

“Student Town Hall with Australia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs” diễn ra tại UEH vào chiều ngày 23/8 là một sự kiện tương tác trực tiếp giữa sinh viên và Bộ trưởng Bộ Ngoại giao Úc. Có thể nói, sự kiện này không chỉ là một dấu mốc quan trọng trong việc thúc đẩy tình hữu nghị giữa hai quốc gia mà còn là cơ hội quý giá để thế hệ trẻ Việt Nam và Úc cùng nhau chia sẻ quan điểm và góc nhìn về các vấn đề mang tầm quốc tế như phát triển bền vững, biến đổi khí hậu toàn cầu, chuyển đổi năng lượng,...

“Student Town Hall with Australia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs” taking place at UEH on the afternoon of August 23 is one live interaction event among students and the Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs. It should be stated that this event is not only an important milestone in promoting the friendship between the two countries but also one valuable opportunity for the young generations of Vietnam and Australia to share their views and perspectives regarding international issues listed as sustainable development, global climate change, energy transition and so on.

Possessing this meaning, this seminar was honored to receive the presence of delegates from University of Economics of Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), Western Sydney University and Australian Department of Foreign Affairs.

On behalf of Australian Department of Foreign Affairs, there are: Senator Penny Wong - Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Andrew Goledzinowski - Australian Ambassador in Vietnam; Mr. Patrick Ingle - Policy Advisor for Secretary of State; Mr. Shaun Fitzgerald - Executor for Secretary of State; Ms. Sarah Hooper - Australian Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City; Ms. Robyn Mudie, Deputy Director General - Office for Southeast Asia (OSA) - Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Mainland Markets Southeast Asia, DFAT; Ms. Rebecca Ball - Senior Commissioner for Trade and Investment Responsibility for Vietnam and Cambodia, Austrade; Ms. Carol Holmes, Secretary - Politics; Mr. Luke Davies - Director of Vietnam and Cambodia Section, DFAT; Mr. Ciaran Chestnutt - Deputy Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City; Mr. Dominic Balasuriya - Economic Consultant in Ho Chi Minh City.

On behalf of UEH, there was the participation of: Prof. Dr. Su Dinh Thanh - Principal; Assoc. Dr. Tran Ha Minh Quan - Dean of UEH Institute of International Training (ISB); Dr. Douglas Foster - ISB Deputy Dean; Assoc.Prof.Dr. Tran Phuong Thao - Deputy Dean of ISB; Assoc.Prof.Dr. Nguyen Phong Nguyen - Head of UEH Department of Scientific Management-International Cooperation; Dr. Pham Duong Phuong Thao - Deputy Head of UEH Department of Scientific Management - International Cooperation.

On behalf of Western Sydney University, there were Prof. Yi-Chen Lan - Vice President (Global Development) and the Director of Vietnam Branch.

The seminar receiving the presence of delegates from the Australian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, Western Sydney University

Overview of the talk

The spirit of profound educational cooperation between the two countries

Within the process of promoting the strategy concerning education internationalization and strengthening the cooperation between Vietnam-Australia, during 47 years of establishment and development, UEH has built one proud history in training cooperation and study together with other leading Australian universities as well as reputable businesses and NGOs. Furthermore, UEH was honored to be confirmed as an excellent representative in the U-Multirank 2022 Rankings.

Joining the atmosphere of celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Australia, the event “Student Town Hall with Australia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs” marked a new chapter in connecting the two countries. This event is not only an integration of vision and knowledge but also brings value beyond national borders besides demonstrating the spirit of profound educational cooperation.

Presenting the welcome speech towards Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs - Senator Penny Wong, Prof. Dr. Su Dinh Thanh - President of UEH - emphasized: “It is, definitely, of great pleasure and honor that, today, UEH welcomes Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs - Senator Penny Wong. Minister Wong’s visit today reflects our UEH’s commitment to providing students with the opportunity to connect, to learn and to be inspired from global leaders. The dialogues taking place here are not simply normal dialogues but also a bridge connecting the efforts, the ambitions and the futures of the two countries: Vietnam - Australia. Our students have the opportunity to interact directly with a leader with a deep understanding of international relations and diplomacy. This interaction is invaluable as it helps UEH students gain a deeper understanding of the world beyond the borders of Vietnam. Besides, Minister Wong’s visit to UEH is, once again, an affirmation of the important role of education in promoting the relationship between the two countries. This relationship has been formed on the basis of mutual learning, the development, and the pursuit of common goals.”

Prof. Dr. Su Dinh Thanh giving a welcome speech

Better future commitment towards global issues

At this seminar, Minister Wong presented his opinions on climate change and energy transition. Both Vietnam and Australia Nations have committed to leading in zero emissions by 2050.

“Since 2000, renewables only accounted for 10%; nevertheless, by 2022, this figure has increased to 35%. This is a big economic challenge that requires us to rethink the production process. To achieve this goal, we need to deliver zero-emissions goods and services by 2050.” - Minister Wong affirmed.

What is more, the Minister emphasized the role of education in the current economy: “Education is completely important because of the nature of the economy. In this country, the young generation is very eager to have a good education, to expand their knowledge and skills. The close connection between the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City(UEH) and Western Sydney University make it possible for UEH students to access an international education.”

Minister Wong emphasizing the role of education as well as giving opinions on climate change and energy transition issues

Spreading awareness regarding global issues

What is more special, the success of the seminar “Student Town Hall with Australia's Minister of Foreign Affairs” can be demonstrated as attracting a large number of UEH students' participation, listening together and sharing ideas about the urgent issues of society and the world listed as global climate change, energy transition and so on. Therefore, it is to affirm the role of future generations in the sustainable development of the world. In terms of one bigger picture of international relations, this event certainly contributes to embellishing the features of multilateral interaction, understanding and cooperation in this turbulent time.

Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs sharing with UEH students

UEH students talking directly to Minister Wong at the seminar

The Seminar - Live Dialogue titled “Student Town Hall with Australia's Minister of Foreign Affairs” at UEH took place successfully, continuing to contribute to the positive relationship between Vietnam and Australia that has been established during the past 50 years.

News, photos: UEH ISB, UEH Department of Marketing – Communication

Reporting Press:

1. Newspaper of Tuổi trẻ: Ngoại trưởng Úc giao lưu với sinh viên, gợi ý chuyển dịch kinh tế bối cảnh Net Zero

2. Newspaper of Thanh Niên: Ngoại trưởng Úc chia sẻ tầm nhìn tương lai với sinh viên Việt Nam