Australian Governor-General visits RMIT Vietnam and celebrates Australia and Vietnam education ties

Australian Governor-General visits RMIT Vietnam and celebrates Australia and Vietnam education ties

On 5 April 2023, Australian Governor-General His Excellency David Hurley visited RMIT Vietnam as part of his state visit to Vietnam at the invitation of President Vo Van Thuong.

2023 marks the 50th founding anniversary of Vietnam-Australia diplomatic ties, a significant milestone in this strong and growing relationship. 

On the occasion of the visit to Vietnam by the Governor-General of Australia His Excellency David Hurley, RMIT Vietnam, in partnership with the Australian Government, hosted an event to showcase the diversity and strength of the people to people links in the relationship.  

80 esteemed RMIT alumni who are senior leaders in diverse industries, alumni of other Australian universities, as well as students from Ho Chi Minh City-based Australian programs (Western Sydney University and Swinburne University) attended a BBQ lunch in true Australian style at RMIT Vietnam.

The event demonstrated the breadth of the education links between the two countries in the context of the 50th anniversary celebration. 

Alt Text is not present for this image, Taking dc:title 'australian-governor-general-david-hurley-delivered-his-welcoming-remarks-at-rmit-vietnam.jpg' Australian Governor-General David Hurley delivered his welcoming remarks at the event at RMIT Vietnam on 5 April 2023.

In his welcoming remarks Australian Governor-General David Hurley highlighted the special meaning of the education exchange: “Vietnam is an important education partner for Australia and our countries share strong education and people-to-people links.

“This event provided the opportunity to showcase the diversity of education offerings at Australian universities and Australian alumni success in industry in Vietnam”.

Australian Governor-General David Hurley added: “RMT's presence in Vietnam is so important to be the first international university of the country. In addition, a total of RMIT Vietnam’s 32,000 students, both current and alumni, have been building relationships between Australia and Vietnam.”

Alt Text is not present for this image, Taking dc:title 'general-director-of-rmit-vietnam-professor-claire-macken-australian-governor-general-david-hurle' Pictured third to sixth from the left: Pro-Vice Chancellor & General Director of RMIT Vietnam Professor Claire Macken, Australian Governor-General His Excellency David Hurley, Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, and Australia's Ambassador to Vietnam Mr Andrew Goledzinowski

Pro-Vice Chancellor & General Director of RMIT Vietnam Professor Claire Macken shared about The Governor-General of Australia David Hurley’s significant visit: “In a year that marks 50 years of diplomatic relations between Australia and Vietnam, we are so proud to have contributed to the enduring education partnership between two countries. It is a huge privilege because our contribution to education is an impact for the future.

“As educators, our role is to serve the communities in which we operate. And it is such a privilege to be here in Vietnam, a country with a positive and optimistic attitude as to the role education plays to change and improve self, position, society, and the economy.”

Professor Claire Macken said: “By working together as Team Australia, education providers in Vietnam can share Australian best practice and thought leadership to enhance the reputation of Australian higher education in the region.”

Story: Dung Pham

05 April 2023

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