RMIT Sustainability Week 2024

Get ready for RMIT Sustainability Week 2024, starting in:

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Overview

Ranked 5th globally for sustainability impact by Times Higher Education, RMIT proudly brings its Sustainability Week to Saigon South Campus this November, following its successful launch in Melbourne.

With the theme “Resilience and Regeneration: Creating a Sustainable Tomorrow”, we will unite students, staff, and alumni of the RMIT Community to celebrate innovation, collaboration, and actions toward a greener future together.

Join us for an exciting series of showcases, workshops, and engagement activities designed to inspire.

Be the heart of RMIT 7Rs Activator.

RMIT going beyond with Rethink, Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, and Recycle

If you’ve ever wondered…

How is sustainability rooted in RMIT culture?

Explore hands-on experience with our 7Rs Activator Culture, gaining tangible insights and practice on our campus that inspire sustainable actions in both academic life and daily living.

What is sustainability practice across industries?

Put on our "interdisciplinary lens" crafted by 20+ renowned industry experts, and broaden your horizons on sustainability with innovative solutions and real-world applications.

How can I connect with a like-minded community?

Come along for our vibrant Community of Practice, where you can build meaningful connections, open new doors to opportunities, and collaborate on our sustainability commitment and initiatives.

RMIT Sustainability Week 2024 - Teaser video

RMIT Sustainability Week 2024 is a fascinating series of panel discussions, showcases, workshops, and engagement activities inspire sustainability enthusiasts from 4 to 8 November in SGS campus. With the theme ‘Resilience and Regeneration: Creating a Sustainable Tomorrow’, we will unite students, staff, and alumni of the RMIT community to celebrate innovation, collaboration, and actions toward a greener future together.

Our Commitment to SDGs

sdg-2
the phrase 3 good health and wellbeing in white on a green background
the phrase 4 quality education in white on a red background
the phrase 6 clean water and sanitation in white on a blue background
the phrase 7 affordable and clean energy in white on a yellow background
the phrase 8 decent work and economic growth in white on a burgundy background
the phrase 9 industry, innovation and infrastructure in white on an orange background
the phrase 11 sustainable cities and communities in white on an orange background
the phrase 12 responsible consumption and production in white on a brown background
the phrase 13 climate action in white on a green background
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sdg-14

RMIT Sustainability Week agenda (4-8 November)

Empowering green workforce

DAY 1 is all about exploring the future of sustainability and green careers, and discovering how you can contribute to creating a sustainable tomorrow!

Opening keynote & Panel discussion: Empowering green workforce

Discover what employers are looking for in green jobs and how sustainability is shaping future careers. You’ll gain valuable insights into skills needed to thrive in this rapidly growing sector.

9am-9:30am Guest welcome and check-in
9:30am-10am

RMIT Sustainability Week 2024 Commencement

Speaker

  • Professor Julia Gaimster - Interim Pro Vice-Chancellor at RMIT Vietnam  
  • Mr Matthew McCall-Peat - Associate Director of Capital Works at RMIT Vietnam 

10am-10:20am

Is sustainability a hiring demand? Seek exciting opportunities in the regional and local green job market with practical insights from an HR expert.

Keynote Speaker: 

  • Ms. Cao Le Thanh Loan - Operations Manager of Staffing & Outsourcing, Convenience South and HR Consulting Services at ManpowerGroup Vietnam 

10:20am-11am

Exploring the expectations of leaders from sustainability-driven businesses for the next generation of the green workforce.

Moderator: Mr. Pham Huu Hoang - Manager, Alumni Relations at RMIT University Vietnam 

Panellists:  

  • Mr Keith Donald Schulz Jr. – Chief Sustainability Officer at Motul Asia Pacific 
  • Ms Nguyen Thao My - Brand Strategist at Rice Studios  
  • Mr Christopher Jordan - Head of Coffee and Manufacturing at Highlands Coffee 

11am-11:15am

Tea break

11:15am-12pm

What are the key responsibilities of green-collar professionals? Discover green career pathways through insights from sustainability practitioners on ESG jobs and their impacts, along with essential skills.

Moderator: Ms. Vo Ngoc Tuyen - Founder and CEO of Dear Our Community  

Panellists:  

  • Ms Nguyen Thi Xuan Thuy - Mekong Area Environment, Sustainability and Quality Manager at A.P. Moller - Maersk  
  • Mr Dao Nguyen Khanh - Head of Sustainability and Communications at Siam City Cement Vietnam  
  • Ms Huynh Ngoc Hanh - Project Manager at Water Stewardship Vietnam 

Pitching contest: Sustainability Impact Challenge

The Sustainability Impact Challenge is the final showdown where four finalist teams present their innovative solutions to a panel of experienced sustainability judges.

RMIT Vietnam 
  • Ms Trinh Thi Anh Phuong - Manager of Sustainability Department 
  • Mr Matthew McCall-Peat - Associate Director of Capital Works 
  • Mr Eric Asato - Manager of Career Development and Employment  
  • Dr Majo George - Senior Lecturer of The Business School 
  • Ms Anh Ho - Manager, WIL & Industry Relations
A.P. Moller - Maersk
  • Ms Nguyen Thi Xuan Thuy - Mekong Area Environment, Sustainability and Quality Manager 
  • Mr Tong Duy Hieu - Area Head of Direct Transport Sales (Vietnam & Thailand)  
  • Ms Do Thi Huong Nhai - Mekong Area Employee Relations Partner  
  • Mr Huynh Hoang Duy - Environment and Sustainability Manager 
  • Ms Tran Mai Anh - Environment and Sustainability Specialist 
Highlands Coffee
  • Mr Christopher Jordan - Head of Coffee and Manufacturing 
  • Ms Dinh Thi Huynh Khanh - Procurement Senior Specialist  
  • Ms Nguyen Thi Thom - Coffee Product Manager  
  • Ms Bui Thi Huyen Tam - Finance and Accounting Manager  

2pm-2:15pm

Finale’s kick-off commencement
2:15pm-4:15pm Pitching session
4:15pm-5pm Winner deliberation and announcement

Making conscious choice

DAY 2 is an inspiring day of learning and interaction, equipping you with the knowledge to make responsible consumption choices for a sustainable future.

Panel discussion: Making conscious choice

Learn how sustainability influences Vietnamese consumer behaviour and explore key trends, barriers, and how brands are impacting eco-friendly shopping. Be part of the conversation on responsible consumption.

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10am-10:30am

Explore the key trends, motivations, and barriers shaping sustainable consumption behaviour in Vietnam, providing insights into how sustainability influences purchasing decisions and creates market opportunities for eco-friendly products. 


Keynote Speaker:  

  • Mr Le Hoang Long - Senior Manager of Retailer Consulting at NielsenIQ Vietnam 

10:30am-10:50am

Imagine yourself as a consumer and discover how communication and branding tactics often exploit consumption insights to encourage consumerism, often at the expense of the environment.

 

Keynote Speaker:  

  • Mr Pham Cong Danh - Co-Founder and Creative Director of Project Pluto 

10:50am-11:05am

Tea break

11:05am-11:35am

What aspects justify a product's sustainability? Hear from an expert in the footwear industry on the industry benchmarks and certifications driving environmental and social responsibility.

 

Keynote Speaker:

  • Ms Nguyen Ngoc Bao Tram - Materials Sustainability Manager at Wolverine Worldwide 

11:30am-12pm

Discuss how RMIT’s purchasing criteria align with broader sustainability objectives and how they have been applied on campus with impacts. 

Keynote Speaker:

  • Dr Nguyen Manh Hung - Senior Program Manager of Logistics and Supply Chain at RMIT Vietnam 
  • Dr Charles Lau - Associate Professor of Logistics and Supply Chain at RMIT Australia  
  • Dr Irfan Ulhaq - Lecturer of Logistics and Supply Chain at RMIT Vietnam   

Workshop: Herbal body soap DIY​

New to 100% organic soap making? Explore the science behind natural skincare and create your own unique herbal body-soap at RMIT.

1:30pm-2pm Guest welcome and check-In
2pm-2:10pm Workshop introduction
2:10pm-2:25pm Skin-talk
2:25pm-2:45pm Q&A
2:45pm-3pm Break time
3pm-3:50pm Soap handcrafting
3:50pm-4pm Wrap-up and photo-taking

Adopting circular economy

DAY 3 revolves around the fundamentals of circular economy from macro to micro point of view, including national strategies, organisational implementation, and individual actions to support environmental, community, and economic resilience.

Panel discussion: Adopting circular economy

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10am-10:40am

A shared responsibility for all. Explore the opportunities and challenges in implementing circular economy policies, along with the roles of businesses, civil society, academia, and the public in driving sustainable change.

 

Keynote Speaker:  

  • Associate Professor Nguyen Quang Trung - Head of the Department of Management and Co-Lead of Smart and Sustainable Cities Hub at RMIT Vietnam 
  • Associate Professor Nguyen Hong Quan - Director of The Institute for Circular Economy Development at Vietnam National University 

10:40am-11am

Learn from a leading steel manufacturer on how circular economy practices can enhance business through economic efficiency and positive impacts.

 

Keynote Speaker:  

  • Mr Truong Anh Hai – Vice President of Occupational Health, Safety, Environment and Community at NS BlueScope Vietnam 

11am-11:15am

Tea break

11:15am-12pm

Access experts' insights into Vietnam’s circular economy framework: The role of digital technology, infrastructure, and finance; stakeholder collaboration; potential policy enhancements; and ongoing efforts to integrate circular economy principles.

Moderator: Mr. Nguyen Huu Hoang - Sustainability Manager at Heineken Vietnam 

Panellists:  

  • Associate Professor Nguyen Quang Trung - Head of the Department of Management and Co-Lead of Smart & Sustainable Cities Hub at RMIT Vietnam 
  • Associate Professor Nguyen Hong Quan - Director of The Institute for Circular Economy Development at Vietnam National University 
  • Mr Truong Anh Hai – Vice President of Occupational Health, Safety, Environment and Community at NS BlueScope Vietnam 
  • Ms Mai Ha Thanh Uyen - Senior Business Sustainability Manager of Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand Region at Dow Chemical Vietnam 

Hear from experts about national policies, community involvement, and how you can contribute to building a sustainable circular economy.

Workshop: The Climate Fresk

A scientific & collaborative workshop that helps people understand in-depth the physics and consequences of climate change. Play your part in this interactive workshop to expand your knowledge and accelerate your sustainability journey!

1:30pm-2pm Guest welcome and check-in
2pm-2:10pm Ice-breaking
2:10pm-3:40pm Building the climate fresk
3:40pm-3:50pm Break time
3:50pm-5:10pm Creativity & solutions debrief
5:10pm-5:20pm Wrap-up and Photo-taking

Plant well, Eat well

DAY 4 discovers a sustainable food journey from farm to table and exposes the truth behind food trends.

Panel discussion: Plant well, Eat well

Join this session to explore sustainable eating habits and how they shape a greener future for you and the planet.

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10am-10:20am

Why do you eat the way you do? Explore the influences behind our food choices with insights from RMIT Food Tech and Nutrition experts, delving into the evolution of food consumption patterns and future developments in the food industry.

 

Keynote Speaker:  

  • Dr Jessica Danaher - Associate Dean of Student Experience (Science) at RMIT Australia 
  • Dr Truong Thuc Tuyen - Program Manager of Food Technology and Nutrition at RMIT Vietnam  

10:20am-10:40am

How does cacao – a highly demanding crop - drive sustainable impact? Join Puratos Grand-Place Vietnam to discover how challenges transform into solutions that prioritise ethical sourcing, eco-friendly production, and support for farming communities, all while minimising environmental impact.

 

Keynote Speaker:  

  • Keynote Speaker: Mr Gricha Safarian – Founder and Managing Director of Puratos Grand-Place Vietnam  

10:40am-11am

Tackling food loss, food waste, and hunger—here is what you need to know about their causes, impacts, and practical solutions to help vulnerable communities.

 

Keynote Speaker:  

  • Mr Huynh Quoc Tinh - Food Practice Lead at WWF-Viet Nam

11am-11.10am

Tea break

11.10am-12pm

Discover how experts in the food and beverage industry are promoting sustainable food production by tackling food waste, supporting local communities, influencing consumer behaviour, fostering collaboration in the supply chain, and preparing for future trends in plant-based diets.

 

Moderator: Dr. Truong Thuc Tuyen - Program Manager of Food Technology and Nutrition at RMIT Vietnam 

 

Panellists: 

  • Dr Jessica Danaher - Associate Dean of Student Experience (Science) at RMIT Australia 
  • Mr Gricha Safarian - Founder and Managing Director of Puratos Grand-Place Vietnam  
  • Mr Huynh Quoc Tinh - Food Practice Lead at WWF-Viet Nam

 

Workshop: Green cooking class

Gain hands-on experience in sustainable cooking with professional chef and RMIT nutrition lecturer.  

**Workshop takes place in off-campus location, transportation to be provided by organizer

Keynote Speaker: Ms Tran Thi Ngoc Chau - Doctoral Research Fellow of Nutrition and Health at RMIT Vietnam 

Chef: Mr Cao Nguyen Tan Loc - Director of FJW   

2pm-2:30pm Buy smart, store well, waste less
2:30pm-3:30pm Green dining, self-tailoring
3:30pm-4:15pm Sip, savour, and soothe
4:15pm-4:30pm Wrap-up and photo-taking

Creating a sustainable tomorrow

FINAL DAY signals our grand event wrap-up to relive the memories we have created together, celebrate our impacts, and explore the key takeaways from the event—you have been a big part of this journey!

10am-10:15am

Our event’s impacts in retrospect
10:15am-10:25am Closing message from RMIT Vietnam's Interim Pro Vice-Chancellor
10:25am-10:30am Sustainable Excellence Impact Awards
10:30am-10:50am Game “How many planets do we need if everybody lives like you?”
10:50am-11.am Final closing remarks and takeaways

Keynote speakers: 

  • Professor Julia Gaimster - Interim Pro Vice-Chancellor at RMIT Vietnam
  • Ms Le Nguyen Minh Anh - Member of RMIT Sustainability Ambassadors

Open-access: Showcases and engagement booths

Interactive and informative booths will be opened for all RMIT students and staff at the shared area in AB2, including:

Industry partners

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Special thanks to:

  • RMIT Careers, Alumni & Industry Relations​
  • RMIT Mass Media Club​
  • RMIT School of Communication & Design​
  • RMIT School of Science, Engineering & Technology​
  • RMIT Student Life​
  • RMIT The Business School​
  • RMIT University Communications​

Frequently asked questions

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Inspired by RMIT Melbourne’s flagship Sustainability Week, SGS campus launches its inaugural Sustainability Week. This five-day event features panel discussions, workshops, and showcases, engaging over 20 experts in the field. The aim is to foster a sustainable campus culture and promote environmental awareness among students and staff.

No, RMIT Vietnam Sustainability is a department within the university, not a club.

Yes, external visitors, including alumni, are welcome to join panel discussions and open-access showcases. However, you will need to register to access our campus. 

Below are engagement activities exclusively for RMIT students and staff: 

  • Day 1: Pitching Contest – RMIT Sustainability Impact Challenge 
  • Day 2: Workshop - Herbal Body-Soap DIY 
  • Day 3: Workshop - The Climate Fresk  
  • Day 4: Workshop - Green Cooking Class  

All panel discussions and workshops are reserved for registration except for the following: 

  • Day 1: Pitching Contest – RMIT Sustainability Impact Challenge 
  • Day 5: Closing Ceremony
  • Open-Access Showcases and Engagement Booths hs

    • IDs/ passport 
    • RMIT IDs (if you are current students & staff) 
    • Ticket confirmation 
    • Eco-friendly and reusable items are highly recommended (i.e. tumbler). This aligns with RMIT's commitment to sustainability and helps us reduce single-use waste during the event. 

    RMIT Sustainability Week is open to anyone interested in sustainability and willing to broaden their knowledge with activities and information from various industry sectors. 

    For further information, please visit: 

    Catch up on the latest sustainability news

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