With the theme “People and Society”, Alumni Forum 2 attracted more than 200 attendees including alumni and their colleagues, friends, and students from all over the country.
Alumni speakers and staff of the Australian Embassy in Vietnam.
The forum is one of a series of three events introducing alumni’s professional achievements and social activities to the community. At the forum, 18 alumni directly shared their stories and 8 alumni submitted topics for presentation via video.
“ Just one person can inspire so many others. Meeting and listening to alumni has inspired me to push myself further in the future and apply new knowledge in my own projects ,” shared Mr. Van Dinh Trang - University of Sydney alumni and forum coordinator.
According to speaker - alumni Bui Thi Huong Giang, “ Joining the alumni community is not only to share learning experiences, but also gives me the opportunity to participate in many opportunities, listen to fellow students who are creating real change in Vietnam, and be inspired for the future .”
Mr. Nguyen Trong Dan, a former student of Flinders University, shares his journey “From a teacher of a disabled child to a supporter for thousands of children with developmental disorders”.
Ms. Dao Thu Huong, a graduate of Victoria University and Disability Inclusion Officer at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Vietnam, discussed “Minority rights are the interests of the majority”.
Ms. Jenifer Bahen, Counselor for Education and Research at the Australian Embassy in Vietnam, emphasized that each alumni is an important member of the community of more than 80,000 Australian alumni in Vietnam, including many experts and leaders in all fields.
Ms. Jenifer Bahen, Education and Research Counselor of the Australian Embassy in Vietnam spoke at the event.
Ms. Bahen affirmed, “ Alumni are making great contributions to the development of Vietnam and promoting bilateral relations between our two countries .”
Through Aus4Skills, Australia is supporting alumni’s long-term professional development, including skills and networking. This is part of Australia’s support for Vietnam’s inclusive socio-economic development, contributing to enhanced cooperation between the two countries.
Presentations at the forum highlighted the achievements and benefits alumni have gained from experiencing Australia's world-class education.
Alumni have the opportunity to apply for funding from the Australian Alumni Grants Fund (AAGF) annually with funding of up to VND325 million for each project contributing to the development of Vietnam.
At Forum 2, many alumni who received funding from the AAGF shared the results of their projects in many fields such as tourism and culture, public health, and telehealth.
Dr. Nguyen Thi Thuy, a former student of the University of Melbourne, introduced the AAGF-funded project “Utilizing traditional crafts for self-sufficiency and disaster preparedness: a case study of Sung hamlet”.
In addition, regular activities by 6 Professional Groups have helped alumni stay connected in their fields and develop new skills.
In addition to the newly initiated alumni forum series, activities to honor alumni’s contributions to Vietnam’s development also include an annual reunion event and a biennial alumni award ceremony, attended by senior Australian officials.
This year’s Australian Alumni Awards were presented to six outstanding alumni. The next nominations will be held in 2025.
Alumni Reunions are important events hosted by the Australian Ambassador or Consul General in Vietnam, where alumni meet old friends, expand connections, and promote collaboration.
Alumni activities are part of the main components of the Aus4Skills Program as well as activities to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations between Australia and Vietnam.
Alumni Forum 3 will take place in Hanoi in September.
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