VU forges deeper connections with Vietnam

Victoria University (VU) has strengthened its connections to Asia in a strategic partnership agreement with one of Vietnam’s first private universities.

The partnership aims to build the research capacity of Van Lang University (VLU) in postgraduate training and joint research programs.

Areas for research collaboration identified

On Friday 16 March, VU Deputy Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Hawkins and VLU Vice-Chairman Nguyen Cao Tri signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to:

• provide research training at VU for up to 55 Van Lang postgraduate students over the next three years
• collaborate on research programs in environmental technology, food science and agricultural technology, liveable and smart liveable city development, and tourism
• identify and explore further activities of mutual interest.

Pro Vice-Chancellor of Research and Research Training Professor Warren Payne said VU was delighted to partner with Van Lang University to undertake world-standard, high-impact research.

“VU welcomes this opportunity to strengthen our engagement with Asia and reinforce our position as the University of Opportunity and Success.”

The VU-VLU agreement was signed in Sydney as part of the Australia-Vietnam Business Forum, marking the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and Vietnam.

The official signing ceremony was witnessed by the Prime Minister of Vietnam, Mr. Nguyen Xuan Phuc. Also present were Australian and Vietnamese companies from areas including energy, aviation, health, education, construction and infrastructure development.

VU activities in Vietnam

Victoria University signed another research agreement late last year with one of Vietnam’s largest paper mills, the An Binh Vietnam Paper Corporation.  The agreement aims to develop innovative, sustainable and cost-effective recycled-paper manufacturing. This is the first co-operative research centre between an Australian university and a Vietnamese industry partner.

VU also has a long-standing association with Hanoi University to deliver its Master of TESOL, and a student exchange program.