Vietnam and Australia advance education collaboration and innovation through Education for Innovation Showcase in Hanoi

On April 15 in Hanoi, the National Innovation Center (NIC) under the Ministry of Finance, in cooperation with the Queensland Trade, Investment and Tourism (TIQ) agency, organized the 'Education for Innovation Showcase' to explore deep cooperation in education and human resource development between Vietnam and Australia. The event drew about 80 delegates, including regulators, leading universities, research organizations, and enterprises from both sides, aiming to expand opportunities for collaboration in training and talent development. The program took place against the backdrop of Vietnam–Australia relations being upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024, marking a period of strong and dynamic development. Queensland is the first Australian state to establish a regional hub in Vietnam. In turn, Vietnam has become Queensland's largest export market in Southeast Asia and the state's sixth-largest trading partner globally. With the strength of being one of the world's leading international education centers, exporting education services valued at USD 6.89 billion in 2024, Queensland is actively leveraging TIQ to deepen connections with Vietnamese partners. Mr. Do Tien Thinh, Deputy Director of NIC, noted at the opening that strengthening cooperation with international partners, particularly Queensland’s education and research institutions, plays a crucial role. This collaboration is expected to raise the quality of training, foster innovation, and support Vietnam in its comprehensive digital transformation. The program focused on three priority areas: Agricultural technology, Medical technology, and Tourism, sectors key to economic growth and closely tied to future living standards and competitiveness. Queensland representatives highlighted the state's strength in linking education and research with business needs. As a leader in tropical and subtropical agriculture in Australia, Queensland will provide many opportunities for Vietnam to learn, connect, and develop, especially given agriculture’s role as an economic pillar and a driver of food security. Through the program, major Queensland educational institutions such as Australian Catholic University, Griffith University, James Cook University, and the University of Queensland expressed interest in expanding partner networks and offering diverse study and career development opportunities for Vietnamese students and workers. The event featured presentations and discussions on Queensland's education system and Vietnam's human resources development landscape, including a notable cross‑border collaboration session on 'Education, Innovation, and Industrial Impact,' where experts and managers shared experiences and proposed effective cooperation solutions. Business Matching activities were also held to provide a platform for education providers and businesses on both sides to pursue concrete cooperation opportunities. After the successful Hanoi session, the program will continue in Ho Chi Minh City on April 16 to broaden its reach. The event is expected to act as a catalyst for education cooperation and innovation between the two countries, contributing directly to the development of high‑quality human resources to meet the needs of the digital economy in the near term.