With extended and proven leadership experience in higher education across Australia, Asia, and the UK, Professor Thompson-Whiteside brings a strong track record in academic governance, student experience, and research excellence. His previous roles include Executive Dean at Torrens University, Australia, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Dean and Associate Dean (International) at Swinburne University of Technology, Australia and Vice President (Academic) at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, Malaysia.
In each of these roles Professor Thompson-Whiteside led with a growth mindset, increasing student enrolments, improving retention and student experiences alongside improved research performance, enhancing the reputation and rankings of each institution.
He demonstrates a high level of strategic leadership balanced with a strong commitment to sound governance and operational management. He has led faculties and schools with innovative approaches to teaching delivery using online and blended pedagogies, a strong focus on experiential learning and authentic assessment with industry.
He holds a PhD in Higher Education from the University of Melbourne, where his research focused on academic standards and quality in the context of internationalisation and massification of higher education. His distinguished career in academia and higher education management positions him well to lead RMIT University in Vietnam into its next phase of growth.
“It’s an honour to be appointed as Pro Vice-Chancellor and General Director of RMIT Vietnam,” Professor Thompson-Whiteside shared. “I look forward to working with the talented team here to continue delivering high-quality education and research that makes a real impact in Vietnam and beyond.”
A vision for growth and community impact
Professor Thompson-Whiteside’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for RMIT Vietnam as the University celebrates 25 years of delivering international education in Vietnam and prepares some exciting plans for the future.
In his first campus visit as Pro Vice-Chancellor, he emphasised the importance of listening to staff and students, understanding the local context, and shaping a future-ready university that embraces innovation, inclusivity, and community engagement.
“We are here to serve the community, our students, and the industry,” Professor Thompson-Whiteside said. “That is the message I’ve taken to the Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committees. We are here to partner with government to expand human capital capabilities and grow Vietnam’s social and economic prospects.”
Since its establishment in 2000, RMIT Vietnam has grown into a leading international university, committed to contributing to Vietnam’s development through education, research, and industry collaboration. Twenty-five years later, the University stands strong with over 12,000 students, 1,300 dedicated staff, and nearly 25,500 alumni, and continues to make a profound and lasting impact on Vietnam's educational landscape, empowering students, supporting industry, and shaping the future of learning.
Story: Ha Hoang
