RMIT and Katalon expand strategic partnership to build AI-ready workforce

RMIT Vietnam and Katalon have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance academic learning with real-world software development and software testing expertise, equipping students with an adaptive mindset, future-ready skills, and AI tools.

Pioneering AI-driven education: Bridging classroom and industry

Artificial intelligence is driving significant transformation across industries and emerging as a key engine for digital economic growth. According to a report by Vietnam’s National Innovation Center (NIC) released on 12 June, AI has the potential to contribute an additional US$120 to 130 billion to Vietnam’s GDP by 2040.

To capture this opportunity, building an AI-ready workforce has become a national priority. Through their partnership, RMIT Vietnam and Katalon are providing students with early exposure to AI technologies, while equipping them with hands-on experience, industry knowledge, and essential human skills such as communication, critical thinking, and creativity.

“AI is changing how the world works and how we prepare for it. At Katalon, we see it as our responsibility and privilege to support the next generation by sharing not just the right tools, but also the right mindset and opportunities. Through this partnership, students gain exposure to real-world projects, develop the skills to adapt and grow, and build the confidence needed to succeed in an ever-evolving digital landscape,” said Mr Tran Kien Uy, Co-founder and General Director of Katalon.

RMIT Vietnam and Katalon began their strategic partnership in 2022, starting with the School of Science, Engineering & Technology. What began as a focused collaboration has since grown into a meaningful journey of co-creation. Katalon experts worked hand-in-hand with RMIT academics to design curriculum modules, embedding Katalon’s advanced solutions directly into student learning. Industry partners like AWS were invited to contribute real-world projects and share practical insights, giving students early exposure to the realities of global tech work.

"Since the signing of our original aide memoire in 2022, Katalon has provided continuous support to our students’ learning and teaching activities through internships, capstone projects, guest lectures, and events. Today, as we renew and expand the scope of this MoU to encompass three Schools at RMIT Vietnam, we are not only reaffirming our shared commitment to education and innovation but also broadening the horizon for interdisciplinary collaboration and impact,” said Professor Julia Gaimster, Interim Pro Vice-Chancellor of RMIT Vietnam.

Under the new MoU, the collaboration now extends beyond the School of Science, Engineering & Technology to include The Business School and the School of Communication & Design, ensuring more students gain hands-on exposure to tools, thinking, and practical knowledge.

Driving Vietnam’s digital workforce in the “era of national rise”

In this “era of national rise”, Vietnam has set ambitious goals: top 3 in ASEAN and top 50 globally for digital transformation. With AI emerging as a core pillar of the country’s growth strategy, Party General Secretary To Lam has underscored the importance of prioritising the development of globally competitive technology enterprises and a highly skilled workforce to meet these ambitions.

The expanded partnership between RMIT Vietnam and Katalon aligns directly with this national agenda. The collaboration offers students early exposure to AI-powered software testing, hands-on industry experience, and practical skills tailored to the evolving demands of both domestic and global markets. However, the initiative does not stop there. Both RMIT and Katalon are actively expanding collaboration with universities and tech companies in Vietnam and worldwide, inviting more partners to join forces and scale up efforts to build Vietnam’s AI-ready workforce.