The launch began with the acknowledgement of the leadership legacy of Ms Saskia Loer Hansen, late Deputy Vice-Chancellor International and Engagement at RMIT, whose vision and commitment laid the foundation for the MOU between RMIT Vietnam and DXCenter.
Speaking at the meeting, Ms Trinh Vo, Director of DXCenter, emphasised the critical role of data management strategies in Ho Chi Minh City's digital transformation journey and expressed gratitude for the strong collaboration with RMIT and the Australian Government. She underscored the necessity of building a cohort of high-quality researchers and strategists to drive the city’s sustainable urban development.
Ms Sarah Hooper congratulated both institutions for turning strategic aspirations into action, noting the alignment with two pillars of the Australia–Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: knowledge and innovation, and digital transformation. She highlighted education as a cornerstone of the Australia–Vietnam relationship and praised RMIT’s ongoing contributions to bilateral collaboration.
Representing RMIT’s Smart and Sustainable Cities (SSC) Hub, Professor Jago Dodson and Professor Andrew Butt provided an overview of the PhD scholarship program:
- Three scholarships will be awarded in 2025, supporting candidates to commence their research in January 2026.
- The scholarships will cover full tuition for up to 3.5 years, a living stipend, and supervision by academic staff from both RMIT Vietnam and RMIT Australia.
- Each scholarship is worth about VND3.2 billion and the study program lasts from 3.5 to 4 years.
- Research projects will address priority topics aligned with Ho Chi Minh City's urban development strategies.
The SSC Hub leaders also explained institutional roles in coordinating the overall program, co-developing the research topics, and providing ongoing support. They further outlined the selection process, and the academic and professional qualifications expected of applicants to ensure that all candidates are equipped to succeed in their research and contribute meaningfully to the program's goals.
Ms Trinh Vo highlighted that the scholarship program is a meaningful step toward fulfilling DXCenter’s ambition to become a Centre of Excellence, positioning the city to address complex challenges as it grows into a global megacity.
The event concluded with reaffirmations from both sides of their commitment to fostering impactful research, strengthening the Australia–Vietnam education partnership, and supporting Ho Chi Minh City’s innovation-driven future.
In his closing remarks, Dean of The Business School at RMIT Vietnam Professor Robert McClelland noted, “This is not only about supporting individuals. It’s about building long-term capacity to shape the cities of tomorrow. We are proud to contribute to Vietnam’s transformation and to deepen our role as a trusted partner in the region.”
This launch marks a milestone in RMIT Vietnam’s 25-year journey in the country and Vietnam’s 50th anniversary of national reunification, symbolising a shared commitment to building smart and sustainable cities for the future.
Story: Trang Dinh
