RMIT hosts Vietnam Wellbeing & Safeguarding Summit 2025

The Vietnam Wellbeing & Safeguarding Summit 2025 took place at RMIT University Vietnam, beginning at the Saigon South campus on 2–3 October and continuing at the Hanoi campus on 10 October. The Summit was co-hosted by RMIT Vietnam, AmCham Vietnam, Imago Work, the Saigon International Schools Network, and Learning Strategies, with support from partner schools and organisations.

The Summit was held under the theme “Advancing professional practice across sectors in Vietnam.” It built on earlier editions to strengthen dialogue and action on wellbeing and safeguarding nationwide.

The event convened more than 500 delegates from across Vietnam and abroad, including educators, social workers, healthcare providers, NGOs and INGOs, international and bilingual schools, as well as representatives from embassies, consulates and industry partners. 

Since 2023, it has become one of the country’s most comprehensive forums to promote practices that support wellbeing and safeguarding in Vietnam, and to foster stronger collaboration across key sectors and institutions. 

“Having dedicated professionals, advocates and stakeholders gathered here is both humbling and inspiring. This Summit is not just a conference - it is a chance to reflect, learn and embrace new strategies that will help us build stronger cultures of wellbeing and safeguarding across Vietnam. Hosting this Summit also reflects RMIT’s commitment to connecting global expertise with Vietnam’s local needs and supporting stronger, more inclusive communities,” said Ms Jodie Altan, Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor, Engagement at RMIT Vietnam. 

Across three days in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, the program featured five keynotes, 40 sessions and over 50 speakers from Vietnam and abroad. Together they explored some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the country and the wider region. The agenda centred on two tracks: Mental Health and Resilience and Safeguarding Practice, spanning topics from online safety to trauma care and institutional policies. Sessions were offered at both foundational and intermediate levels, ensuring accessibility for newcomers while providing deeper, case-based learning for experienced practitioners.

Mr Michael Tower, Associate Director of Wellbeing and Counselling at RMIT Vietnam, emphasised the importance of ensuring that professionals working in Vietnam have the support to learn and grow their practice, particularly in wellbeing and safeguarding work.

“Professionals across Vietnam are working with vulnerable individuals in a variety of education and community settings. The Summit represents an opportunity for Vietnamese and expat professionals to exchange practical solutions and build capacity, so that we can best support the communities we serve,” he said.

Dr Catriona Moran, Head of School at Saigon South International School, added: “The Summit showed what is possible when schools, NGOs and community partners come together with a shared purpose – we can turn dialogue into action and create safer, healthier environments for students and families.”

Another defining feature of the event was the spirit of connection. Delegates engaged in extensive networking, exchanging insights and developing ideas for collaboration across sectors. The NGO Fair in both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi provided a unique platform for organisations to showcase initiatives and explore opportunities for partnerships, particularly in safeguarding, wellbeing and community empowerment. 

As the Vietnam Wellbeing & Safeguarding Summit 2025 concluded, its message was clear: these priorities are essential pillars of a strong and humane society. The connections and commitments forged during the Summit are expected to shape new initiatives, strengthen professional practice, and deepen collaboration that will support the wellbeing of young people, families and communities across Vietnam.

Story: Quan Dinh H.