Investing in Vietnam’s future, together

Investing in Vietnam’s future, together

RMIT’s 25-year journey in Vietnam reached a new milestone during the recent visit of Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of Australia, where we announced an AU$25 million investment into research and innovation.

This investment of over VND430 billion will reinforce our shared commitment to future-focused education and deepening Australia–Vietnam ties. It will also significantly expand our PhD program, offering new scholarships that enable local candidates to earn globally recognised degrees while remaining embedded in their communities. It’s a model that strengthens Vietnam’s research capacity and fosters collaboration with Australian experts, building a vibrant ecosystem of shared knowledge.

Alt Text is not present for this image, Taking dc:title 'op-ed-with-pvc-after-gg-visits-1' (L-R) Pro Vice-Chancellor of RMIT University in Vietnam Professor Scott Thompson-Whiteside, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of Australia and Chancellor of RMIT University Peggy O’Neal AO

As RMIT Vietnam’s newly appointed Pro Vice-Chancellor and General Director, I see this investment as a reflection of our deep commitment to Vietnam’s development goals. It supports Resolution 57, which aims to increase the number of science, technology, and innovation researchers to 12 per 10,000 people by 2030. More importantly, it empowers Vietnamese researchers to contribute meaningfully to national priorities, from digital transformation and green growth to inclusive workforce development.

This announcement also coincides with a significant milestone: 25 years of RMIT in Vietnam. Since our establishment in 2000, we’ve grown into a leading international university with over 12,000 students, 1,300 staff, and over 25,000 alumni. These numbers reflect scale, but the true impact lies in the lives transformed, industries supported, and communities uplifted through education.

Listening, learning and leading with purpose

My first few months at RMIT Vietnam have been defined by listening -- to students, staff, government partners, and industry leaders. What I’ve heard is clear: Vietnam is at a pivotal moment in its development. Rapid urbanisation, technological disruption, demographic shifts, and the global climate crisis are converging, raising urgent questions about how we live, learn, govern, and grow.

In this context, education must do more than preparing students for jobs. It must prepare them to shape the future. That’s why our approach at RMIT Vietnam is grounded in innovation, inclusivity and community engagement. We are here to serve the community, our students, and the industry. That is the message I’ve taken to the Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committees. We are here to partner with the government to expand human capital capabilities and grow Vietnam’s social and economic prospects.

Alt Text is not present for this image, Taking dc:title 'op-ed-with-pvc-after-gg-visits-2' RMIT has recently announced a $25 million investment in research and innovation, strengthening Australia-Vietnam ties and empowering local scholars to earn world-class PhDs while staying rooted in their communities.

Vietnam’s youthful, energetic population and upward economic trajectory create the right conditions to rethink how we educate for the future. Already, the country has made significant strides in internationalising its higher education system, with over 400 joint training programs and a growing number of international students. Transnational education (TNE) is no longer just a feature of Vietnam’s tertiary landscape, it’s a strategic asset.

RMIT Vietnam is a clear example of this transformation. We deliver Australian-accredited degrees while responding to local industry needs and cultural context. Our research collaborations are increasingly focused on areas that matter most to Vietnam’s future: sustainability, digital innovation, health, and social equity. And our graduates are not just job-ready -- they’re future-ready.

Looking ahead, we envision even greater integration of transnational education into Vietnam’s development strategy. That includes expanding access, modernising regulations, and promoting sustainable practices like circular economy training and green industry collaboration. Education already accounts for nearly four percent of Vietnam’s GDP, and its strategic value will only grow.

A shared journey of impact

RMIT’s journey in Vietnam began with a simple but powerful idea: that education can uplift communities and foster positive change. That idea has guided us for 25 years, and it continues to inspire us today. From our first cohort of students in 2001 to our current community of learners, educators, and alumni, we’ve built a legacy of hope, opportunity, and impact.

As we celebrate this milestone, we also look to the future with optimism, ambition, and a deep sense of responsibility. The AU$25 million investment is not just a financial commitment: it’s a statement of intent. It signals our belief in Vietnam’s potential, our trust in its people, and our readiness to walk alongside them in building a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable future.

Alt Text is not present for this image, Taking dc:title 'op-ed-with-pvc-after-gg-visits-3' The next chapter of RMIT Vietnam is defined by deeper collaboration, greater inclusion, and a relentless focus on impact.

Education and research are integral to Australia’s Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam. As the Chancellor of RMIT University Ms Peggy O’Neal AO said, “RMIT has proudly represented Australia in Vietnam for 25 years, and we’ve made a real impact, with over 25,000 local graduates ready to contribute to the prosperity of their country”.

I couldn’t agree more. The next chapter of RMIT Vietnam will be defined by deeper collaboration, greater inclusion, and a relentless focus on impact. Together with our students, staff, alumni, partners, and communities, we will continue to shape futures, transform lives, and contribute to Vietnam’s journey of growth and global engagement.

Story: Professor Scott Thompson-Whiteside, Pro Vice-Chancellor and General Director, RMIT University Vietnam

18 September 2025

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