Chancellor Peggy O’Neal AO appointed Australian Business Champion for Vietnam

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Chancellor Peggy O’Neal AO appointed Australian Business Champion for Vietnam

RMIT University Chancellor Peggy O’Neal AO has been appointed by the Federal Government as the new Australian Business Champion for Vietnam.

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RMIT University Chancellor Peggy O’Neal AO

RMIT University Chancellor Peggy O’Neal AO has been appointed by the Federal Government as the new Australian Business Champion for Vietnam.

Ms O’Neal has a lifetime of community and business achievements. As Business Champion, she will work closely across government and the private sector to deepen trade and investment opportunities between the two nations and to support regional prosperity.

Ms O’Neal is honoured to take on the role.

“Since joining RMIT University as Chancellor in 2022, it has been a genuine privilege to spend time in-country getting to know the people of Vietnam and to see first-hand the potential of the Australia and Vietnam relationship. I look forward to continuing to build on the strong and productive relationship between our two countries, to the benefit of our regional prosperity,” she said.

The appointment builds on the strengths of RMIT University, which has a strong commitment to bilateral relations between Australia and Vietnam, including as the first and only foreign university established in Vietnam, and through its support of the Australia Vietnam Policy Institute.

RMIT Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Alec Cameron reflected on the role of RMIT in Vietnam and is excited about the appointment.

“RMIT has been deeply committed to Vietnam for more than 25 years, through teaching, research and active community engagement. This has contributed meaningfully to the bilateral relationship between our countries and Chancellor Peggy O’Neal AO is an outstanding advocate. Speaking on behalf of RMIT’s community in both countries, we are delighted to see her entrusted with this important and appropriate role to which she will bring great acumen and expertise,” he said.

Vietnam is one of Australia’s fastest‑growing economic partners and a key destination for Australian businesses seeking opportunities across sectors including education and skills, agriculture and food, infrastructure, green energy transition and resources.

Australia’s Ambassador to Vietnam Her Excellency Ms Gillian Bird PSM welcomed the appointment.

“Vietnam is a priority partner for Australia, and strong business‑to‑business links are central to deepening our economic relationship. Ms O’Neal brings extensive business experience and strong connections in Vietnam, and I look forward to working with her to support Australian investors and promote high‑quality, sustainable investment,” Ambassador Bird said.

Ms O’Neal succeeds Aurecon CEO Louise Adams in the role. Ms Adams was awarded an RMIT honorary doctorate in 2025, in recognition of her contribution to strengthening ties between Australia and Vietnam.

Campus and community

Media Release

08 May 2026

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