Connecting Vietnam–Australia Cooperation Achievements
General Secretary and President To Lam attended and delivered a speech at the event, which brought together government leaders, representatives from ministries and sectors, and over 500 delegates—including scientists, business leaders, university and research institute representatives, and policymakers—from both Vietnam and Australia.
General Secretary and President To Lam delivering a speech at the Forum
(Photo provided by the Organizing Committee)
In his address at the forum, General Secretary and President To Lam shared his vision for a stronger, deeper, and more strategic partnership between Vietnam and Australia in the fields of science, technology, innovation, and human resource development. The two nations need to shift from mere cooperation to co-creation, from technology transfer to joint research and development, and from connecting individual entities to linking their respective innovation ecosystems. The goal is to build a regional-scale innovation ecosystem where businesses, universities, research institutes, and investment funds connect, co-create, and grow together.
General Secretary and President To Lam proposed that the two countries formulate and implement a long-term strategy for connectivity in science, technology, and innovation, establishing this as a new pillar of the Vietnam-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
At the high-level plenary session hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delegates heard keynote addresses from Vietnam’s Minister of Science and Technology, Vu
Hai Quan, and Australia’s Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Investment, Matt Thistlethwaite.
Minister of Science and Technology Vu Hai Quan delivering the keynote address (Photo provided by the Organizing Committee)
Sir Matt Thistlethwaite – Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Investment of Australia – delivering the keynote
(Photo provided by the Organizing Committee)
Within the framework of the forum, leaders from Vietnam and Australia toured an exhibition showcasing the achievements of bilateral cooperation in economic development, science and technology, innovation, and education and training. This space highlighted collaborative outcomes while facilitating stronger connections among universities, research institutes, businesses, and organizations from both countries. Enterprises from both nations exchanged cooperation documents and announced new initiatives.
General Secretary and President To Lam posed for a photo with representatives from the Ministries and agencies of both countries at the event.
Promoting cooperation in research, higher education, and human resource development.
Following the high-level plenary session, the Tech-Connect 2026 Forum continued with a thematic session titled "Connecting Science – Technology, Investment, Innovation, and Education & Training," co-hosted by the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Education and Training, as well as a "Business – Institute – University" connection session hosted by Becamex.
The delegation from Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy consisting of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Tan, Vice Rector; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Van, Head of the Department of Science and Technology; Dr. Phan Thi Luyen Deputy Chief of the University Office; and Dr. Tran Nguyen Trong Phu, External Relations Assistant, Faculty of Medicine — actively participated in the event's activities. They proactively sought partnerships with Australian counterparts to expand international cooperation, meet human resource development needs, enhance training quality, and leverage the university's scientific, technological, and innovative capabilities.
Below are some photos of the delegation at the Tech-Connect 2026 Forum:
Representatives from Vietnamese universities pose for a photo with Minister of Education and Training Hoang Minh Son at the event.
The delegation poses for a photo with Ms. Nguyen Thu Thuy – Director of the Department of International Cooperation – Ministry of Education and Training
The delegation took a commemorative photo at the lobby of the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) – the event venue.
CTUMP’s delegation in Australia
