The opening ceremony of the Australia-Vietnam Strategic Technologies Centre, Hanoi, June 11

Australia’s Ambassador to Vietnam Gillian Bird and Bui The Duy, Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Science and Technology launched the new centre at a ceremony that included more than 300 guests from the government, universities, and business sector.

The groundbreaking partnership between the Australian and Vietnamese governments had been established through a collaboration between Vietnam’s Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology and the University of Technology Sydney.

The centre brings together the brightest minds from academia, industry, and government to tackle challenges and seize opportunities of the digital future; provide a dynamic platform for innovation, research excellence, policy leadership, and real-world applications on important and emerging technologies such as 5G/6G, AI, semiconductors, and cybersecurity.

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has provided initial funding of AUD2.1 million ($1.3 million) to establish the centre, with global telco Nokia delivering the technical equipment to support the centre’s operations.

"Australia is proud to be partnering with Vietnam to drive innovation and digital transformation, which are key to Vietnam’s economic growth," said Ambassador Bird. "This is a practical demonstration of Australia’s commitment to supporting science and innovation under our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership."

By fostering research and partnerships on strategic technologies, and by connecting Vietnamese institutions with Australia’s top education and innovation networks, Australia is supporting Vietnam to translate Politburo's Resolution 57-NQ/TW on sci-tech development, innovation, and digital transformation, into real, measurable outcomes.

Over the years, the Vietnamese Ministry of Science and Technology and the Australian government have maintained a close partnership in science, technology and innovation, focusing on digital transformation and strategic technology.

Referring to the Australia-Vietnam Development Partnership Plan 2025-2030, Deputy Minister Duy said, "We appreciate Australia’s support through technical assistance, expert exchanges, and policy dialogue. The launch of this centre is an important step in strengthening cooperation between our two nations in innovation, digital transformation, and enhancing international network stability - the core driving force of sustainable development."

Vietnam is regarded as one of the five most scientifically advanced countries in Southeast Asia. Duy stated that this achievement is partly thanks to the close partnership in the fields of science, technology and innovation with the Australian government.

"Our progress is a testament to our shared vision of a knowledge-driven future. With trust and continuous cooperation, Vietnam and Australia can turn policy into progress and ideas into action," said Duy.

The centre marks a significant milestone in Australia and Vietnam’s shared journey towards a digitally connected and secure future, and reflects the deep and ongoing commitment between the two countries as part of the Vietnam-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Digital technologies and digital trade are key to driving economic growth, development, and social wellbeing, including for women entrepreneurs, as reflected in our joint Enhanced Economic Engagement Strategy.

At the launch ceremony, eight strategic technology seed funding projects to boost cooperation between Vietnamese and Australian scientists worth more than AUD400,000 ($260,400) were announced. The funding targets are collaborative research groups between universities, research institutes, and businesses of the two countries.

The Australia-Vietnam Strategic Technology Centre, in collaboration with the Vietnam Women Entrepreneurs Council, presented the Women in Technology and Innovation Awards to 19 female scientists, engineers and students, honouring the contributions of women in technology and innovation.

The centre also awarded nearly 100 'Australia-Vietnam Strategic Technology' scholarships to young engineers, managers, and researchers nationwide to inspire the younger generation to pursue a career in technology and innovation.