According to Nguyen Dang Thang, the Vietnamese community in Australia consists of approximately 350,000 people, which is about 1.3% of the country’s population. Around 500 highly qualified Vietnamese intellectual experts have made significant contributions in various fields in Australia. They serve as consultants for the Australian Government on projects related to Vietnam or carbon certificates. Many of them are also involved in standardizing Australia’s processes and standards in construction, infrastructure, iron and steel, aviation, investment, finance, and tax.
The Vietnamese Australian Scholars Experts Association (VASEA) was launched in Melbourne, Australia in August 2023.
According to Nguyen Dang Thang, overseas experts and intellectuals from Australia are willing to contribute to Vietnam’s development. The Vietnamese Australian Scholars Experts Association can offer suggestions and insights to the government on policies and issues that Vietnam is currently facing, thanks to its flexible mechanism. They can take part as consulting members for government projects and programs, as well as support the development of high-quality human resources for Vietnam through online training courses. Additionally, they can provide assistance to Vietnamese research groups in Australia and facilitate connections between Vietnamese business delegations and partners in Australia.
To attract intellectual resources from overseas Vietnamese, the Vietnamese Consul General in Sydney, Australia, Nguyen Dang Thang, emphasizes the importance of focusing on the following three areas:
1. The State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese should continue to play a central role in connecting overseas Vietnamese intellectual experts around the world. It should establish connections with existing associations to build a network of overseas experts and intellectuals. Collaboration with ministries, departments, and branches is also crucial in sharing information about the issues that require consultation with the network of overseas Vietnamese intellectual experts. Identifying experts and intellectuals who possess a deep understanding of Vietnam is essential for obtaining accurate recommendations.
2. Establish a foundation for teaching and exchanging information with overseas experts and intellectuals regarding current issues in Vietnam.
3. Organize regular meetings and exchanges among intellectual expert associations in foreign countries, particularly concerning significant events, issues, and challenges such as climate change and digital transformation.
In August 2023, the Vietnamese Australian Scholars Experts Association (VASEA) was formed through the merger of the Overseas Vietnamese Intellectual Clubs in New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria (all established in 2018). The association also welcomed new members who are Vietnamese experts residing in other Australian states and territories.
Amy Mai Nguyen
