More than 500 policymakers, local public sector leaders and officials, business representatives and experts gathered in Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City this week for the Vietnam-Australia Forum, to explore how leadership and workforce capability can support effective public services.
At the Academy of Politics Region II, the Forum focused on administrative simplification, service integration and reducing regulatory burden, particularly as Ho Chi Minh City adapts to recent administrative reforms and an increasingly complex metropolitan environment.
Participants also discussed how governments can reduce administrative burden on citizens and businesses, strengthen public sector performance and create more seamless interactions with government through digital transformation and integrated service delivery.
A panel discussion themed “Reducing Regulatory Burden to Support Investment and Business Activity” at the forum in Ho Chi Minh City
At the Academy of Politics Region III in Da Nang, the Forum focused on the leadership and organisational changes required to support the implementation of Vietnam’s new two-tier local government model.
A key focus of the discussions was how governments can build the skills, capabilities and leadership needed to deliver effective services and maintain public trust during periods of institutional and organisational change.
A panel discussion themed “Building the Core Skills of a High-Performing Public Service” at the forum in Da Nang
Experts from the Australian Public Service Commission and Services Australia, shared Australia’s experience in delivering integrated services, improving people’s experience of government services, simplifying interactions with government and harnessing digital technologies to improve service delivery.
The Forum fosters opportunities for open dialogue and knowledge exchange between experts from both countries and provincial leaders and public sector officials.
Speaking at the Forum, Kate Wallace, Australian Consul-General in Ho Chi Minh City, said: “People experience government through the services they use every day. Making those services simpler, more integrated and easier to navigate can make a real difference for citizens and businesses. Australia is pleased to share practical experience with Vietnam as we work together to strengthen public service delivery.”
Opening remarks by Ms Kate Wallace, Australian Consul-General in Ho Chi Minh City
Opening remarks at the forum in Ho Chi Minh City by Assoc Prof Dr Dau Huong Nam, Director General, Department of International Cooperation, Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics
The Vietnam-Australia Forum is a flagship initiative of the Vietnam Australia Centre (VAC) and is supported by the Australian Embassy in Vietnam and the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics.
Since 2023, the Forum has provided a platform for leaders and policymakers from both countries to exchange practical solutions to shared governance challenges and strengthen cooperation under the Vietnam-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Australia is proud to be Vietnam’s longstanding and trusted partner, working together in areas such as public sector leadership, governance and institutional capability to support Vietnam’s continued economic growth and development.
The Vietnam Australia Centre promotes leadership development, policy dialogue and institutional collaboration, helping connect Australian and Vietnamese expertise to address current and future public policy challenges./.
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