{"id":4232,"date":"2025-09-05T15:13:54","date_gmt":"2025-09-05T08:13:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vietauscentre.org\/?p=4232"},"modified":"2025-09-11T09:57:06","modified_gmt":"2025-09-11T02:57:06","slug":"media-release","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vietauscentre.org\/?p=4232&lang=en","title":{"rendered":"Media Release"},"content":{"rendered":"

MEDIA RELEASE <\/strong><\/p>\n

Vietnam Australia Forum 2025<\/strong><\/p>\n

Building Public Service Excellence in a New Era of Growth<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hanoi, 11 September 2025<\/em>\u00a0\u2013 The third annual\u00a0Vietnam\u2013Australia Forum\u00a0convened today in Hanoi, co-hosted by the Australian Embassy and the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics (HCMA). The event marked a special occasion\u2014the official visit to Vietnam by\u00a0Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia.<\/p>\n

Under the theme\u00a0\u201cBuilding Public Service Excellence in a New Era of Growth,\u201d\u00a0the Forum brought together more than\u00a0500 senior leaders, policymakers, academics, and innovators\u00a0from both nations. Participants represented a wide spectrum of sectors\u2014from government ministries and research institutions to international organisations and private enterprises.<\/p>\n

Opening the Forum,\u00a0Prof Dr Nguyen Xuan Thang, Politburo member and President of HCMA, highlighted the growing depth and trust in the bilateral relationship: \u201cThis Forum reflects our shared vision for a future where public institutions are not only more effective, but also more inclusive, innovative, and resilient.\u201d<\/p>\n

Governor-General Mostyn echoed this sentiment, stating: \u201cThe theme of this year\u2019s Forum has resonance for both our countries, and relevance to our plans for the future, both as sovereign nations, and as regional partners. The reason we are here today, to exchange ideas and learn from each other about public sector reform, is that our countries are longstanding friends.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Forum served as a milestone to reflect on progress since the elevation of the partnership in 2024, and to reaffirm a joint vision for a\u00a0peaceful, prosperous, and resilient region. Discussions aligned closely with Vietnam\u2019s reform priorities, including\u00a0legal development, digital transformation, international integration, and private sector growth. The event also celebrated Australia\u2019s enduring support for Vietnam\u2019s public sector capacity building and human resource development.<\/p>\n

Three top Australian public sector leaders brought fresh energy to the Forum, sharing bold ideas and practical strategies for smarter, more responsive governance.\u00a0Barry Sterland\u00a0(Productivity Commissioner),\u00a0Jo Talbot\u00a0(First Assistant Commissioner, Australian Public Service Commission), and\u00a0Marcel Van Kints\u00a0(General Manager, Australian Bureau of Statistics)\u00a0led dynamic sessions on\u00a0digital innovation,\u00a0data-driven policymaking, and\u00a0institutional capacity building\u2014highlighting how Vietnam and Australia are tackling shared challenges and building future-ready public institutions together.<\/p>\n

The Forum is a flagship initiative of the\u00a0Vietnam\u2013Australia Centre (VAC), supported by the Australian Government. As an annual dialogue, it fosters open exchange, knowledge sharing, and the generation of bold ideas to drive long-term cooperation under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.<\/p>\n

Established in 2019 through a joint Prime Ministers\u2019 statement, VAC stands as a testament to the trust and collaboration between Australia and Vietnam.<\/p>\n

For media enquiries, please contact<\/strong><\/p>\n