RMIT announces 25 million AUD investment for research, innovation in Vietnam

(Dan Tri) - RMIT University invested 25 million AUD (more than 430 billion VND) to promote research and innovation activities, including expanding the doctoral training program in Vietnam, to strengthen the 25-year transnational educational cooperation relationship with Vietnam.

The information was announced during the visit of the Governor-General of Australia, Ms Sam Mostyn AC, to the school's Saigon South campus on September 12.

The event was attended by Mr. Pham Hung Tam - Vietnamese Ambassador to Australia, Ms. Gillian Bird - Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, Ms. Sarah Hooper - Australian Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, Mr. Nguyen Manh Cuong - Vice Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee.

The investment is part of RMIT's AUD 250 million strategic investment fund for Vietnam, which was first introduced in 2023 during Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's official visit to Vietnam, the school representative said.

A new A$25 million commitment will boost research and innovation in Vietnam through a significant expansion of the University’s PhD scholarship program, supporting researchers to gain an internationally recognised PhD degree with RMIT University without having to live and study overseas.

Governor-General of Australia (center) with RMIT University Council Chair - Ms. Peggy O'Neal (right) and RMIT Vietnam General Director - Professor Scott Thompson-Whiteside (left) (Photo: RMIT).

“RMIT has been a proud representative of Australia in Vietnam for the past 25 years. We have made a real impact, with nearly 25,500 RMIT Vietnam graduates ready to contribute to Vietnam’s prosperity. This investment affirms the University’s commitment to building strong international partnerships and enhancing research collaboration in Vietnam,” said RMIT Council Chair Peggy O’Neal.

The postgraduate research program will be led and delivered by RMIT Vietnam in collaboration with local industry partners, focusing on research that supports the country’s ambitious goals in education , science, technology and innovation.

Specifically, the school's training program aims to have human resources for scientific research, technology development, and innovation reaching 12 people per 10,000 people by 2030 in Vietnam.

Professor Scott Thompson-Whiteside, CEO of RMIT University Vietnam, said: “Education and research are core elements of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Australia. The university’s investment not only enhances domestic research efforts but also connects Vietnamese experts with leading experts in Australia, promoting an environment of knowledge sharing and innovation.”

Governor-General Sam Mostyn AC said: “Education is at the heart of the Australia-Vietnam relationship and it is great to see that partnership on display on campus today. Australian education institutions like RMIT, with a presence in both countries, can help to foster deeper and broader two-way connections.”

The Australian Governor-General speaks during a visit to RMIT University, Saigon South campus (Photo: RMIT).

RMIT is a leader in transnational education, contributing to promoting bilateral relationships and regional cooperation through nearly 40 years of presence in Vietnam, Singapore and India.

With more than 12,000 students, 1,300 staff and nearly 25,500 alumni, RMIT Vietnam is the largest campus of an Australian university overseas. The 25-year milestone marks an important turning point for RMIT Vietnam, with an orientation to expand research and increase contributions to the development of Vietnam.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/giao-duc/rmit-cong-bo-dau-tu-25-trieu-aud-cho-nghien-cuu-doi-moi-tai-viet-nam-20250913115455796.htm