Strengthening International Education Ties Between USSH and Deakin University
On July 3, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (USSH VNUHCM) welcomed a high-level delegation from Deakin University from Australia for a working session aimed at reaffirming their long-standing strategic partnership. The visit also opened new pathways for collaboration in education, research, and academic exchange.
Attending on behalf of Deakin University were Professor Ian Martin, Vice-Chancellor; Mr. John Molony, Deputy Vice-Chancellor; Ms. Chaturika Bandara, Head of Strategy and Global Engagement; and Ms. Nguyễn Võ Minh Thu, Country Director for Vietnam and Cambodia.
From USSH, participants included Prof. Dr. Ngô Thị Phương Lan, President of the University; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lưu Văn Quyết, Vice President; along with leaders from departments currently working in partnership with Deakin.
The two university presidents engage in discussion during the working session
In her welcoming remarks, Prof. Dr. Ngô Thị Phương Lan praised the presence of Deakin’s leadership, affirming the enduring, effective, and promising nature of the collaboration. She highlighted the success of the 2+2 joint bachelor’s programs in Communication and International Relations, which not only offer international learning opportunities for Vietnamese students but also stand as a testament to the depth and quality of this educational partnership.
Prof. Dr. Ngô Thị Phương Lan emphasizes the strong, effective, and promising partnership with Deakin University
Prof. Ian Martin expressed his honor at returning to USSH and underscored the essential role of international education and cross-border cooperation in Deakin’s strategic vision. He commended the strength of the partnership and the impact of joint training programs in equipping students with global competencies.
Prof. Ian Martin highlights the value of joint training programs in developing students’ global capabilities
During the meeting, USSH’s faculty and academic leaders proposed expanding collaboration into emerging areas such as digital communication, science communication, digital advertising, and cross-platform media. The Australian Studies Division also proposed strengthening academic exchange to enhance the quality of Australia-focused courses in Vietnam—through expert visits, shared learning resources, and thematic study trips. USSH also called for increased access to Deakin’s open educational resources and digital libraries to better support Vietnamese students’ research.
Ms. Lê Đặng Thảo Uyên, Head of the Australian Studies Division, proposes deeper academic cooperation to enhance Australian Studies education in Vietnam
Dr. Triệu Thanh Lê, Head of the Faculty of Journalism and Communication, discusses expanding cooperation into digital media and science communication
Dr. Trần Nguyên Khang, Lecturer of the Faculty of International Relations, speaks during the working session
From the Australian side, Deakin’s leadership expressed interest in reviving two-way student exchange programs—not only sending Vietnamese students to Australia, but also creating opportunities for Australian students to study and experience life in Vietnam. Mr. John Molony shared that the Australian Government is currently revising the New Colombo Plan to extend the duration of international placements. Deakin hopes to send students to USSH under this initiative by 2026.
Mr. John Molony shares Deakin’s plan to bring Australian students to USSH through the New Colombo Plan by 2026
As of 2025, USSH and Deakin University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (2011) and two formal academic cooperation agreements (2020) in Journalism–Communication and International Relations. These joint programs have consistently enrolled students and produced graduates who are highly regarded for their international readiness and academic quality.
This latest working session marked a continued commitment to a robust strategic partnership and promised new avenues for deeper collaboration. With a shared spirit of openness, mutual support, and dedication to international education quality, both institutions reaffirmed their leadership roles in advancing academic cooperation and exchange between Vietnam and Australia in the era of globalization.
Representatives of both universities pose for a commemorative photo after the working session
Story & Photo by LÝ NGUYÊN - THU THẢO
Translation by THÁI TƯỜNG
