Deakin University Leaders Engage with USSH Students
On July 3, as part of their official visit to the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (USSH VNUHCM), a high-level delegation from Deakin University and representatives from the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) held an interactive dialogue with USSH students. The session focused on transnational education, current trends in higher education, and the growing potential for Vietnam–Australia trade and investment collaboration.
The event drew a large turnout of enthusiastic students
In his opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lưu Văn Quyết, Vice President of USSH, emphasized the strength and effectiveness of the university’s nine-year partnership with Deakin. The collaboration has led to the implementation of several joint programs—most notably 2+2 programs in Multimedia Communication and International Relations—which have contributed significantly to Vietnam’s high-quality human resource development.
Beyond academic exchange, Australian government scholarships and research funding have enabled USSH faculty to pursue postgraduate studies at leading Australian institutions such as the University of Sydney and the University of Adelaide. Particularly noteworthy is the Australian Studies major, launched in 1994, which has produced nearly 1,000 graduates. Many now work in diplomacy, trade, and international cooperation, acting as “cultural ambassadors” for Vietnam–Australia relations.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lưu Văn Quyết highlights the strong and effective nine-year collaboration between USSH and Deakin
Supporting this strategic direction, Prof. Iain Martin, Vice-Chancellor of Deakin University, affirmed that transnational education is not just a trend but a core component of Deakin’s development strategy over the past 50 years.
Aiming to build bridges between cultures, and between academia and real-world application, Deakin strives to provide students with global learning experiences that combine academic knowledge with interdisciplinary skills and cross-cultural competencies. He stressed that students in joint programs like those at USSH are not only gaining education but also becoming pioneers of international engagement, contributing to sustainable regional development.
Prof. Iain Martin underscores that students in joint programs are future leaders in international engagement
Representing Austrade, Mr. Jonathan Saw spoke on the strategic importance of Vietnam in Australia's Southeast Asia policy. He noted that education is a key pillar of the bilateral relationship and a vital channel for building sustainable ties between the two nations.
Currently, over 40,000 Vietnamese students are studying in Australia, while more than 100,000 Australian alumni are working in Vietnam. He also highlighted new initiatives such as the New Colombo Plan and flexible partnership models that align education with labor market needs, enhance future workforce skills, and support transitions into the digital economy and green development.
Mr. Jonathan Saw, representative of Austrade, emphasizes Vietnam’s strategic role in Australia’s Southeast Asia policy
Mr. John Molony, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Deakin University, expressed his honor in continuing to support a long-standing and special partnership with USSH. He reaffirmed that Ho Chi Minh City remains a key destination in Deakin’s global strategy, with USSH standing out as one of its most deeply engaged international partners. He pledged to expand joint training models such as 2+2+1, 3+1, and 4+0, boost internship and career development opportunities for students, and further invest in postgraduate programs and international research collaboration.
Mr. John Molony affirms Deakin’s commitment to expanding its long-term and in-depth partnership with USSH
Following the presentations, students eagerly posed questions about internship opportunities in Australia, career directions in International Relations and Communication, and how to best prepare for the global workforce. Representatives from Deakin and Austrade provided thoughtful responses and emphasized the importance of practice-oriented education, interdisciplinary learning, critical thinking, and cross-cultural adaptability. Transnational education, they noted, equips students not only with academic knowledge but also with a global mindset—crucial for becoming active global citizens and professionals of the future.
Students inquire about internships, global career paths, and how to prepare for working in an international environment
During the session, leaders from both universities also presented certificates to students preparing to begin their studies at Deakin University through the joint training programs. These certificates not only recognized students’ academic efforts but also symbolized the enduring and impactful collaboration between the two institutions. Prof. Iain Martin and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lưu Văn Quyết personally presented the certificates and offered their congratulations and encouragement, urging the students to pursue academic excellence, embrace global integration, and become positive connectors in strengthening bilateral relations.
University leaders present certificates to students about to begin their studies at Deakin through joint programs
Deakin University is a leading multidisciplinary public university in Australia, with its main campuses located in Victoria. Ranked among the world’s top 200 universities and in the top 1% of universities under 50 years old, Deakin has consistently held the highest student satisfaction ratings in Victoria. With strong performance in education, research, and transnational strategy, Deakin is a strategic partner for many universities across Southeast Asia—including USSH, VNU-HCM.
Story & Photo by LÝ NGUYÊN - THU THẢO
Translation by THÁI TƯỜNG
