The Australian Embassy in Vietnam and the Vietnam-Australia Friendship Association organized a ceremony on Wednesday night to honor six Vietnamese alumni who have made outstanding contributions to their profession, community, country, and the Australia-Vietnam relationship.

Australian Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell presented the awards to the alumni in recognition of the achievements during their studies in Australia on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Australia diplomatic ties (February 26, 1973 - 2023).

From more than 200 nominees, 18 Vietnamese alumni were shortlisted before six were chosen as winners across six categories.

Dang Thi Huong, a researcher and founder of several educational organizations, giving employment opportunities to victims of gender-based violence, received the Business and Innovation award.

Dr. Vo Hoang Yen, founder and CEO of the Disability Research and Capacity Development (DRD) Center, was awarded the Women in Leadership prize.

Nguyen Thuy Tien, co-founder and CEO of the Breast Cancer Network Vietnam, claimed the Social Action award.

Prof. Tran Tho Dat, chairman of the Science and Training Council of National Economics University in Hanoi, who is also a member of the Economic Advisory Council to the prime minister and the National Financial and Monetary Policy Advisory Council, received the Alumni of the Year title.

Ho Thai Binh, co-founder and deputy director of SiGen, a business commercializing solutions to prevent odors and mosquitoes for manholes, was honored with the Young Alumni award.

Dr. Pham Thu Thuy, leader of a global research group on climate change, renewable energy, and low-carbon development at the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry, took the Climate Action award.

Speaking at the ceremony in Ho Chi Minh City, Minister Farrell hailed the alumni as the people who contribute to Australia’s diplomatic, economic, trade, investment, and business relationships not only with Vietnam but also with Southeast Asia.

Prof. Tran Van Nhung, chairman of the Vietnam-Australia Friendship Association, who is also a member of the award judging committee, said it was very difficult for him to choose the six winners because the candidates all made great contributions in various fields.

During her acceptance speech, Dr. Yen, the winner of the Women in Leadership award, said studying in Australia changed her life. 

“I hope that the awards will inspire more people to study,” Yen said.

Since 1974, more than 6,500 Vietnamese students have received Australian government scholarships to study in Australia, being part of a community of more than 80,000 Vietnamese alumni.

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