Minister Clare visited campuses in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi on 10 and 11/12. He engaged with staff and students, witnessing the impact of Australian education in Vietnam.

The minister also reviewed plans for a new RMIT campus in Hanoi. If approved by the government, the university could expand its training activities and provide international-standard education to more Vietnamese students.

Australian education minister Jason Clare (8th from left, bottom row) visits RMIT University's South Saigon campus and meets with university staff and students. *RMIT*

The investment for the new campus is part of RMIT's AUD 250 million strategic investment fund for Vietnam, initially announced during Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's official visit in 2023.

"RMIT University is a leader in transnational and international education. The university represents the best of Australia and creates a positive impact abroad," Minister Jason Clare stated. "It's wonderful to witness firsthand the impact RMIT has made in Vietnam over the past 25 years and its long-term investment commitment."

Minister Jason Clare speaks at RMIT University's Hanoi campus. *RMIT*

To date, RMIT Vietnam has over 12,000 students, 1,300 staff, and nearly 25,500 alumni working in influential organizations and communities, contributing significantly to Vietnam's transformation and the wider region. RMIT is among the leading foreign universities in Vietnam, with campuses in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, and a Language Centre in Da Nang.

Throughout its 25 years of operation in Vietnam, RMIT Vietnam has supported over 1,900 scholarships totaling more than 613 billion VND and invested substantially in local research capabilities.

Professor Alec Cameron, RMIT Vice-Chancellor and President, noted that with a long history of transnational education, the university has delivered high-quality Australian education across Southeast Asia and beyond for decades.

"We are proud to contribute to the country's socio-economic priorities while fostering trade and dialogue across the region," he emphasized.

Professor Scott Thompson-Whiteside - President, RMIT Vietnam; Jason Clare - Australian education minister; Gillian Bird - Australian ambassador to Vietnam; Professor Alec Cameron - Vice-Chancellor and President, RMIT University (from left). *RMIT*

Vietnam is entering a new era of digital transformation and green growth. RMIT aims to support these national priorities through advanced curricula, applied research, and practical partnerships. RMIT helps shape Vietnam's future workforce through various activities, ranging from AI training for K-12 teachers nationwide to sustainable development projects and industry-linked learning.

"RMIT Vietnam has made significant impacts over the past 25 years, and now we reaffirm the university's commitment for the next 25 years," said Professor Scott Thompson-Whiteside, President of RMIT Vietnam.

The institution aims to develop future talent to support Vietnam's economic ambition of becoming a fully developed nation by 2045, he affirmed. "A modern, digitized, and sustainable economy requires substantial investment in talent, and we are committed to supporting the country on this journey."

By Nhat Le