Sydney Vietnam Academic Network
Impacting lives through collaborative research and education
August 2024 Newsletter
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| Welcome to the Sydney Vietnam Academic Network’s Newsletter
Featuring some of our current research projects, achievements,
opportunities, news and events
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Sydney Vietnam Institute launch
The launch of the Sydney Vietnam Institute (SVI) has taken the University of Sydney’s relationship with Vietnam to the next level. The week-long series of events featured diplomatic receptions, research symposia and high-level meetings with various Vietnamese officials in both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. As well as a senior delegation from the University of Sydney including Vice Chancellor and President Mark Scott AO and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Emma Johnston AO, there were many exceptional Australian and Vietnamese research leaders at the launch.
“The variety and depth of our collaborations, including sharing outstanding research achievements in health, business, the arts, science and more was most impressive,” Professor Greg Fox said. “I am excited by the truly transformative discoveries that lie ahead, together.” Professor Thu-Anh Nguyen, Executive Director and Head of Research at the SVI, noted the enormous potential of the SVI to drive collaboration, innovation and positive impact in Vietnam and beyond. "We look forward to collaborating with domestic and international organisations and researchers to build a robust platform that enhances multidisciplinary research capacity and improves the quality of life for local and global communities," she said.
Associate Professor Justin Beardsley, one of the academics who has worked over the past five years towards the establishment of the SVI, noted that witnessing the launch was very gratifying. “Reflecting on the launch of the SVI this year still makes me feel proud and excited,” he said. “The SVI marks an important milestone in a long and ongoing journey, which will open up a new range of possibilities for academics to engage more deeply in Vietnam, fostering new and growing old collaborations that bring benefits to the entire region.”
Two gala dinners, featuring novel musical collaborations, dance performances and inspiring speeches, also succeeded in creating a vibrant and celebratory atmosphere.
Congratulations to all involved in the hugely successful SVI launch. Read more here and here.
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Celebrating partnership
SVAN is excited to announce the release of the Sydney Vietnam Engagement booklet, celebrating the University of Sydney’s ongoing partnership with Vietnam.Featuring 19 case studies, the publication highlights the collaborative efforts of SVAN members in research, education, and capacity building across various disciplines. It showcases advancements in tuberculosis treatment, innovative approaches in breast cancer diagnostics, One Health, agriculture and business entrepreneurship. It also explores vibrant cultural exchanges in museum conservation, digital media and jazz improvisation.
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Save Sight Institute at SVI launch and Symposium
The Save Sight Institute (SSI) was honoured to be part of the Sydney Vietnam Institute (SVI) launch and Sydney Vietnam Innovation Symposium. The SVI is the first multidisciplinary research partnership with universities, hospitals and research institutes in Vietnam and builds on a long, proud history of collaboration between Australia and Vietnam.
The Symposium highlighted the University’s broad spectrum of world-class research in Vietnam including the largest randomised trial of antibiotics to prevent close contact spread of multiresistant tuberculosis, advancements in aquaculture and coffee safety and sustainability, and major improvements in breast cancer screening. I had the opportunity to take part in a panel discussion chaired by Associate Professor Jane Gavan, which discussed practical methods to develop the next generation of research leaders in both Vietnam and Australia. Our session closed the day and a wonderful dinner was enjoyed by all attended by many government, industry and community leaders from both countries. Music, dance and presentations celebrated the culture of innovation and set an inspiring beginning to this unique initiative.
The event also provided an opportunity to meet with former and current Masters of International Ophthalmology students in both Saigon and Hanoi. I visited our collaborators at the three major eye hospitals in Vietnam – the Vietnam National Eye Hospital, Saigon Eye Hospital and Hanoi Eye Hospital. The Directors and staff unequivocally expressed their gratitude to the University and SSI for their support over the last 12 years. The meeting laid a strong foundation for further collaborations with the University through the SSI and SVI into the future.
From my own perspective, participating in the launch of the SVI provided a unique opportunity for transdisciplinary networking. Working with experts across so many disciplines in both nations harnesses the energy and experience through the SVI to make further advances in eye health with our Masters’ program, future research collaborators and links with Vietnamese eye hospitals. SVI is open and catapulting multidisciplinary teams to future success.
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 | Image credit: Stefanie Zingsheim
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Vietnamese Ambassador visits Sydney University
On the back of the successful launch of the Sydney Vietnam Institute, the University of Sydney welcomed H.E. Mr Pham Hung Tam, Vietnam Ambassador to Australia, in July.
The Ambassador and his delegation were met by Kirsten Andrews, Vice-Principal (External Engagement); Professor Greg Fox, Interim Director, Sydney Southeast Asia Centre; Professor Ken Tye Yong, Associate Dean (External Engagement), Faculty of Engineering; and Professor Sridevan Parameswaran, Head of School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Roundtable discussions centred on the University’s engagement in Southeast Asia and opportunities for partnerships across a range of research areas including new technologies, health, net zero and agriculture. The delegation also toured the Sydney Nanoscience Hub.
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SVI hosts NSW Trade Minister
The Sydney Vietnam Institute (SVI) was pleased to host a delegation led by the Hon. Anoulack Chanthivong, NSW Minister for Industry and Trade, at its Ho Chi Minh City office in July.
Professor Thu-Anh Nguyen, SVI Executive Director and Head of Research, presented the Institute’s vision for advancing the wellbeing of Vietnamese and international communities through excellence in collaborative, multidisciplinary research and impactful community engagement initiatives.
Discussion centred on research partnerships, clinical health trials in Vietnam and Cambodia, and plans for future collaborations in areas such as agriculture, music and art, and net zero.
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SAPPHIRE Project launch in Vietnam
On 4–5 September, the SAPPHIRE Project will be launched in Hanoi with a workshop featuring academics from the University of Sydney and partners in Vietnam and Cambodia working in tuberculosis control, chronic diseases management and antimicrobial resistance. In this workshop, leading experts will share research findings in these areas and discuss the strategic plan for SAPPHIRE. The Project aims to facilitate innovations to address health security and disease management in developing countries such as Vietnam. Sydney Asia-Pacific Partnership for Health Innovations and Resilient Ecosystems is an integrated program of research across Vietnam, Cambodia, Fiji and Kiribati. It is supported by an $11 million investment by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
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Mid-Autumn Festival fun!
The Sydney Southeast Asia Centre and the China Studies Centre at the University of Sydney are hosting social badminton and afternoon tea to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival 2024.
When: Thursday, 12 September, 3pm–5pm
Where: Badminton – First floor, The Arena Sports Centre (A30), Western Ave (Stair access only)
Where: Afternoon tea – Ralph’s Café at The Arena Sports Centre (A30)
What to bring: Yourself. Badminton racket (optional)
Register here to join in on the celebrations!
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Clinical Trial Symposium
Sydney Health Partners will host its inaugural clinical trial symposium in September. Testing for Success – Celebrating Clinical Trials Excellence will bring together leaders in clinical trials design, operation and innovation to share their insights on what works in clinical trials, what doesn’t, and how to improve clinical trial competitiveness.
When: Wednesday, 25 September, 12:30pm
Where: NSW Teachers Federation Conference Centre Auditorium, 37 Reservoir St, Surry Hills
Register here
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CLINICAL TRIALS IN VIETNAM
Four clinical trials that focus on shorter regimens of tuberculosis treatment (CRUSH-TB), treatment for INH-resistant TB (FLIRT), preventive treatment for latent TB (ASTERoidD and PHOENIx) are being prepared for implementation under the leadership of Professor Greg Fox with the Sydney Vietnam Institute (SVI) clinical trials unit. Three of the four trials have received approval from the Ministry of Health Vietnam and are waiting for investigational products to be imported for recruitment. A significant clinical trial on TB vaccine is in the final stage of negotiation with the Gates Foundation and iQVIA and will be run through SVI under the lead of Professor Fox.
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Enhancing statistical science and data analysis education in Vietnam
Associate Professor Minh-Ngoc Tran is a Lecturer in the Discipline of Business Analytics at the University of Sydney Business School. His expertise lies in statistical methodologies and data science.
A core member of SVAN, Minh-Ngoc has actively collaborated with Vietnamese institutions such as the Vietnam Institute for Advanced Study in Mathematics (VIASM) in Hanoi and the International University under the Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City. He has organised numerous scientific events in Vietnam, notably the annual Summer School series on Mathematical Statistics and Machine Learning (most recently held in July), attracting leading global experts, lecturers and researchers from universities across the country. He also personally delivers lectures organised by the Vietnam Applied Statistics Network and Vietnam Institute for Advanced Study in Mathematics.
Minh-Ngoc envisions Vietnam becoming a research hub for statistics and data science in Southeast Asia and globally. As more and more international companies look to Vietnam to build data centres, the demand for business analysts, data engineers, artificial intelligence specialists and financial risk analysts is increasing. He believes that international collaboration is key to enhancing education in statistical science and data analysis in Vietnam and building the skilled workforce required to meet that demand.
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Vietnam National Day
On 2 September, Vietnam will celebrate the 79th anniversary of the National Day of Vietnam.
Ngày Quốc Khánh!
Happy Vietnam National Day!
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Member special offer! Online Vietnamese language classes
Interested in learning Vietnamese in a friendly and supportive group environment? Academics across the University have been participating in an innovative online Vietnamese language program with our in-country language partner, Tieng Viet Oi. Classes are held twice a week online with expert teachers from Vietnam, and are available at beginner, intermediate and advanced level. This is a fantastic way to build confidence in your speaking and listening skills and gain insights into Vietnamese culture.
SVAN members and affiliates of the University of Sydney have access to up to 20 hours of subsidised classes. Fee support is based on group class attendance rate, so why not apply with another budding Vietnamese speaker. The classes are run in collaboration with the Sydney Southeast Asia Centre.
Email Sydney-Vietnam.network@sydney.edu.au to express your interest.
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Join the Sydney Vietnam Academic Network to share your projects and hear about the latest news, events and grant opportunities tailored to research on and in Vietnam.
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