On the morning of August 13, 2025, National Economics University (NEU) and the University of Adelaide (Australia) jointly organized an international scientific seminar on “A Sustainable Future: Bridging Ideas and Innovative Solutions” to promote research collaboration, policy connections, and practical applications among universities, government agencies, and businesses in the context of Vietnam’s green transition.

An overview of the seminar

Attending the seminar as an external guest was Gillian Bird, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam. Representing the University of Adelaide were Prof. David Lloyd, President and Vice-Chancellor; Prof. Jessica Gallagher, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for International Affairs; Prof. David Lewis, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology; and Prof. Noel Lindsay, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of Entrepreneurship and Business, College of Business.

Representing NEU were Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President; Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Chuong, former President; Prof. Dr. Tran Tho Dat, Chair of the Science and Academic Council; and Prof. Dr. Dinh Duc Truong, Dean of the Faculty of Environment, Climate Change and Urban Studies, along with representatives of the leadership of the University’s colleges, departments, faculties, schools, institutes, and centers, and faculty and staff.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of NEU, delivers remarks

In his opening remarks at the seminar, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of NEU, said that Vietnam and Australia are entering a decisive phase of the green transition toward net-zero emissions. This presents a challenge for both countries as they work to build sustainable, resilient economies. Strengthening cooperation between the two universities to jointly develop innovative solutions with practical impact is therefore an extremely important step.

For many years, NEU has pioneered academic programs in Environmental Management, Climate Change, and Urban Studies in Vietnam. NEU is currently also developing a bachelor’s program in Environmental Technology and Sustainable Development with the support and cooperation of international partners, including the University of Adelaide.

According to Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, this is a strategic step toward developing a highly skilled workforce ready to meet the urgent needs of the green transition and sustainable development. “NEU and the University of Adelaide need to collaborate even more closely in interdisciplinary research, share knowledge, and connect stakeholders in both countries, from academics and policymakers to the business community, to co-create innovative solutions with practical impact,” the NEU Vice President emphasized.

Gillian Bird, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, delivers remarks

Also at the seminar, Gillian Bird, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, emphasized that cooperation between the two countries has been significantly strengthened by numerous strategic cooperation commitments aimed at developing skills and capabilities for the global transition to net-zero emissions.

The Ambassador affirmed that promoting cooperation between the University of Adelaide and NEU would help address local challenges, enhance research and teaching capacity, and create opportunities for lecturers and students from both countries to engage and connect with the best partners worldwide.

“We are committed to expanding cooperation in shared strategic areas, such as supporting the global transition to net-zero emissions through joint research initiatives, student and lecturer exchanges, and the transfer of academic knowledge into practice,” Gillian Bird emphasized.

Prof. Dr. Melissa Jane Nursey-Bray, Deputy Director of the Institute for Sustainability, Energy and Resources, Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics, University of Adelaide, presents at the seminar

The sustainable green transition is one of the University of Adelaide’s (Australia) five research priority areas, alongside personal and societal health; agriculture, food, and wine; creativity and culture; and defense and national security.

NEU and the University of Adelaide will focus on strategic areas including energy transition, green finance, and sustainable urban development, with the shared goal of working toward a sustainable, resilient economy. This cooperation between the two universities is expected to generate applied research projects that contribute to realizing Vietnam’s net-zero emissions target while strengthening the strategic partnership between Vietnam and Australia.

Dr. Nguyen Hoang Nam, Head of the Science, Technology and Sustainable Development Academic Group, introduces the new bachelor’s program

As part of the seminar, Dr. Nguyen Hoang Nam, Head of the Science, Technology and Sustainable Development Academic Group, introduced the new bachelor’s program in “Environmental Technology and Sustainable Development,” which is being finalized, with admissions proposed for 2026. The program was developed to address skills gaps in the labor market.

Prof. Noel Lindsay, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of Entrepreneurship and Business, College of Business, University of Adelaide, presents at the seminar

According to a report from the World Economic Forum (WEF), “Sustainability Specialist” is one of the fastest-growing occupations, with skills such as ESG reporting, greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories, and climate finance in high demand among employers. This trend is also evident in Vietnam, where the Net Zero commitment and Government resolutions are driving a major transformation. This requires a workforce with a distinctive combination of green and technological skills.

A survey found that more than 66% of students and parents find the program appealing, while 87.5% of employers consider it timely and necessary. Vietnamese students constitute the University of Adelaide’s third-largest international student group by enrollment and its third-largest group by total number of international graduates awarded degrees.

“We are committed to long-term cooperation with NEU and Vietnamese partners to transfer knowledge, develop a highly skilled workforce, and implement green initiatives toward a sustainable future,” a representative of the University of Adelaide said.

Delegates attending the seminar pose for a commemorative photograph

At the seminar, speakers from Vietnam and Australia exchanged views and discussed academic and research cooperation in developing joint projects, exchanging scholars, and sharing data and research resources. Delegates also shared experiences in energy transition and Net Zero, including experiences from Australia and the potential for their application in Vietnam.

In addition, the seminar focused on exchanges and discussions on green finance and sustainable investment, capital mobilization mechanisms, and financial instruments supporting green projects; sustainable urban development and climate resilience, design models, infrastructure, and green technology; and innovation and green entrepreneurship, including the roles of universities and businesses in commercializing research…

Some images from the seminar:

Article and photos: Department of Communications

Media coverage of the seminar:

Nhan Dan: A sustainable future: Connecting ideas and creating innovative solutions

Dai Bieu Nhan Dan: Building a sustainable future and opening opportunities for strategic cooperation between Vietnam and Australia

Vneconomy: Vietnam–Australia educational cooperation creates momentum for green growth

Finance Magazine: Seeking breakthrough cooperation solutions for sustainable development

Vietnam News Agency: Developing a highly skilled workforce to meet the needs of the green transition and sustainable development

Nguoi Dua Tin: Vietnam and Australia cooperate in education and research toward net-zero emissions

This is an automated translation. If you notice any errors, please contact the Department of Communications, National Economics University at phongtruyenthong@neu.edu.vn.