• Posted on 18 Jun 2025
  • 3-minute read

Hanoi, 11 June 2025 – The Australia-Vietnam Strategic Technologies Centre has been officially launched in Hanoi, to strengthen collaboration between Australia and Vietnam in strategic technologies, drive digital transformation, foster technological and industry innovation, and enhance international cyber stability.

Established through a groundbreaking partnership between Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology, the Australia-Vietnam Strategic Technologies Centre is being delivered by the partnership led by University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology in Hanoi, and Nokia – a world leader in 5G/6G technologies as the founding industry partner. 

The Centre was opened by Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, H.E. Gillian Bird, at a ceremony attended by H.E. Mr. Bui The Duy, Vice Minister of Science and Technology; Professor Andrew Parfitt, Vice-Chancellor and President of UTS; Professor Dang Hoai Bac, President of PTIT; Mr. Henrique Vale, Vice President APAC, Nokia; and over 300 representatives from government agencies, research institutions, universities, and businesses from Australia, Vietnam and other countries.

Associate Professor Diep N. Nguyen showcases demos and use cases to (from left to right) Associate Professor Dang Hoai Bac, President of PTIT, Vice-Chancellor and President of UTS Professor Andrew Parfitt, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Gillian Birda, and Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui The Duy.

At the event, Ministry of Science and Technology’s Vice Minister Mr. Bui The Duy emphasized the importance of strategic technology development and innovation for the future. The launch marked a significant milestone in the comprehensive strategic partnership between Australia and Vietnam, particularly in technology – a key driver for economic development, competitiveness, and innovation in the 21st century. 

Mr. Bui The Duy said, “We look forward to working with Australia’s partners, through this Centre, to apply and develop strategic technologies like 5G/6G that are of mutual interest to both countries.”

Australian Ambassador Gillian Bird shared at the event: “The Australian Government is proud to be partnering with Vietnam to drive innovation and digital transformation, which are key to Vietnam’s economic growth.

“This exciting new centre in Hanoi is a practical demonstration of Australia’s commitment to support the science and innovation partnership between our two countries, which is a key focus of the Australia-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” said Ambassador Bird.

Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Gillian Bird, Vice-Chancellor and President of UTS Professor Andrew Parfitt, Associate Professor Dang Hoai Bac, President of PTIT at the Centre.

During the launch, eight strategic technology seed projects were announced to foster collaboration between Vietnamese and Australian scientists and industry. Notably, the Centre initiated and awarded the “Women in Technology and Innovation Awards” to 19 female scientists, students, and engineers, celebrating and encouraging women’s pioneering roles in technology and innovation.

Additionally, nearly 100 “Australia-Vietnam Strategic Technologies Scholarships” were awarded nationwide, inspiring younger generations to pursue careers in technology and innovation.

The Centre is equipped with Nokia’s private 5G NDAC network, providing a controlled environment for testing and optimizing industrial 5G applications. This network and other equipment at the Centre will allow enterprises and research institutes to develop practical solutions, identify vulnerabilities within 5G systems, research non-terrestrial networks, and experience quantum technology applications.

This exciting new centre in Hanoi is a practical demonstration of Australia’s commitment to support the science and innovation partnership between our two countries.

Gillian Bird, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam

The Centre was established to strengthen collaboration between Vietnam and Australia on strategic technologies. The initiative was proposed by H.E Mr Nguyen Manh Hung, Minister of the Ministry of Science and Technology, following his visit to an equivalent 5G lab hosted by UTS in Sydney, Australia.

Australian Ambassador for Cyber Affairs and Critical Technology H.E. Mr Brendan Dowling said the initiative would position both nations at the forefront of global connectivity, and support enhancing economic growth, security and digital inclusion.

With a mission to promote and connect research, technology, and related policies, following the launch, the Centre organised the Australia-Vietnam Strategic Technologies Forum, featuring world-leading experts, businesses, and technology leaders.

Key topics discussed during the event on 11 and 12 June included: Shaping Vietnam’s future with 5G technology; Towards resilient digital infrastructure; AI applications and governance; Opportunities and challenges in space technology; Non-terrestrial networks (NTN) and 6G; Quantum technology applications; and Cybersecurity for 5G & 6G networks.

Australia-Vietnam Strategic Technologies Centre

Find out more about the Australia-Vietnam Strategic Technologies Centre’s cutting-edge research.

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