Vietnam, Australia Seek to Boost Education Cooperation

Policymakers, education managers, lecturers and researchers of Vietnam and Australia gathered at a meeting in Hanoi on Nov 10 to share information on education and to promote bilateral ties in the field. Addressing the Vietnam-Australia future education forum, Deputy Minister of Education and Training Bui Van Ga hailed the countries’ efforts in strengthening and expanding cooperative programs and the efficient implementation of education projects. Many Vietnamese universities have established associated training programs at tertiary level with Australian universities, he said, adding that Australia grants 225 scholarships every year to Vietnam. The Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training and the Australian Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations signed an agreement on cooperation and education in 2008 and the Vietnam-Australia action plan for the 2010-2013 in 2010.  To implement the two documents, a joint working group was set up and defined prioritized fields, including vocational training, tertiary, kindergarten education, recognition of certificates, and exchange of education policies, Deputy Minister Ga said. Regarding vocational training, Deputy Minister of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs Nguyen Ngoc Phi spoke highly of the Australian government’s cooperation and support in encouraging its universities and colleges to associate, share experience and transfer technology and teaching methods to Vietnamese partners. Delegates also discussed the implementation of vocational training programs in Vietnam, models of partnership in hotel administration and tourism training, and views on cooperation. An Australian education exhibition will take place in Hanoi this month with the participation of 56 Australian universities, colleges and education centers. There are about 25,000 Vietnamese students in Australia, and 16,000 others are pursuing their study at Australian training centers based in Vietnam, statistics from the Australia Agency for International Development showed. (www.cpv.org.vn Nov 2)