IDP “Australian Education Exhibition 2007”
Speech by
Australian Ambassador, H.E Bill Tweddell
24 March 2007 - Hanoi
• Ms. Tran Tuong Nhi, Country Director, IDP Education Australia
• Representatives from Australian education and training institutions
• Distinguished guests, parents and students
It is an honour to be here to open the IDP “Australian Education Exhibition 2007”. It is excellent to see some 66 universities, institutions and colleges here in Hanoi participating in this event – a significant increase from 53 institutions last year.
I look forward to hearing the outcome of similar events in Ho Chi Minh City tomorrow and Da Nang later in the week.
The size of this gathering demonstrates the strong and continuous commitment that Australia has to developing the provision of education and training to the people of Vietnam.
As you know, Australia and Vietnam have traditionally enjoyed strong links in many fields, including trade, development assistance, defence, and education and training. The close relationship between Australia and Vietnam in the area of education and training is undoubtedly one of the most important aspects of our bilateral relationship.
As Ambassador, I am particularly interested in, and keen to support, the education and training relationship. Education plays an immensely significant role in Vietnam’s ability to develop its economy and its human resource capacity.
Through Australia’s ability to provide quality educational opportunities to Vietnamese students, benefits can accrue to both countries. Education also strengthens our knowledge of each other and enhances the respect and affection which our peoples hold for each other.
Our bilateral education and training links are also a fundamental part of Vietnam’s overall perception of Australia, which I hope is a positive one, and the very close relationship which our two countries enjoy. Ensuring Australia’s continued reputation as a high-quality provider, committed to student welfare and outcomes, is therefore essential.
Last year, approximately 6,700 Vietnamese students were studying in Australia – about 80% of them on a fee-paying basis. Australia continues to dominate both in terms of on-shore and off-shore delivery of education, although competition is already intensifying. That’s good – Australia does not fear competition! Australia is regarded as safe, tolerant, relatively cost-effective and multicultural, and is also one of the closest English-speaking countries to Vietnam.
The Australian Government continues to support education development in Vietnam. Through AusAID alone, the Australian Government has provided more than 2,300 scholarships to talented Vietnamese students over the last 15 years.
In addition, the Australian Government’s representative in education and training in Vietnam, Australian Education International (AEI Vietnam), has provided strong support in promoting the industry through many activities such as a journalism-training workshop, which concluded yesterday, the upcoming English Speaking Contest in May 2007, and the Australian Alumni Gala in Hanoi last night. It is all very good news.
Consistent with Australia's commitment to encouraging students from Vietnam to study in Australia, the Immigration and Citizenship Section of the Australian Embassy in Hanoi has recently reviewed and streamlined the visa process - with a view to achieving considerable cuts in processing delays and enabling students to arrive in Australia well in advance of their course commencement dates. The aim is to ensure students have the opportunity to settle into accommodation, explore their new campus, and prepare for the commencement of studies.
Potential students, and of course agents, can assist with this process by carefully reading information on the Embassy website, and lodging complete applications at least two months before course commencement.
Finally, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am very happy to open the IDP “Australian Education Exhibition 2007” in Hanoi. I would encourage students and parents to seek further advice about study options by talking with the many representatives from Australian institutions participating in this event.
Thank you and good luck!