Ho Chi Minh City, December 26, 2024 at Saigon University (SGU), the Vietnam–Australia Startup and Innovation Association (VASIA) successfully hosted the program “Going Abroad to Return”. The event brought together speakers, entrepreneurs, and Vietnamese international students returning from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Tasmania to connect, inspire, and share their experiences with Vietnamese students.
The program created a vibrant and emotional atmosphere, as stories of studying, entrepreneurship, and success from Australia were shared directly with SGU students.
Strategic Partnership between VASIA and SGU
As part of the event, VASIA and SGU officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking a long-term collaboration in training, startup support, and innovation activities. Representing SGU, Assoc. Prof. Le Minh Triet – Vice Rector, attended the signing ceremony. Notably, he is among the youngest Associate Professors in Vietnam, recognized at the age of 33 in 2020.
Appreciation to Sponsors and Partners
The success of the event was made possible thanks to the support of valued sponsors and partners:
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EDSMART Group
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Saigon Dental Hospital
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PTE MAGIC
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Dizim – Alipo Creative
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Viet Thien Phu Company
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Vinahe Cashew Company (Binh Phuoc)
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Ocean Sunrise Vung Tau (BRG Group Vietnam)
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Ba Ria – Vung Tau Tourism Association
In particular, Uc Viet Company sponsored two travel awards worth AUD 2,000 (AUD 1,000 per student) to encourage SGU students in their learning and entrepreneurial journeys.
Inspiring Guest Speakers
The program proudly welcomed outstanding guest speakers:
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Vietnamese international students representing the young generation in Australia: Dat Huynh, Nguyen Hoang Ngoc Anh, Yen Nhi
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Successful startups returning from Australia: Peter Pham, Mr. Tho AI, Mr. Hoan
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Program MC: Ngoc Trang
Statement from the Organizers
Mr. Anthony Phan, President of VASIA, shared:
“We are proud that ‘Going Abroad to Return’ is not just a networking event but also a bridge that connects knowledge and entrepreneurship between Vietnam and Australia. The cooperation between VASIA and Saigon University will open new opportunities, bringing practical benefits to students and the startup community in 2025 and beyond.”
Looking Ahead to 2025
With success beyond expectations, “Going Abroad to Return” is expected to become an annual program of VASIA, bringing dynamic, creative, and impactful events for students and businesses in both Vietnam and Australia throughout 2025.
