AUSTRALIA–VIETNAM STRATEGIC TECHNOLOGIES FORUM 2026: STRENGTHENING INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AND INNOVATION IN STRATEGIC TECHNOLOGIES

On October 3, 2026, the Australia–Vietnam Strategic Technologies Forum 2026 was held at the Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology (PTIT) in Hanoi, bringing together government representatives, business leaders, researchers, technology experts, and innovation organisations from Australia and Vietnam.

Under the theme “Strategic Technologies for Resilient Futures,” the Forum served as an important bilateral platform to promote knowledge exchange, strengthen research collaboration, and explore opportunities for technological development between the two countries.

PTIT – A Bridge for Strategic Technology Cooperation between Australia and Vietnam

The Forum was organised within the framework of the Australia–Vietnam Strategic Technologies Centre (AVSTC), a collaborative initiative co-founded by the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), the Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology (PTIT), and Nokia, with support from the governments of Australia and Vietnam.

Established in June 2025 and based at PTIT, AVSTC serves as a strategic platform connecting the two countries in scientific research, technological innovation, digital transformation, and cybersecurity. The Centre aims to foster a dynamic cooperation ecosystem involving government agencies, universities, research institutions, and businesses.

The Forum highlighted the importance of expanding scientific and technological cooperation beyond academic exchange towards practical applications through advanced training, technology demonstrations, human resource development, and inclusive innovation.

Exploring Emerging and Foundational Technologies

Throughout the Forum, international experts discussed a range of strategic technology fields that are shaping the future development of both countries, including:

• Next-generation telecommunications technologies, particularly 5G and 6G;
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and human-centred AI systems;
• Cybersecurity and digital resilience;
• Advanced semiconductor technologies;
• Quantum technologies;
• Autonomous robotics and digital technology applications.

In addition to expert discussions, the programme featured hands-on technology training led by Nokia specialists, demonstrations of AI safety solutions, Digital Twin simulations, and robotics exhibitions. These activities provided participants with opportunities to experience emerging technologies firsthand and strengthen connections between academic research and practical applications.

AVSTC Promoting Research and Innovation Ecosystem Development

Since its establishment, AVSTC has achieved significant progress in strengthening technological cooperation between Australia and Vietnam. The Centre has supported more than 12 Australia–Vietnam Strategic Technologies Seed Grant projects, fostering practical applications in areas such as AI safety, AI-powered sign language translation, quantum technologies, and Digital Twin-enabled education platforms.

The Centre has also awarded more than 100 AVST scholarships to students and engineers in Vietnam, delivered strategic training programmes for policymakers and senior leaders, and supported early-career researchers and PhD candidates.

Notably, to promote women’s participation and leadership in strategic technology fields, AVSTC has introduced the Women in Technology and Innovation Awards, recognising approximately 30 outstanding female scientists, technology leaders, and students in Vietnam.

Through research collaboration, capacity-building programmes, and industry engagement, AVSTC continues to strengthen its role in developing high-quality human resources, facilitating knowledge transfer, and translating research outcomes into practical solutions.

The Australia–Vietnam Strategic Technologies Forum 2026 not only created new opportunities for cooperation among educational institutions, research organisations, and businesses from both countries but also contributed to strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and Australia.

The Forum further reaffirmed PTIT’s role in connecting international resources, promoting scientific research and innovation, and advancing strategic technologies towards a sustainable digital future.