The working session between Permanent Vice Minister of Science and Technology Vu Hai Quan and the Australian Ambassador to Vietnam focused on exchanging cooperation orientations between the two countries in the fields of science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation in the coming time.
On the afternoon of March 9, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Science and Technology (MST), Permanent Vice Minister of Science and Technology Vu Hai Quan received and worked with the Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, Gillian Bird, along with a delegation from the Australian Embassy.
Fostering the Digital Economy and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
One of the key topics discussed during the meeting was promoting the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on digital economy development between Vietnam and Australia. Currently, the draft document provided by the Australian side is being reviewed and commented on by relevant Vietnamese agencies before proceeding to the next steps in the negotiations. This document is expected to establish a cooperative framework in areas such as digital economy development, digital transformation, and the promotion of emerging tech industries.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) was also a topic that both sides spent significant time discussing. In the context of Australia building a whole-of-government strategy on international cooperation and its regional leadership role in AI, the Vietnamese side proposed strengthening joint research programs between research institutes, universities, and tech enterprises of the two countries. Potential areas of cooperation include developing AI applications in healthcare, education, smart agriculture, resource management, and climate change response.
The working session focused on exchanging cooperation orientations between the two countries in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation for the upcoming period.
From the perspective of tech ecosystem development, the Vietnamese side also proposed guidelines for building a trustworthy AI ecosystem, ensuring harmony among technological innovation, data sovereignty, and ethical principles in AI applications. Along with this are cooperative programs for training AI human resources through expert exchanges, postgraduate training programs, and capacity-building activities for research and technology management teams.
Accelerating Innovation Programs and Digital Infrastructure
Regarding cooperation in innovation, both sides paid special attention to the Aus4Innovation Program. At the meeting, the Australian side proposed that MoST appoint a representative to join the program’s Steering Committee to co-coordinate cooperative activities in the next phase. Alongside project funding activities, the Program also aims to develop tools to measure policy impacts on the innovation ecosystem, thereby improving management efficiency and strengthening links between research organizations and enterprises.
The Vietnamese side also emphasized the role of the Australia – Vietnam Strategic Technology Center (AVSTC), which was inaugurated in June 2025, in promoting collaborative research on emerging technologies. Leadership from MoST expressed the desire for both sides to soon deploy specific research programs through this center, focusing on strategic technological fields such as next-generation telecommunications, particularly 5G and 6G.
In the digital infrastructure sector, the Australian side mentioned the possibility of supporting Vietnam in deploying its Submarine Fiber Optic Cable Development Strategy through 2030. This support could include sharing experiences in contractor selection, sharing data for cable routing, and providing technical solutions to mitigate risks that could affect the submarine cable system’s operations.
In addition, the Australian side expressed a desire to receive support from MoST in deploying the Australia-Vietnam Innovation and Technology Cooperation Initiative. This initiative aims to assist Vietnamese researchers in executing projects related to technology, a sustainable marine economy, and waste management and recycling.
Speaking at the working session, Permanent Vice Minister of Science and Technology Vu Hai Quan highly appreciated Australia’s cooperation and support in recent times. He affirmed that MoST stands ready to coordinate closely with Australian partners to deepen cooperative programs, contributing to strengthening the connection of the science, technology, and innovation ecosystems between the two nations.
