Australia announces new business champion for Vietnam

O’Neal, chancellor of RMIT University, has a distinguished career in the business, legal and community sectors, and succeeds Louise Adams, following her significant contribution to advancing Australian commercial engagement and investor confidence in Vietnam, according to the Australian Embassy to Vietnam.

Vietnam is one of Australia’s fastest-growing economic partners and a key destination for Australian businesses seeking opportunities across sectors, including education and skills, agriculture and food, infrastructure, green energy transition and resources.

The Business Champion for Vietnam works closely with Australian and Vietnamese stakeholders across government and the private sector to promote Australian capability, deepen trade and investment, and support implementation of the Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.

O’Neal’s appointment builds on the strengths of RMIT University, which has a strong commitment to the Australia-Vietnam relationship, including as the first and only foreign university established in Vietnam.

Australia’s Ambassador to Vietnam Gillian Bird welcomed the appointment.

“Vietnam is a priority partner for Australia, and strong business-to-business links are central to deepening our economic relationship,” said Ambassador Bird.

“O’Neal brings extensive business experience and strong connections in Vietnam, and I look forward to working with her to support Australian investors and promote high quality, sustainable investment,” she said.

“Since joining RMIT University as chancellor in 2022, it has been a genuine privilege to spend time in-country getting to know the people of Vietnam and to see first-hand the potential of the Australia and Vietnam relationship,” said O’Neal.

“I look forward to continuing to build on the strong and productive relationship between our two countries, to the benefit of our regional prosperity,” she added.