South Australia eyes stronger educational ties with Ho Chi Minh City

During her visit to the city on Wednesday, part of a broader working trip to Vietnam, Governor Adamson met with Bui Xuan Cuong, deputy chairman of the city administration.

Their discussions focused on various areas for future collaboration, including education and training, transportation, tourism, science and technology, and innovation.

Speaking with the media, Governor Adamson stressed that education is a sustainable and mutually beneficial area of cooperation, offering long-term advantages for both sides.

An increasing number of Vietnamese students are opting to study in Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, which is known as Australia’s ‘university city.’

Adelaide currently hosts more than 59,000 international students from over 130 countries and contributes AU$3.2 billion to the state’s economy in the 2023-24 period.

The South Australian government continues to invest in its education system through initiatives that support both students and teachers.

These include programs aimed at enhancing digital and mathematical skills and improving the quality of teaching.

Governor Adamson also noted that current direct flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Adelaide make travel easier for students and residents.

She expected that increased air connectivity will further strengthen people-to-people links, particularly among students.

Meanwhile, the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) is already being implemented in several Vietnamese schools, offering students early exposure to international academic standards.

A highlight of the governor’s visit was her attendance at the inaugural graduation ceremony of students from the Nam Uc (South Australia) Scotch AGS School, an institution founded through cooperation between South Australia and Ho Chi Minh City.

Governor Adamson expressed confidence that more South Australian educational institutions are looking to explore opportunities and invest in Vietnam’s education sector in the near future.

During her trip, the governor also met with Vietnamese alumni in South Australia who are currently living and working in Ho Chi Minh City.

South Australia, located in the southern part of the Australian continent, has a population of approximately 1.8 million.