The Australia – Vietnam Strategic Technologies Forum 2026, themed “Strategic Technologies for a Resilient Future,” was held at the Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology (PTIT), bringing together representatives from government agencies, businesses, educational institutions, and research organizations from both countries. The event contributed to advancing cooperation in strategic and emerging technologies, connecting research with practical applications, and developing high-quality human resources.
Delegates and guests taking group photo at the Forum
The Forum was organized in line with the shared direction of strengthening science, technology, and innovation connectivity between Vietnam and Australia. In their recent Joint Statement, the leaders of the two countries recognized the Australia – Vietnam Strategic Technologies Centre (AVSTC) as an important cooperation model for advancing strategic and emerging technologies.
Co-founded by the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), PTIT, and Nokia, with support from the Governments of Australia and Vietnam, AVSTC serves as a platform connecting partners in research, technological innovation, digital transformation, and cybersecurity. The Forum provided an opportunity for scientists, policymakers, businesses, and students to exchange knowledge, identify areas for cooperation, and expand opportunities for human resource development in strategic technology fields.
Connecting Government, Academia, and Industry
H.E. Tran Trung Tinh, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology delivering remarks at the Forum
Speaking at the Forum, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Tran Trung Tinh emphasized:“The Forum demonstrates the growing strength of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Australia and Vietnam, while highlighting the important role of universities, businesses, and governments in building a resilient future driven by innovation. We are very pleased to welcome leading experts and partners to Hanoi to explore new opportunities for cooperation and talent development.”
Ms. Renee Deschamps, Deputy Ambassador of Australia to Vietnam, delivering remarks
Ms. Renee Deschamps, Deputy Ambassador of Australia to Vietnam, highlighted the cooperation achievements of the Centre: “In just over a year, AVSTC has brought together researchers, engineers, governments, and business partners from both countries to turn strategic technology cooperation into tangible outcomes. The Australian Government is proud to partner with Vietnam to strengthen trusted technology cooperation, enhance innovation capability, and contribute to a secure, prosperous, and connected digital future for both countries with a global vision.”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Quang Anh, Vice President of PTIT, delivering remarks
Highlighting AVSTC’s role in building a collaborative ecosystem among government agencies, educational institutions, and businesses, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Quang Anh, Vice President of PTIT, stated: “The Australia – Vietnam Strategic Technologies Forum 2026 goes beyond professional discussions, offering valuable practical experiences through hands-on training and technology demonstrations, nurturing scientific talent, and, in particular, promoting inclusive development values. The Forum provides a vivid demonstration of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and Australia. The event brings together transformative foundational and emerging technologies, including 5G/6G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and quantum technologies.”
Advancing Applied Research and Human Resource Development
Since its launch in June 2025, AVSTC has implemented a range of research, training, and capacity-building activities. The Centre has funded 12 Australia – Vietnam Strategic Technologies Seed Grant projects, focusing on practical applications such as AI safety, AI-powered sign language interpretation, quantum technologies, digital twin-enabled education, and advanced cancer detection methods.
Deputy Minister Tran Trung Tinh and Australian Deputy Ambassador Renee Deschamps presenting the Seed Grants
In addition, the Centre has awarded more than 100 AVSTC scholarships to students and engineers across Vietnam; organized training programs for policymakers and senior officials from both countries; and supported young researchers and PhD candidates.
The Centre’s capacity-building activities have involved experts and business partners from Australia, Vietnam, North America, Europe, Japan, and other countries. To encourage participation and promote women’s leadership in strategic technology fields, AVSTC has also launched the Women in Technology and Innovation Awards, recognizing approximately 40 outstanding female scientists and students across Vietnam.
H.E. Tran Trung Tinh, Deputy Minister and H.E. Renee Deschamps, Australian Deputy Ambassador presenting the Women in Technology and Innovation Awards
From Professional Exchange to Technology Experience
Held over two days, October 1-2, the Forum focused on future communications technologies, artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity, digital innovation, and industry collaboration.
Technical sessions introduced and discussed 5G/6G, mobile technology applications for real-time flood warnings, human-centered AI, autonomous robotic systems, advanced semiconductor technologies, and quantum science. Through these sessions, delegates exchanged views on the potential applications of technology to address practical challenges and develop areas for joint research.
Alongside the discussions, participants received hands-on equipment training under the guidance of Nokia experts and explored demonstrations of AI safety protocols, digital twin simulations, and robotics. With support from the Centre, AI and digital twin-enabled education platforms developed by industry partners, including YooTek, have also been piloted at several schools in Hanoi.
Professor Diep N. Nguyen, Director of the Australia – Vietnam Strategic Technologies Centre, delivering remarks
Professor Diep N. Nguyen, Director of the Australia – Vietnam Strategic Technologies Centre, shared: “By bringing together top scientists, industry leaders, and policymakers, AVSTC is turning advanced research into practical solutions. From hands-on industry training to PhD scholarships and research grants, we are equipping the next generation of researchers in Australia and Vietnam to tackle complex challenges in AI, AI security, cybersecurity, and digital inclusion.”
Expanding Cooperation for a Resilient Future
Beyond bilateral activities, AVSTC researchers have also contributed to international forums and conferences on responsible AI, 5G/6G cybersecurity, and privacy protection through scientific publications, technical reports, and specialized lectures.
During the high-level visit to Australia led by Party General Secretary and State President To Lam in August 2026, Minister of Science and Technology Vu Hai Quan highlighted AVSTC’s role in promoting technology-enabled sustainable development and expanding cooperation between the two countries. Areas of cooperation include joint research funding and support for startups and small and medium-sized enterprises in developing and applying strategic technologies.
Through professional exchanges, hands-on training, and partner connections, the Australia – Vietnam Strategic Technologies Forum 2026 contributed to deepening bilateral cooperation and connecting research with the needs of businesses and communities. As the host institution and a co-founder of AVSTC, PTIT continues to contribute to connecting knowledge, developing human resources, and promoting technology applications for a sustainable future.
About the Australia – Vietnam Strategic Technologies Centre
The Australia – Vietnam Strategic Technologies Centre (AVSTC), based at the Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology, was co-founded by the University of Technology Sydney, PTIT, and Nokia, with support from the Governments of Australia and Vietnam. The Centre focuses on advancing cooperation in research, training, and applications of strategic technologies, including 5G/6G, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, and digital transformation.
Some highlights from the Forum:
More Information
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- Australia – Vietnam Strategic Technologies Centre (PTIT): https://avstc.ptit.edu.vn/
- Australia – Vietnam Strategic Technologies Centre (UTS): https://www.uts.edu.au/research/centres/australia-vietnam-strategic-technologies-centre
