Professor S. Bruce Dowton, Vice-Chancellor of Macquarie University, concluded his visit to Vietnam, marking a significant milestone in the university's endeavours to strengthen ties with Vietnam and commemorate its 60th Anniversary. Professor Dowton's visit underscored Macquarie University's dedication to enhancing relations with Vietnam and advancing educational excellence and innovation. Vietnam holds a pivotal position in the university's global education strategy, and the visit aimed to deepen existing partnerships while exploring new avenues for collaboration.
During the visit, the Vice-Chancellor participated in a conference organized in collaboration with several entities, including the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST), BK Holdings, Hanoi Innovation & Startup Association (HANISA), and the Vietnam Network of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centres of Universities and Colleges (VNEI). This event showcased Macquarie University's innovation model and highlighted the vital role of universities in nurturing innovative ecosystems. It attracted participants from various sectors across Vietnam.
A notable aspect of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Macquarie University and the Vietnam Network of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centres of Universities and Colleges (VNEI). This MOU represents VNEI's first international collaboration and signifies a significant step toward fostering innovation within Vietnamese universities. The signing ceremony symbolized a commitment to mutual support and collaboration in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives, thereby strengthening the bonds between Macquarie University and Vietnam's academic community.
Additionally, Professor Dowton engaged with Macquarie's strategic partner universities to bolster partnerships in areas such as academic collaboration, joint research endeavours, student exchange programs, and faculty exchanges. Furthermore, he participated in an informal session titled "Coffee with the Vice-Chancellor," where he directly interacted with high-achieving students, providing insights into Macquarie's vision and leadership. This personal engagement deepened students' connection to Macquarie University and its leadership, fostering a sense of belonging as they embarked on their academic pursuits.
