Australia increases investment in innovation in Vietnam

The Australian Government has once again reinforced their commitment to cooperation with Vietnam in knowledge and innovation with an additional budget of AUD3.5 million (US$2.7 million) provided to the Aus4Innovation programme.

The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology have applied and modified UTS's water monitoring technology into a version specifically for Vietnam. Four monitoring stations have been built in Phu Yen, providing real-time sea water quality warnings to lobster farmers and helping them protect their crops.
The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology have applied and modified UTS's water monitoring technology into a version specifically for Vietnam. Four monitoring stations have been built in Phu Yen, providing real-time sea water quality warnings to lobster farmers and helping them protect their crops.

Aus4Innovation is a development assistance programme that aims to strengthen Vietnam’s innovation system and help shape Vietnam’s innovation agenda in science and technology.

With the approved fund, total budget for the programme will reach AUD13.45 million, according to the announcement released by the Australian Embassy in Vietnam on May 18.

The additional funding will be used for activities within the programme while implementing initiatives to adapt to the post-COVID-19 economic recovery and prepare for the later phase of the programme until 2025.

Speaking at a meeting with the Vietnamese Minister of Science and Technology, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, Robyn Mudie said “I am delighted that, four years since Australia and Vietnam established an innovative partnership, the Aus4Innovation programme has brought about many concrete and meaningful results, creating a positive impact on the lives of the Vietnamese people.”

She also emphasised that the increase of investment in innovation with a fund of AUD3.5 million has reaffirmed Australia's commitment to promoting the strategic partnership with Vietnam with priorities given to knowledge and innovation.

Vietnamese Minister of Science and Technology Huynh Thanh Dat said that Vietnam appreciates the Australian Government's support through the Aus4Innovation programme and is also pleased to see what the programme has achieved as well as its influence on Vietnam's innovation ecosystem.

He noted that Vietnam will continue to work closely with Australia to ensure the success of the transitional phase, and looks forward to the broader impact of second phase of the programme.