Speeches
Thursday, 22 May 2025
StudyAdelaide – Friends of Adelaide
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, friends, all
It is a pleasure to be back in Vietnam, and Hanoi in particular. This marks my second visit to this city, as Governor of South Australia, and I return with warm memories from my previous visit.
Today’s breakfast event celebrates connections, bringing together South Australian alumni, institutions, and valued partners to share stories and strengthen relationships. It is about reconnecting with the broader South Australian community and acknowledging the contributions our alumni make to the enduring relationship between South Australia and Vietnam.
The Vietnamese community is a central part of South Australia’s multicultural society. I see firsthand how our community is enriched by the shared understanding of each other’s cultures, which you exemplify through your time in both communities and the personal and professional connections you have created.
I am delighted to continue strengthening the relationship between South Australia and Vietnam, one that is deeply rooted in our shared commitment to education and enriched by our longstanding cultural connections.
In my engagements with representatives of many foreign governments and diplomats over the years, I have observed that education is often a cornerstone of many bilateral relations, serving as one of the most powerful bonds between countries.
Adelaide is a multicultural city that embraces Vietnamese students and their contributions to our state, city, classrooms, and communities. In turn, students gain access to high-quality education, a strong support system, and the vibrant lifestyle that only Adelaide offers, which I hope the alumni in the room have fond recollections of and which has continued to grow since your time in Adelaide.
South Australia’s economy is transforming, and many of our fastest-growing industries are seeing strong investment, including renewable energy, creative industries, high-tech, agribusiness, and space. I know many of these industries are also areas of growing strengths and focus for Vietnam, such as critical technologies and renewable energy.
We have established innovation precincts at Lot Fourteen, Tonsley Innovation District, and Adelaide BioMed City, and are building a new Women’s and Children’s Hospital, as well as expanding the Flinders Medical Centre — and these are within walking distance of our university campuses.
This proximity is more than a convenience – it allows students to engage with industry, gain hands-on experience, and build connections with global companies while they study.
In Adelaide, we are proud not just of our access to quality education and growing industries but also of the comprehensive support we offer international students. From the moment they arrive till graduation, students are supported every step of the way.
In South Australia, there is a strong focus on connecting international students to businesses and industries during their time in Adelaide, so they can graduate with both a world class qualification, and the industry connections and experience to set them up for success when they return to Vietnam, or if they wish to start their career in Adelaide.
As patron of StudyAdelaide, I observe firsthand the genuine commitment from the South Australian government, education institutions and community to support Vietnamese students during their time living and learning in Adelaide.
We are grateful for the invaluable contributions Vietnamese students, including all of you in the room, make to the South Australian community.
I also want to acknowledge the Australia Awards recipients here, I have had the privilege of meeting many Australia Award students in various roles that I have held and I’m always impressed by the leadership roles that these scholars move into following their studies in Australia and I look forward to hearing updates from you during the conversation over breakfast.
Thank you for your attendance today. It is inspiring to see so many alumni and our Australia award recipients present in the room. Thank you also for your support in sharing your experiences and the opportunities Adelaide offers for Vietnamese students as they consider the next stage of their education.