Speeches
Thursday, 22 May 2025
StudyAdelaide – International Education Stakeholders Dinner
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.
I am delighted to be with you tonight in Ho Chi Minh City. This is my second visit as the Governor of South Australia, and I carry with me fond memories from my first visit.
Tonight, we are here to celebrate and continue fostering strong ties between South Australia and Vietnam through education and collaboration.
Education is the cornerstone of many bilateral relationships.
Throughout my career, I have witnessed how these people-to-people links forged through international education can create lasting bonds between countries. I’ve observed this and supported it in many roles that I have held during my career. And now as both Governor of South Australia and as Patron of StudyAdelaide I see the benefits for both our State and the students that choose to study with us.
For this reason, I am proud to be supporting the initiatives of the South Australian government and South Australia’s world-class education system, and a vibrant international education sector.
South Australia is deeply committed to strengthening its partnership with Vietnam and supporting Vietnamese students, whether they engage with South Australian programs here in Vietnam or study in Adelaide.
Vietnamese students form our state’s fourth-largest international student cohort and greatly enrich our society in South Australia. They excel academically and contribute meaningfully to our community, with many going on to receive StudyAdelaide International Student Awards and meaningful employment across the public and private sectors.
We recognise the significant economic and cultural contributions that Vietnamese students studying in Adelaide make to our community. Tonight, we also want to acknowledge the vital role that our alumni and education agents play in promoting and advocating for Adelaide as a study destination.
Adelaide is a vibrant, multicultural city with a high quality of life and a welcoming community. It is home to international students from over 130 countries. I encourage every Vietnamese student considering studying abroad to elect South Australia as their first option. Adelaide has a safe and friendly atmosphere where students can concentrate on their studies, and personal development, all while experiencing a blend of natural beauty and a rich, multicultural society.
South Australia’s economy is transforming, and many of our fastest-growing industries are seeing strong investments, including renewable energy, creative industries, high-tech, agribusiness, and space. We have established innovation precincts at Lot Fourteen, Tonsley Innovation District, and Adelaide BioMed City. These precincts are home to global companies and startups and are located in close to vocational and education training providers, and universities.
From schooling to university there is a focus on ensuring students are set up for the future through their learning. An example is the STEM Schools–Industry Partnerships initiative, where South Australian schools work closely with industry to ensure that education meets real-world needs. These collaborations equip students with practical skills and experiences, preparing them to tackle real-world challenges and transition smoothly into vocational education or university pathways.
In South Australia, we are proud of not only our access to industries but also the exceptional international education sector that is driven by passion, care, and authenticity.
We recognise that studying overseas presents both exciting opportunities, and challenging practicalities. Study Adelaide has developed a comprehensive support program to ensure that these international students are supported throughout their entire experience, from their applications through to finding employment. Our commitment to supporting international students is demonstrated by the more than 100 events that StudyAdelaide delivers each year.
As patron of StudyAdelaide, I observe firsthand the genuine commitment of the South Australian government and community to support Vietnamese students during their time in Adelaide.
Thank you for your attendance, it is wonderful to see so many of our alumni gathered here tonight. As alumni and education agents, you play a crucial role as ambassadors of Adelaide, promoting our universities, colleges, and schools, and guiding young people in choosing Adelaide as their study destination.
Thank you for strengthening the relationship between South Australia and Vietnam. We value your contributions and perseverance in helping Adelaide welcome Vietnamese students and support their success.