Our Program

Designed around key UN SDGs, AVYLD 2024 program celebrate the 50th anniversary of Australia-ASEAN dialogue partnership with the theme ‘Strategic Partners: Elevating Our Region’.

17 August

Professor Carl Thayer, 'In Conversation' with Sen Nguyen – virtual Fireside Chat and Informal networking event

Topic: Australia-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and bilateral history
Speaker: Professor Carl Thayer
Moderator: AVYLD 2023 alumna Sen Nguyen

The aim of this chat is

To create an informal, engaging discussion on current Australia-Vietnam relations
To introduce AVYLD2024 delegates and alumni to a foundational understanding of bilateral relations and the importance and implications of the recent Australia Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership 2024
To provide an opportunity for delegates and alumni to ask questions about and discuss the history of bilateral and diplomatic relations, as well as political and geopolitical issues currently facing the region

Buddy Program

Details have been shared with Delegates via email.

11:00-13:00

Explore Melbourne at Melbourne Museum
Free exploration

the Melbourne Gallery which tells the story of beloved Melbourne city
Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre, a place imbued with the living traditions and knowledge of Koorie people and other cultures from around Australia
the Forest Gallery, featuring indigenous plants and cool-temperate rainforest that change through the seasons

13:00-14:00
Lunch

14:00 - 14:30

Challenge for Change groups allocation and briefing

Our AVLD Mission is to connect and nurture visionary, innovative leaders – especially young leaders – to strengthen the Australia and Vietnam bilateral relationship through building trust and deep people-to-people linkages working towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The Dialogue Challenge allows delegates to work in teams (with other delegates) to come up with a solution to an SDG challenge that is relevant to both Australia and Vietnam.

18:30-20:30
Welcome Dinner with AVLD Board of Directors and Steering Committee members

09:00 -10:15 | Victorian Parliament House
The Australia-Vietnam Relationship

This session will provide ‘scene-setting’, equipping participants with an understanding of the Australian Government’s key priorities and hopes for the Vietnam-Australia relationship, particularly in relation to the new Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

This session will explore the nature and substance of the Vietnam-Australia relationship, delving into the question of who we are, why the relationship matters and what we can achieve together. These broad questions of regional identity will provide a critical foundation for the dialogue, underscoring discussions of practical action in the following sector-specific sessions.

The discussion will canvas shared regional priorities, thinking about what greater collaboration can achieve. Tying these ideas together, the session will sketch a big-picture approach to Vietnam-Australia relations.

Welcome and opening remarks by Parliamentary Secretary, Paul Hamer MP

Speakers:

Scott Bradford, Deputy State Director, DFAT Victoria
Fiona Letos, Executive Director, Trade, Global Engagement and International Education, Global Victoria

Moderator:

Andrew Trinh, AVLD Partnerships and Engagement Director

11:00 -12:00 | KPMG Office
Panel: Multi-directional diaspora: challenges and opportunities

Moderator:

Christian Bien, Founder, Elucidate / AVYLD 2023 Alumnus

Speakers:

Chau Ta, Executive Director, Recap Investments / AVLD Board of Advisor
Liem Nguyen, Grant Manager, Bennelong Foundation / AVYLD 2023 Alumnus

12:00 - 12:30 | KPMG Office
“Challenge for Change"

Facilitators:

Samantha Wilson, AVLD People and Culture Director
Huong Dang, AVLD Executive Director

12:30 | KPMG Office
Lunch

With KPMG’s representatives

Dan Ginger, Associate Director, KPMG / AVYLD 2023 Alumnus

13:30 - 15:00 | KPMG Office
Cross-culture training

The session will help AVLD delegates build their knowledge and skills of understanding the business environment in Vietnam and Australia. Build an understanding of Vietnamese and Australian business styles and how to engage to ensure successful business outcomes.

Shiraz Engineer, Associate Director, Strategy & Capability and Head of Academy Programs, Asialink Business
Chau Ta, AVLD Board of Advisor

15:45-16:45 | Koorie Heritage Trust, Yarra Building, Federation Square

Birrarung Wilam (River Camp) Walk

The Birrarung Wilam Walk starts at Federation Square and leads to the Birrarung Wilam Aboriginal art installations. This walk is a chance to learn about the history of the Birrarung and the Aboriginal Peoples of the Kulin Nation.

17:30 | CBD
Dinner

09:00 - 11:45 / Investment Centre
Transformation Session 1

Join us in a facilitated discussion where we’ll create a space to self-reflect on our unique journeys and also create human connections with one another in the cohort. As leaders, we’ll explore what experiences have shaped us, how we want to show up now to lead, and what kind of legacy we want to leave throughout the 3 days together. Bring your authentic self, a journal, a pen to write with, and an open heart.

Facilitator: Allison Tsao, Founder, OD Consultant, Coach, and Facilitator, Humans Who Lead

12:00 / Investment Centre
Lunch - Inclusion for Change

This session will give participants the opportunity to reflect on their leadership and own experiences with inclusion and changemaking. Through an interactive session, participants can explore innovative ways of thinking with experienced leaders who have pioneered change across a range of sectors. Participants will guide conversation and ask questions that target their specific contexts and concerns.

Moderator:

Grace Corcoran, AVLD Program Director

Speakers:

Stephanie Copus Campbell, Ambassador for Gender Equality (video message)
Laura Burke, Senior Regional Manager, Southeast Asia at Global Victoria
Professor Bec Strating, Director of La Trobe Asia and Professor of International Relations, La Trobe University
Thao Griffiths, Head of Public Policy for Vietnam, Meta
Alex Workman, Western Sydney University/GLEPHA (LGBTQ x CALD DV)
Dr Angela Dwyer, Associate Professor in Policing at the School of Social Sciences, University of Tasmania

13:30 - 15:00 / Investment Centre
Cultural and gender perspectives on violence and health in Australia and Vietnam

This panel discussion aims to explore the intricate relationship between cultural and gender dynamics, violence, and health in Australia and Vietnam. The session will bring together experts, leaders, and young professionals to examine how cultural norms and gender roles influence experiences of violence and health outcomes in these two diverse contexts. By fostering a dialogue that spans geographic and cultural boundaries, this session seeks to uncover common challenges and share effective strategies for addressing violence and improving health.

Moderator:

Dr Melissa Jardine, AVLD Board Chair

Speakers:

Professor Kyllie Cripps, Monash Indigenous Studies Centre
Dr Cuong La, Team Leaders, Respectful Communities Strategy, Prevention and Education, La Trobe Univeristy
Associate Professor Angela Dwyer, University of Tasmania
Alex Workman, Western Sydney University/GLEPHA (LGBTQ x CALD DV)

15:00 / Investment Centre
Light refreshments

15:30 - 16:30 / Investment Centre
Entrepreneurship

This panel discussion will explore the multifaceted journey of entrepreneurship, with a focus on leadership, team-building, and the courage to step outside of your comfort zone. This session aims to inspire delegates to take the leap into building something meaningful and to address common challenges that prevent people from starting an entrepreneurial journey. By highlighting the stories of individuals who have made a significant impact we will challenge conventional notions of what it means to be an entrepreneur and how to apply entrepreneurial traits within existing organisations.

Moderator:

Andrew Duck, AVLD Board Director and AVYLD 2019 alumnus

Speakers:

Nhat Nguyen, Mission Manager, Space Machines Company / AVYLD 2021 alumnus
Nornie Bero, Founder and CEO, Mabu Mabu
Raphael Mudge, Founder, Strategic Cyber, LLC

17:30-20:00 / Investment Centre
Elevating Our Region Through Youth Leadership: NetworkingEvent

To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Australia-ASEAN, our "Elevating Our Region Through Youth Leadership" event is designed to bring together emerging leaders, professionals, and changemakers who are passionate about empowering youth across the region.

The evening will feature keynote speakers who are youth leaders in their fields, sharing insights on the transformative power of youth leadership in driving regional growth and innovation. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with peers, exchange ideas, and build meaningful relationships that can lead to future collaborations.

MC:

Grace Corcoran, AVLD Program Director

Keynote speaker:

Juliet Bao Ngoc Doling, Actress and Environmentalist
Nathaniel Diong, Founder & CEO, Future Minds Network
Celia Tran, Manager Communications and Community Engagement, Scanlon Foundation Research Institute / Australia-Vietnam Young Leadership Dialogue 2024 Delegate / Founder and Co-President of the Vietnamese Australian Professional Network

10:00 / De Bortoli (Yarra Valley)

Morning tea and discuss about “Challenge for Change”

Facilitators:

Samantha Wilson, AVLD People and Culture Director
Huong Dang, AVLD Executive Director

10:30 - 12:00 / De Bortoli (Yarra Valley)

Climate, Agriculture & Renewable Energies

This session aims to capture the expertise and experience of Australian and Vietnamese stakeholders leading various aspects of the work to decarbonize our economies. The session will look at Australia and Vietnam’s broad ambitions for decarbonization and energy transition and the scale and scope of the task. It will assess where key challenges lie, including in the adoption and deployment of technology, agriculture, policy reforms and shifts in market systems, and ensuring the transition generates broadly shared economic and social benefits.

Through an interactive session, participants can explore innovative ways of thinking with experienced leaders who have pioneered change across a range of sectors. Participants will guide conversation and ask questions that target their specific contexts and concerns.

Moderator:

Tuan Anh (Ben) Khuat, Policy Manager (Vietnam), Climate Works Centre

Speakers:

William Taing, Director, Beanstalk AgTech / AVYLD 2021 alumnus
Dan Ginger, Associate Director, KPMG / AVYLD 2023 alumnus
Louise Poh, Head of Marketing, De Bortoli Wines

12:00 / De Bortoli Wines Yarra Valley Cellar Door and Restaurant

Lunch

Speech from De Bortoli

13:30 - 16: 00 / De Bortoli (Yarra Valley)

Transformation Session 2

Facilitator: Allison Tsao, Founder, OD Consultant, Coach, and Facilitator, Humans Who Lead

16:00 - 17:00 / De Bortoli (Yarra Valley)

Winery Tour

An exclusive experience learning about wine and the art of wine tasting while hearing from De Bortoli staff about impacts of climate change, fires, pesticides, future proofing for future risks etc.

19:30 / Federation Square

Dinner at Big Esso (Mabu Mabu)

Dinner dishes showcasing the flavours of native ingredients.

9:00 - 10:00

Melbourne Laneway Tour

Led by Grace Corcoran, AVLD Program Director

10:30 - 12:00 / AVPI
Meet AVLD Patron in Australia - Sir Peter Cosgrove, General the Honourable, AK AC(Mil) CVO MC (RETD)

This In-Conversation with AVLD Patron will include a frank discussion about the challenges of leadership and how to address complex problems in a rapidly changing environment.

This session will invite delegates to reflect on their own leadership styles, key attributes of good leaders, and how to confront difficult problems.

Introduction to welcome to AVPI

Moderator:

Thao Griffiths, Head of Public Policy for Vietnam, Meta / AVLD Board Advisor

12:00 - 13:00 / AVPI
Partnership Building in the Australia Vietnam Bilateral Relationship - an AVPI Perspective

Lunch

13:00 - 15:00 / AVPI
Transformation Session 3

Facilitator: Allison Tsao, Founder, OD Consultant, Coach, and Facilitator, Humans Who Lead

15:30 - 16:15 / Study Melbourne Hub
Education, International Exchange and Skills

This session will discuss the evolving trends in the education and skills sectors to meet rapidly changing economic and social needs, focusing on opportunities for stronger Vietnamese-Australian collaboration.

Southeast Asia's growing middle class, young demographics, and evolving workforce needs are driving a strong demand for adaptable education services, presenting opportunities for both Australian and Vietnamese education providers. International exchange will play a key role in creating the skills and capabilities required for many young people navigating an increasingly globalized world. Education institutions must be receptive to changing student preferences and industry needs to provide students with the requisite skills to navigate the changing workforce.

Moderator:

Samantha Wilson, AVLD People and Culture Director

Speakers:

Caroline Hartnett, Director of Study Melbourne
Professor Ly Tran, Deakin University
Tom Bentley, Executive Director for Policy, Strategy and Impact, and Vice-Chancellor's Innovation Professor, RMIT University

17:30 - 20:15 / Melbourne Town Hall
"Strategic Partners: Elevating Our Region" Networking Reception

AVLD proudly presents "Strategic Partners: Elevating Our Region," an exclusive high-level reception celebrating the achievements of our 2024 delegates and fostering connections among influential leaders committed to shaping the future of our region.

We are honored to welcome our featured guests, including Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Tim Watts, Caroline Hartnett (Director, Study Melbourne), Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece, and Mr. Nghiem Xuan Hoa (Deputy Chief of Mission, Vietnam Embassy). Their presence underscores the significance of this gathering, where key stakeholders will engage in meaningful dialogue, share insights, and explore strategic partnerships that can drive innovation and positive change across our region.

It will be an evening dedicated to celebrating leadership, building connections, and shaping a brighter future through collaboration.

MC:

Dr Melissa Jardine, AVLD Board Chair

Distinguished guest speakers:

Tim Watts, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs,
Caroline Hartnett, Director, Study Melbourne
Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece
Nghiem Xuan Hoa, Deputy Chief of Mission, Vietnam Embassy

9:30 - 11:00 / Melbourne Town Hall

Sustainable Cities & Communities

The "Sustainable Cities & Communities" session highlights innovative projects and case studies from both Melbourne and Vietnam that focus on building sustainable, resilient communities. This session features three speakers who will present their work on key initiatives, including urban sustainability in Melbourne and impactful food rescue programs that nourish local communities.

Attendees will gain insights into practical solutions for creating healthier, more connected cities, with a focus on how these projects address environmental challenges and promote social equity. This session offers an opportunity to learn from real-world examples of sustainability in action, both locally and globally.

Moderator:

Trang Nguyen, Southeast Asia Lead, Climate Work

Speakers:

David Sweeting, Manager, City Resilience and Sustainable Futures of City of Melbourne
Louise Tran, VietHarvest co-founder / AVYLD 2019 alumna
Simon Hammer, Delivery Lead, Alluvium Group

12:15: 12:35 / Aurecon

Keynote address by Australia’s Business Champion to Vietnam

Vietnam and Australia share bright economic growth prospects, geographical proximity and economic complementary. At a time of growing protectionism and fragmentation, Vietnam and Australia are also like minded on rules-based economic integration and have a mutual interest in diversifying trade and investment. This session will explore Vietnamese and Australia strategies for inclusive growth, the role that our economic partnership can play, and what needs to be done to unlock the potential.

This session will deepen understanding of the current Vietnam-Australia trade relationship, highlighting practical measures that can facilitate an improved trade and investment relationship and sectors of emerging importance for inclusive economic outcomes.

Keynote speech by Louise Adams, Chief Operating Officer, Aurecon

12:35 - 13:30 / Aurecon

Lunch

13:30 - 15:00 / Aurecon

Digital Transformation

This session will discuss key trends, opportunities, and challenges of digital transformation and how Vietnam and Australia can capitalize on shifting global dynamics. It will focus on how digital technology and leapfrogging can help drive economic growth and development in Southeast Asia including in manufacturing and services and provide opportunities for two-way investment and cross-pollination with Australia. It will also consider how to foster transformative technologies that provide broad public benefits, as well as managing the risks of new and emerging technology.

This session will examine how digital transformation can be more effectively harnessed to drive economic growth and social development, including through collaboration between Vietnam and Australia.

Moderator:

Andrew Duck, AVLD Board Director, AVYLD 2019 alumnus

Speakers:

Dr. Vu Tran Binh - Head of Consulting, FPT Australasia
Laura Pfiester, Head of Smart City Incubator, City of Melbourne
Dr. Tam Nguyen, Deputy Director of Research, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne
Shane Chanel, Founder and CEO, Yondr Money

15:00 - 16:00 / Aurecon

Light Refreshments (Break)

Preparation for Presentation

16:00 - 17:15 / Aurecon

Closing Reception

Presentations of Dialogue Challenge for Change
Light refreshments (Drinks)

Moderator:

Grace Corcoran, AVLD Program Director

Guests:

Louise Adams, Chief Operating Officer, Aurecon
Scott Bradford, Deputy State Director, DFAT
Laura Burke, Senior Regional Manager, Global Victoria
Troy Crellin, Chief Executive Officer, Killara Foundation
Andrew Duck, AVLD Board Director, AVYLD 2019 alumnus

18:30 / Docklands

Yarra Cruise and Graduation

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