Tiếng ViệtEducation – workforce – trade and investment
Ho Chi Minh City, 13 August 2026 – The “Meet The Northern Territory” event was held at Le Méridien Saigon, bringing together representatives of the Northern Territory Government (NT), Study NT, the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (AusCham Vietnam), education and training institutions, and partners interested in cooperation with the NT.
Jointly organised by Study NT and AusCham Vietnam, the event focused on international education, workforce development, and cooperation opportunities between Vietnam and the NT.
Northern Territory – A Promising Hub for International Cooperation
With its strategic position facing Southeast Asia, the NT is strengthening workforce development, attracting investment, and expanding links with Asian markets. Delegates engaged directly with NT Government representatives and relevant organisations on development priorities, international workforce needs, and opportunities for Vietnamese students, education institutions, and businesses.
| The programme featured remarks by the Hon. Robyn Cahill OAM – NT Minister for International Education, Migration and Population – together with representatives of the Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations (DTBAR).
AusCham Vietnam and Study NT were represented by Mr. Edwin Law – Executive Director, Mr. Sam Conroy – President, and Ms. Renée Tennent – Director of Study NT, who shared updates on the NT education and training ecosystem and networking opportunities. |
 The Hon. Robyn Cahill OAM – NT Minister for International Education, Migration and Population – speaking at the event. |
Strengthening Vietnam – Northern Territory Connections
VAFIE – NTVBC representatives included Mr. Nguyen Ngoc My – VAFIE Vice Chairman and NTVBC Chairman – and Ms. Nguyen Thi Minh Hien – VAFIE Deputy Secretary General. During the programme, the delegation exchanged views with the Hon. Robyn Cahill OAM, DTBAR, Study NT, AusCham Vietnam, and education and training institutions.
The parties discussed cooperation in education, training, workforce development, investment, trade, and business connectivity, with a view to developing practical programmes between Vietnam and the NT.
 Ms. Nguyen Thi Minh Hien – Deputy Secretary General of VAFIE – in discussion with the CDU Director in Vietnam. |
 Mr. Nguyen Ngoc My in discussion with Northern Territory Government representatives and partners. |
Vocational Training Linked to Workforce and Investment Needs
A key NTVBC concern at the event was the gap between the NT’s shortage of technical workers and international students’ access to vocational training. NTVBC believes that vocational education and training (VET) should be regarded as the workforce foundation for trade and investment, rather than merely an international student recruitment activity.
NTVBC’s briefing for the event noted shortages in electrical, plumbing, welding, mechanical and construction trades, while some relevant vocational programmes are not open to international students or lack suitable pathways. NTVBC therefore proposed a pilot vocational training model linked to employer recruitment needs to connect training institutions in Vietnam and the NT with businesses’ practical workforce requirements.
| NTVBC’s Key Proposals at the Event
• Clarify pathways for opening technical vocational programmes to international students, including CRICOS registration requirements and suitable work placement arrangements. • Pilot an employer-linked vocational model using a 1+1 or partial-delivery approach, linking study programmes with employer commitments and NT workforce needs. • Establish focal points or a working group and hold a follow-up in-depth session to agree on a specific implementation plan. |
Connecting the Northern Territory Education and Training Ecosystem
One of the programme’s key features was networking with education and training institutions operating in the Northern Territory, including:
Alana Kaye College
Canterbury Institute of Management
Charles Darwin University (CDU)
Darwin City College of Management / Australian City International College
Haileybury Rendall School
International College of Advanced Education (ICAE)
Through these networking activities, delegates learned directly about training programmes, conditions for international students, cooperation needs, and opportunities for joint programmes between Australian and Vietnamese education institutions.
Presentation on study opportunities and options available to students in Darwin, Northern Territory.
From Education and Workforce Development to Trade and Investment
For VAFIE and NTVBC, cooperation in education and workforce development is an important component of the broader strategy to promote investment, trade, and business connectivity between Vietnam and the Northern Territory.
Preparing a workforce that meets Australian standards will enable Vietnamese businesses to progressively participate in sectors where the Northern Territory has development needs, including construction, logistics, processing industries, agriculture, technical services, and supply chains.
VAFIE and NTVBC will continue to coordinate with partners in the Northern Territory to advance workforce training programmes, business connectivity, and investment promotion, contributing to a more practical and sustainable Vietnam – Northern Territory partnership.
Delegates attending the “Meet The Northern Territory” event at Le Méridien Saigon on 13 August 2026.