We are glad to share our director’s interview with Vietnam IT day as below.
Vietnam IT days in Melbourne aims to strengthen the partnership and collaboration between Vietnam and Australia in the IT sector and it is an annual event connecting Australian IT companies and Vietnamese counterparts, We had the privilege of sitting down with Mr. Harry Tran, vice president cum head of external relation as well as head of trade promotion of the Vietnamese Entrepreneurs Association in Sydney (VEAS) and serving as the CEO at Australia -Vietnam Trade & Investment Promotion. In this exclusive interview, we delved into the prospects of collaboration between Vietnam and Australia in the IT sector. Mr. Harry shared insights into the current relationship between the two countries, the opportunities for industrial collaboration, and highlighted key activities that demonstrate the growing partnership.
Mr Harry Tran (first from right)
1. How would you describe the current relationship between Vietnam and Australia in the IT sector?
Vietnam and Australia share an excellent relationship across various sectors, including the IT industry. The evidence lies in the extensive activities commemorating the 50th anniversary of our diplomatic relationship. These initiatives have fostered developments in areas such as economy, education, and technology, with visits from Australian diplomats and numerous national-level programs.
The strong relationship between Vietnam and Australia can be attributed to their joint participation in impactful trade agreements like AANZFTA, CPTPP, and RCEP. These agreements have effectively promoted economic relations between the member nations, including Vietnam and Australia.
Australia is home to a large Vietnamese community. Many Vietnamese individuals migrated to Australia, and a significant number of Vietnamese students. The Vietnamese-born population ranks as the 6th largest migrant community in Australia, accounting for 1.0% of the total population (Australian Government). Australia’s environment and exceptional human resources training make it an attractive destination. Its robust service sectors, including insurance, banking, securities, and IT, provide valuable support to Vietnam’s growth.
2. What potential do you see in the IT sector of both Vietnam and Australia?
The IT sector in both Vietnam and Australia holds immense potential. I am waiting for a flourishing IT relationship between the two countries in the near future. Numerous Vietnam’s technology firms from Vietnam have actively entered the Australian market, setting up offices, branches, and offering outsourcing services. They have established a strong presence in Australia, demonstrating their capabilities in the IT field.
On the other hand, Australian enterprises are also recognizing the opportunities present in the Vietnamese market. While Australian businesses have been collaborating with the Indian market, they now seek diversification and acknowledge the untapped potential of the IT talent pool in Vietnam. This growing interest further strengthens the prospects of collaboration in the IT sector between the two nations.
3. In your opinion, what are the key areas of collaboration and opportunities for Vietnam and Australia in the IT sector?
Collaboration between Vietnam and Australia in the IT sector offers opportunities in various key areas.
In Australia, there is significant potential for IT workforce development as the digital economy expands rapidly. The demand for IT professionals is high among government agencies and enterprises, creating a primary area of collaboration in enhancing IT capabilities. By 2024, Deloitte projects a need for over 1 million technology employees in Australia. (https://www2.deloitte.com/…/australias-digital-pulse.html)
Vietnam, on the other hand, possesses a rich pool of IT talent capable of meeting Australia’s requirements. Vietnamese businesses have demonstrated excellence in software outsourcing, coding, programming, and other IT-related activities. Australian citizens, businesses, and the government embrace technology and benefit from supportive policies, creating a favorable environment for Vietnamese businesses to engage in projects.
4. Can you tell us about any specific activities or initiatives that promote IT cooperation between Vietnam and Australia?
One notable upcoming event is the Vietnam IT Day 2023 in Melbourne. This event presents an excellent opportunity for Australian businesses to gain insights into the Vietnamese IT industry and establish connections with Vietnamese IT companies. Scheduled for August 15, 2023, the event is co-organized by GITS GROUP, VNITO, ITPA, with the support of prominent Vietnamese IT companies such as ICTS, Dekon, HOPEE, NOIS, Twendee, etc.. Companies of all sizes in IT sector from both countries will be participating.
Furthermore, government-related activities like techfest programs and initiatives aimed at promoting startups in key technology fields such as fintech, edtech, medtech, and agritech should be encouraged in the coming years. These activities will facilitate networking opportunities for startups to connect with investors and receive support from the governments of both countries through favorable policies and mechanisms.
5. How do you envision the future of collaboration between Vietnam and Australia in the IT sector?
Looking towards the future, the collaboration between Vietnam and Australia in the IT sector holds great promise. Annual events like Vietnam IT Day should be organized in a more systematic manner, expanding to major Australian cities such Sydney, Melbourne, Parramatta….
As Vietnam and Australia deepen their collaboration in the IT sector, they pave the way for a mutually beneficial partnership that drives innovation, economic growth, and technological advancements. With the combined strengths of Vietnam’s thriving IT industry and Australia’s demand for IT talent, the future collaboration between the two nations presents significant opportunities for success in the dynamic and evolving IT sector.
Further information of event