L-R , Sunny Yang (Monash University), Professor Robyn Ward (Monash University), Francis Wong (Becamex), Hai Vu (Monash University), Kha Kieu (Becamex)
Monash University has signed an MoU with Vietnam’s Becamex Group, establishing a strategic partnership to support the development of world-leading science, technology and innovation initiatives in Vietnam.
The agreement lays the foundation for long-term collaboration in research, innovation, education and industry engagement, bringing together Monash’s internationally recognised expertise with Becamex’s vision to develop an integrated innovation and sustainable ecosystem in northern Ho Chi Minh City.
Becamex has been tasked with leading the transformation of the former Bình Dương New City into the Northern Ho Chi Minh City Science and Technology Urban Area. The ambitious development will integrate advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, research and development, universities, start-up ecosystems, smart and ecological technologies to help drive Vietnam’s next phase of economic and technological growth.
The partnership builds on Monash’s longstanding engagement in Vietnam, including its successful collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction through the Joint Research and Training Hub for sustainable urban development and smart city innovation.
Professor Hai Vu, Deputy Dean (Research), Faculty of Engineering, and Monash Institute of Transport Studies, said the MoU would create a platform for multidisciplinary collaboration across areas critical to Vietnam’s future development.
“Becamex has an ambitious vision to create one of Southeast Asia’s leading science and innovation ecosystems, and Monash is well placed to contribute our internationally recognised expertise in engineering, transport, digital technologies, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and sustainable urban development,” Professor Vu said.
“This partnership provides a framework to bring together researchers, industry and government to co-develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges, while supporting education, workforce development and technology translation.”
“Importantly, it builds on the strong relationships Monash has already established in Vietnam, including our successful smart mobility and digital twin collaborations in Ho Chi Minh City, and creates new opportunities to expand our research impact at scale.”
The MoU provides a framework for the two organisations to explore collaborative research, innovation programs, education and training initiatives, talent development, technology transfer and commercialisation, and industry partnerships that support the growth of Vietnam’s emerging science and technology sector.
Monash University Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) and Senior Vice-President, Professor Robyn Ward AM, said the partnership reflected Monash’s commitment to working alongside governments and industry to address complex global and regional challenges.
“Strategic partnerships like this reinforce Monash’s leadership in working with governments, industry and communities across the Indo-Pacific to build capability, develop talent and foster innovation that benefits the region,” Professor Ward said.
“Vietnam is an important regional partner for Australia, and this agreement creates new opportunities to strengthen collaboration between our two countries in research, innovation, education and enterprise.”
