Australia and Vietnam partner to drive innovation in strategic technologies

A groundbreaking partnership between Australia and Vietnam is set to revolutionise next-generation connectivity and cybersecurity.

The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) will lead the establishment of the Australia-Vietnam Strategic Technologies Centre, supported by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology.

The new centre will serve as a cutting-edge research hub for collaboration between the two countries in the areas of strategic technologies and cybersecurity, including 5G and emerging 6G technologies.

Nokia, a B2B technology innovation leader, is the founding technology partner. Nokia Digital Automation Cloud (DAC) will enable connectivity throughout the new center which will  be situated at the Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology (PTIT) in Hanoi, a leading university in communication technologies and digital transformation. 

Australian Ambassador for Cyber Affairs and Critical Technology Mr Brendan Dowling said the initiative would position both nations at the forefront of global connectivity, and support enhancing economic growth, security and digital inclusion.

“Aligned with the Vietnam-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, this new research centre aims to strengthen collaboration between our two nations on strategic technologies, including harnessing the potential of 5G and 6G technologies.

“It will drive digital transformation, foster technological and industry innovation, and enhance international cyber stability for our shared region,” Mr Dowling said.

The collaboration follows a visit by the Minister of the Ministry of Science and Technology Mr Nguyen Manh Hung to Australia and UTS Tech Lab in 2023, where discussions with Australia’s partners and industry leaders reinforced the need for deeper research and training partnerships.

Minister Nguyen Manh Hung said this initiative comes at a critical time for Vietnam.

“Advances in next-generation connectivity are key to implementing Party Resolution 57, which identifies national digital transformation, science and technology as essential drivers for socio-economic progress, supporting Vietnam's future growth and prosperity.

This collaboration between UTS and PTIT will bring together leading academics, industry experts, and policymakers to explore the transformative power of 5G and emerging 6G technologies,” he said.

UTS Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Andrew Parfitt said: “UTS is very proud to lead this project in collaboration with Post and Telecommunications Institute of Technology, Nokia and other partners.

"The Centre will create great opportunities for researchers and industry and government partners of the two countries to capitalise on strategic technology collaborations. It also highlights UTS’s vision to be a world-leading university with global impact, serving social justice, inclusion and UN sustainable development goals.”

“On behalf of UTS and our partners, I would like to acknowledge the Australian and Vietnamese governments for their support through DFAT and Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology and especially their trust in us to lead this very critical initiative”.

The Centre’s Director, Associate Professor Diep N. Nguyen said the centre would foster research excellence, policy leadership and the development of real-world applications that unlock the full potential of digital transformation.

“Nokia, the key industry driver and the technology partner of the project, anticipates 5G and 5G-Advanced will contribute up to $8 trillion in global GDP in 2030, opening new growth revenues for both Vietnam and Australia.

“Other emerging areas such as AI, semiconductor research, chip design and testing, clean energy, digital transformation, and environmental engineering also have potential for collaboration,” he said.

With its mission to bridge research, industry, and policy, the Australia-Vietnam Strategic Technologies Centre invites academics, businesses, and technology leaders to contribute to digital transformation.

Upcoming initiatives include establishment of the state-of-the-art 5G research lab, strategic technology seed funding, 5G scholarships, a women-in-technology mentorship program, and a 5G-enabled cultural exchange program.

Australia-Vietnam Strategic Technologies Centre 

• Empowering key industries: The Australia-Vietnam Strategic Technologies centre will fuel innovation across manufacturing, energy, transport, agriculture, healthcare, and education, accelerating technology adoption and digital transformation in both countries.
• A testbed for the future: By providing a controlled environment to trial and optimise 5G applications, businesses, governments, and research institutions can develop real-world solutions to challenges such as energy efficiency, resource management, and sustainable digital infrastructure.
• Seizing economic opportunities: Vietnam’s digital economy is projected to exceed $50 billion by 2025, driven by e-commerce and the digitalisation of SMEs. With Australia’s complementary expertise in advanced connectivity and cybersecurity, this collaboration will foster cross-border innovation and bilateral trade.

Beyond advancing next-generation connectivity, the centre is committed to building a robust cybersecurity framework that ensures the safe and responsible adoption of digital technologies.

• Enhancing cyber resilience: Through collaborative research and industry/government engagement, the centre will strengthen cybercrime prevention and cooperation, equipping both nations with stronger digital defence.
• Promoting ethical and inclusive digital practices: The centre will advocate for online safety and digital inclusivity, particularly focusing on creating a safer cyberspace for women, children, and vulnerable communities.
• Global impact on cyber stability: By promoting ethical technology use and responsible digital behaviour, the centre will contribute to a more stable and secure international cyberspace.