Governor-General of Australia Sam Mostyn, Politburo member and President of the HCMA and Chairman of the Central Theory Council Nguyen Xuan Thang and delegates at the forum
Theevent marked a special occasion – the official visit to Vietnam by Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor – General of the Commonwealth of Australia.
Under the theme “Buiding Public Service Excellence in a New Era of Growth”, the forum brought together more than 500 seniorleaders, policymakers, scholars, and innovation experts from both countries, representing ministries, think tanks, international organisations, and the private sector.
In his opening address, Prof, Dr Nguyen Xuan Thang, Politburo member and President of the HCMA and Chairman of the Central Theory Council highlighted the increasing trust in ties between Vietnam and Australia. The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries is growing strongly across all sectors, including public governance innovation, and civil service capacity building.
Prof, Dr. Nguyen Xuan Thang, Politburo member and President of the HCMA and Chairman of the Central Theory Council speaks at the forum
He emphasised that civil service reform as a critical institutional breakthrough in Vietnam’s journey toward becoming a high-income developed nation by 2045. He underscored the need for a civil service marked by integrity, professionalism, creativity, and a commitment to public service.
Prof, Dr Nguyen Xuan Thang noted that Australia’s achievements in public sector reform, particularly in evidence-based governance, equitable public services, and digital integration, offer valuable lessons for Vietnam’s ongoing reform efforts. He hailed the forum as a chance for leaders, scholars and officials of the two countries to exchange experience.
He believed that through discussions, with the participation of leading officials, researchers, and experts from Vietnam and Australia, the forum would put forward concrete policy recommendations for Vietnam to further improve institutions and enhance public service performance. It would also help Vietnam select appropriate models of Australia – from data-driven public governance and public sector human resource development, to evaluation and accountability mechanisms – and shape new strategic cooperation pathways between our two countries, especially in training and capacity-building, digital transformation in the public sector, improving public service quality, and advancing institutional reform.
Speakingat the forum, Governor-General Sam Mostynaffirmed that the real strength of Australia - Vietnam partnership lies inthe our people—in the public servants, scholars, and leaders, the business owners and community leaders – who work every day to improve lives. Australia is proud to support Vietnam’s new era of growth, and to be walking together on this journey to create a future-ready, inclusive and diverse public service.
Praising the strong bilateral cooperation, she noted that in 2025, Vietnam and Australia will continue to work together to tackle complex global challenges such as volatile trade dynamics, economic growth, digital transformation, energy transition, climate change, gender equality, and public sector reform. Vietnam is entering a new development era with a clear ambition to become a high-income country by 2045, a goal that requires a dynamic economy, strong private sector growth, and modern, capable public institutions, she said.
The Australian Governor-General underlined that ambitious public sector reform programme is Vietnam’s most significant initiative since the “Doi Moi” (Renewal) policy launched in 1986. This forum reflects the shared vision of Vietnam and Australia and their close bond as long-time friends, she said.
Governor-General of Australia Sam Mostyn addresses the forum
Governor-General Sam Mostynechoed this sentiment, stating: “The theme of this year’s forum has resonance for both our countries, and relevance to our plans for the future, both as sovereign nations, and as regional partners. The reason we are here tody, to exchange ideas and learn from each othe about public sector reform, is that our countries are longstanding friends”.
Marking Vietnam’s 80th National Day, Governor-General Sam Mostyn expressed admiration for the country’s resilience and progress, calling its development story deeply inspiring.
The forum also served as a moment to reflect on progress since the bilateral relationship was elevated in 2024, and to reaffirm shared priorities for regional peace, prosperity, and self-reliance. Discussions centred on Vietnam’s institutional reform agenda, with key focus areas including legislative modernisation, digital transformation, international integration, and private sector development.
The event also highlighted Australia’s longstanding support for Vietnam’s public sector capacity building and human resource development.
Three senior Australian public sector leaders - Barry Sterland from the Productivity Commission, Jo Talbot from the Australian Public Service Commission, and Marcel Van Kints from Australian Bureau of Statistics - offered practical insights on smart governance, data-driven policy, and capacity building. Their contributions emphasised the collaborative approach both countries are taking to build adaptable, future-ready public institutions.
Delegates takes photo together
---
The forum is a flagship initiative of the Vietnam-Australia Center (VAC), supported by the Australian Government. As an annual dialogue, it fosters open exchange, knowledge sharing, and the generation of bold ideas to drive long-term cooperation under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.