Strengthening educational partnerships with new Vietnamese Ambassador

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington recently hosted the newly appointed Ambassador of Viet Nam to New Zealand, who was appointed to the role in April this year.

A woman with long dark hair standing with a man with black suit holding a wooden plaque with koru
Dr Logan Bannister and His Excellency Mr Phan Minh Giang, Ambassador of Vietnam to New Zealand
His Excellency Mr Phan Minh Giang, Ambassador of Viet Nam to New Zealand, along with Mr Truong Phu Phong, First Secretary, met last week with Deputy Vice Chancellor, Students, Dr Logan Bannister, Director of International Amy Rutherford, and academic leaders from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Ambassador Phan Minh Giang ensured visiting Te Herenga Waka was one of his first engagements as he has an existing connection to our university as an alumnus of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam—one of our key international partners.

During the meeting, the Ambassador discussed existing training courses and programmes offered for Vietnamese officials and students and explored further opportunities for cooperation in education and capacity building between Viet Nam and Victoria University of Wellington.

Dr Bannister was delighted to welcome the Ambassador to our Kelburn campus and used the opportunity to highlight the strong and longstanding relationship between New Zealand and Viet Nam, alongside the valuable partnerships VUW has established in the region.

“Our engagement with Viet Nam extends beyond student enrolments. Through our capacity-building programmes, including the English Language Training for Officials and the Public Sector Training Short Scholarships with Uni-Professional, we contribute to Viet Nam’s development goals and offer valuable learning experiences that create real impact.”

Victoria University of Wellington was the first New Zealand university to establish a joint teaching programme in Viet Nam—beginning in 2003 with the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, which has led to the University developing long-standing partnerships with institutions like the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam and the Ho Chi Minh University of Education.

Dr Bannister reaffirmed the University’s commitment to supporting international collaborations and to continuing its dedicated support for all international students, including those from Viet Nam.

“With dedicated support teams in both Viet Nam and New Zealand, we are here to ensure that all students feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed.”