Asia Society Australia and Australia-Vietnam Young Leadership Dialogue (AVYLD) have partnered to present an event on Asia's new 'tiger': Understanding Vietnam: Opportunities and Challenges.

Vietnam’s emerging middle class and young demographic have illustrated the notable impact on the country’s current economic growth. This sign not only noticeable amongst its Asian neighbours, but also its Western peers, with US President Barack Obama’s significant visit to Vietnam this year.

Australia’s own ties with Vietnam run deep starting with the first wave of Vietnamese migration in the 70s. A vibrant Vietnamese community in Australia has influenced the decision of thousands of Vietnamese students, who choose Australia as their number one English speaking destination for education every year.

With Vietnam surging ahead and playing an increasingly active role in the regional economy and diplomacy, what can Australia do to elevate the political, economic and people-to people relationship with South-East Asia's new powerhouse?

Keynote speakers:

Christine Holgate, CEO, Blackmores

His Excellency Mr Thanh Nghi Luong, Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to Australia

Allaster Cox, former Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, First Assistant Secretary (South-East AsiaSouth-East Asia Maritime Division), Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Panelists:

Philipp Ivanov, CEO, Asia Society
Rachel Bui, Co-founder, AVYLD
Chau Ta, Chair, Australian Chamber of Commerce Vietnam
Nigel Russell, Founder, and Chairman, Australian International Schools
Thao Nguyen - Regional Director, UTS Insearch & Co-founder, AVYLD 

Our Arts, Culture and Diversity Programs span across visual art and performance, literature, media, technology, education, and community sectors. These unique partner events examine cultural traditions and expressions, celebrate diversity and multiculturalism, and explore a changing Australian society. Run as both public and member only events, this programming stream offers an exciting way to engage with the work of Asia Society Australia.

The event is co-presented with the Australia Vietnam Young Leadership Dialogue (AVYLD). AVYLD is an independent non-profit initiative that was established to nurture relationships, promote engagement and incubate collaboration between Australian and Vietnamese young leaders from a broad spectrum of society. Through people to people links, we believe the bilateral relationship between Australia and Vietnam can be strengthened to contribute to the development of each respective nation.