26 August 2026 at 1:19 pm
Viet Nam and New Zealand strengthen education ties during presidential visit
New Zealand and Viet Nam have strengthened their long-standing education relationship during the first visit by a Vietnamese President to New Zealand since 2007.
Education featured prominently in the visit by President and General Secretary Tô Lâm, including the signing of a renewed bilateral Education Cooperation Arrangement and a high-level forum focused on growing collaboration in tertiary education, skills and research.
The renewed arrangement, signed by New Zealand Minister for Tertiary Education Hon Penny Simmonds and Viet Nam’s Minister of Education and Training Hoàng Minh Sơn, reaffirms both countries’ shared commitment to deepening education ties.
The visit also included the Viet Nam and New Zealand Higher Education and Skills Forum, hosted by Auckland University of Technology (AUT). More than 40 Vietnamese tertiary institutions joined leaders from New Zealand education providers to explore new opportunities for partnership.
Speaking at the forum, President Lâm highlighted the value of deeper collaboration between the two countries in higher education, research, and vocational and technical training. Minister Simmonds also addressed attendees, underlining the importance of education links in the broader bilateral relationship.
The forum provided a platform for five New Zealand institutions to showcase new partnerships with Vietnamese counterparts, with both ministers witnessing the announcements.
From left: His Excellency Hoàng Minh Sơn, Minister of Education and Training of Viet Nam, Hon Penny Simmonds, Minister of Tertiary Education for New Zealand, His Excellency Tô Lâm, General Secretary and President of Viet Nam, and Professor Damon Salesa, Vice-Chancellor, Auckland University of Technology
Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao Chief Executive David Downs said the visit reinforced the shared ambition of both countries to deepen education connections.
“New Zealand and Viet Nam are both countries blessed with a welcoming spirit, abundant natural beauty and innovative verve. Our education relationship is already strong, and it’s clear there is mutual ambition to take it to the next level.
“As demand for international education and skills development continues to grow, there are significant opportunities for New Zealand and Viet Nam to work together for the benefit of learners, institutions and both countries,” David said.
