Farewells Ambassador Andrew Goledzinowski and Welcomes Ambassador-Designate Gillian Bird

At the close of 2024, Mr. Andrew Goledzinowski completed his term as the Australian Ambassador to Vietnam. All of us at the University of Sydney Vietnam Institute (SVI) extend our heartfelt thanks to Mr. Goledzinowski for his exceptional contributions during his tenure. We deeply value his steadfast support in advancing Australia's interests, particularly those of the SVI and the University of Sydney, in Vietnam. His efforts to increasing SVI’s visibility, expanding our networks, and establishing key connections with government bodies have played a pivotal role in our progress.

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We also appreciate his inclusion of SVI in embassy events, which facilitated valuable, mutually beneficial collaborations. His passion, expertise, and dedication have significantly strengthened both our Institute and the bilateral relationship.

We also warmly welcome Ms. Gillian Bird PSM, the incoming Ambassador-Designate of Australia to Vietnam, as she assumes her new role in April. The University of Sydney is especially proud to have an alumna take on this important position.

The University of Sydney is committed to further strengthening its ties with Vietnam through the Sydney Vietnam Institute. The SVI serves as a bridge for enhancing intellectual and cultural exchange between Australian and Vietnamese researchers, academics, and students.

During the year, we aim to further develop our operations, broaden our research footprint by launching new projects, explore additional funding opportunities, and establish two new sector units within the Institute.

We continue to collaborate closely with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and its two diplomatic missions in Vietnam, and are deeply appreciative of their continued support. We eagerly anticipate strengthening this relationship with the new Ambassador in the coming weeks and months.