UPCOMING EVENTS
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UPCOMING EVENTS -
7 October 2026, 11am - 12pm AEDT
[Seminar] From Employment Exit to Occupational Reallocation: Child Penalties in Vietnam
Abstract
While Vietnam has experienced sustained economic growth accompanied by high female labour force participation in the past decades, gender disparities in labour market outcomes endure. These gaps widen sharply following the transition into parenthood, when care responsibilities and career trajectories diverge between women and men. The first part of this seminar examines the child penalties in Vietnam, documenting how childbirth leads to significant, long-term reductions in women’s employment and earnings. This analysis highlights that these penalties surface immediately and persist for up to a decade, primarily through reduced labour supply and occupational shifts (https://doi.org/10.1111/1475-4932.70059). Building on these findings, the second part explores childcare constraints in Vietnam and three Southeast Asian nations using the Social Norms, Attitudes, and Practices (SNAP) survey data. This ongoing research investigates how the gendered division of domestic care, compounded by issues of childcare affordability, availability, and reliability, affect mothers' ability to engage in paid work. Together, both child penalties and childcare constraints are mutually reinforcing mechanisms underpinning of gender inequality, underscoring the need for policy responses to support women sustained economic empowerment.
Speaker
Dr Hang Anh (Tia) Nguyen is a Research Fellow at the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership and the Research Coordinator for Investing in Women, an Australian Government-funded initiative. With a background in labour economics and development economics, her research examines women’s labour market outcomes, gender norms, and institutional settings across the Asia-Pacific region with a particular focus on developing economies characterised by high informal employment and limited institutional protections. Using empirical analysis, her work generates evidence to inform policy on structural barriers to decent work and inclusive economic participation.
Key dates
Registration closes: 5 October
Location
Crawford School of Public Policy, ANU, J.G. Crawford Building, 132 Lennox Crossing, Acton ACT 2601 (map)
Parking
There are no upcoming events at this time.
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04 September 2026
Vietnam Update Conference 2026
This one-day conference will explore Vietnam's remarkable development over the four decades since the launch of its economic reforms, collectively known as Đổi Mới (Renovation). Among its many achievements, Đổi Mới transformed Vietnam from a food-importing country reliant on international aid into one of the world's leading food exporters within just three years. Conference speakers will examine the historical context, motivations, and guiding principles that shaped the reform agenda, as well as the major policy changes and structural economic transformations that have underpinned Vietnam's rapid development. They will also discuss the emerging economic, social, environmental, and geopolitical challenges that will shape Vietnam's next phase of growth and its aspirations to become a high-income, sustainable, and resilient economy.
Conference Program
19 March 2026
Evidence and Drivers of Output Divergence and Convergence Clubs in Vietnam: Analysis of Newly Merged Provinces
Dr Benjamin Vu presented his study, “Evidence and Drivers of Output Divergence and Convergence Clubs in Vietnam: Analysis of Newly Merged Provinces.” This research examines provincial growth patterns in Vietnam from 2010 to 2023, identifying divergence and multiple convergence clubs, as well as the key economic drivers behind these dynamics. Dr Vu is a Senior Lecturer in Economics, Data Analytics and Public Policy, and Discipline Lead for International Business at the University of Canberra.
02 March 2026
Rountable Meeting between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam and the Australian National University
On 02 March 2026, the Hub for Vietnam Policy Studies was honoured to host a roundtable at the Crawford School of Public Policy, bringing together representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam and colleagues from across ANU.
The roundtable was formally opened by Professor Janine O'Flynn, Director of Crawford School of Public Policy, The Australian National University . We were also pleased to hear remarks from Dr Tinh Dinh Le, Director General of the Department of Policy Planning, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vietnam, who shared valuable insights into recent developments in Vietnam and the country’s strategic outlook.
The discussion provided a substantive and forward-looking exchange between senior Vietnamese officials and ANU scholars on strengthening Vietnam–Australia cooperation in education, trade, technology, and digital transformation, alongside broader regional strategic dynamics. (link). -
25 November 2025
Official Launch of the Hub for Vietnam Policy Studies
The Hub for Vietnam Policy Studies was officially launched on 25 November 2025. His Excellency Trần Hồng Hà, Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam, and Professor Rebekah Brown, Vice-Chancellor and President of The Australian National University (ANU), together pressed the ceremonial bells to formally launch the Hub at ANU.
The Hub is a network of researchers and experts dedicated to innovative, interdisciplinary, policy-focused research, education, and engagement to support Vietnam. It brings together award-winning scholars with extensive experience working in and with Vietnamese policymaking organisations, as well as researchers, partners, and collaborators committed to advancing Vietnam’s sustainable development goals and strengthening cooperation between Australia and Vietnam.
The Australian National University is Australia’s national university—the only university established by the Australian Federal Government—with a distinct mission to serve Australia and its partner countries through world-leading research, education, and public policy leadership (link).
28 October 2025
Agricultural Investment Efficiency and Innovation in Vietnam
This conference, funded by ACIAR and the Australian National University, brings together experts, policymakers, researchers, and business sector in Vietnam’s agriculture to evaluate the efficiency of investments in agriculture and their impact on productivity, sustainability, and rural development. The event will highlight lessons learned from past initiatives, explore innovative solutions, and discuss strategies to maximize returns while ensuring food security and environmental resilience. Looking ahead, the conference will serve as a platform to foster dialogue, encourage collaboration, and inspire forward-thinking approaches that drive innovation and sustainable growth in agriculture (link, link, link).
24 September 2025
Compassion at Work: Unlocking Innovation in Vietnam’s Public Sector Teams
Dr Linh Bui presented her work at a seminar at Vietnam Policy Studies. Many people assume that innovation in the public sector depends primarily on top-down support from organisations through leadership, resources, and strategic direction. However, innovation is not shaped solely by organisational factors. In her doctoral research at the College of Business and Economics, The Australian National University, Dr Bui shows how innovation can also emerge from the bottom up. Studying 87 teams of public employees in Vietnam, she found that teams are more likely to innovate when they cultivate compassion. When team members notice each other’s needs, feel empathic concern, and are willing to offer support, they create an environment where innovative ideas can develop and be put into practice. For public organisations, this suggests that fostering innovation is not only about policies or resources. It also requires encouraging employees to care for and support their colleagues, especially within teams (link).
8 August 2025
Vietnam Mid-Year Update 2025
Vietnam stands at a pivotal juncture in its development, navigating complex global dynamics and ambitious domestic reforms. Internationally, Vietnam remains one of the countries most affected by high U.S. trade tariffs, though active negotiations are underway. At home, the ruling party is embarking on broad structural reforms under a new guiding slogan: The Era of Rising, aimed at enhancing administrative efficiency and driving ambitious economic growth. These reforms include efforts to streamline ministries and ministerial committees at the central level, explore the merging of provinces, and review the structure of districts and communes with a view to possible consolidation. Our Vietnam experts discussed what is driving these changes and what they could mean for the country’s future (link, link).
Please find the program and presentations here.
24 July 2025
Vietnam remains vital role in shaping ASEAN’s cooperation vision
Professor Long Chu gave an interview to VietnamPlus on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Vietnam's accession to ASEAN (July 28, 1995–2025). Vietnam serves as a key driver of ASEAN’s cooperation policy, which is founded on self-reliance, respect for shared interests, and adherence to international law, said Professor Long Chu (link in English, link in Vietnamese).
4 May 2025
US Reciprocal tariffs and the trade war
Dr Mai Nguyen and Professor Long Chu gave a presentation organised by VASEA to explore the United States’ tariff strategies under the Trump administration, with a focus on reciprocal tariffs and their broader implications for global trade dynamics. Special attention was given to the impact of US tariff policies on Vietnam’s export sectors, trade balance, and overall economic growth, as well as opportunities for strategic cooperation between Vietnam and Australia to navigate ongoing trade disruptions and build economic resilience (link).
24 April 2025
Vietnam is growing strongly, affirming its national position in the international arena
Professor Long Chu gave an interview to a Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Sydney, sharing his insights on Vietnam’s potential and current standing, particularly in the context of recent innovation and deep global integration (link).
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16 December 2024
Australian scholar: The Vietnamese government acts decisively, dynamically and effectively
Professor Long Chu gave an interview to a Vietnam News Agency reporter in Sydney about Vietnam's socio-economic development situation (link).
6 December 2024
Vietnam Policy and Economy Update 2024
This one-day conference offered valuable insights into Australia's newest comprehensive strategic partner in Southeast Asia. Supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the event was co-organised by the ANU Crawford School of Public Policy and Vietnam's National Economics University. The conference explored contemporary development issues in Vietnam, including institutional and economic reforms, macroeconomic trends, responses to climate change, and social challenges. Speakers highlighted current and emerging societal challenges in Vietnam that require policy intervention. The event brought together over 150 attendees, including more than 30 Crawford School alumni, along with policymakers, academics, and experts, for a day of meaningful discussions on Vietnam’s future (link, link).
Conference presentations can be downloaded here.
17 September 2024
Promote Green Innovation in Agriculture via Market Mechanisms
Promoting green agriculture is a priority in Vietnam's development policy. Supported by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) and featuring presenters from the Australian National University, this workshop provided participants with updated information on promoting green agriculture through market mechanisms. The presentations by Long Chu, Thang Do, and Hai Nguyen covered the economics of low-emission rice farming techniques in Vietnam, guided farmers and agricultural enterprises through the carbon certification process, and promoted climate change mitigation in rice farming via the carbon credit market (link).
20 July 2024
Long Chu was interviewed by VOV to share memory and thoughts of the Chief of Vietnam Communist Party Nguyen Phu Trong and his legacy (link).
16 June 2024
Long Chu and co-speaker provide update on the Federal budget 2024-2025 to Vietnam-Australia Scholars and Experts Associations (link).
18 March 2024
Long Chu facilitated the organization of a prestigious event welcoming Madam Lê Thị Bích Trân, the spouse of the Vietnamese Prime Minister, to the Crawford School of Public Policy on International Women’s Day. Students and staff from across The Australian National University were invited to share their experiences of studying and working in Australia with Madam Lê Thị Bích Trân (link).
9 March 2024
Long Chu and the VASEA board of directors showcased research outcomes and impacts to Vietnam’s Prime Minister and his cabinet (link).
7 March 2024
Long Chu, on behalf of Vietnamese academics in Canberra, addressed Vietnam’s Prime Minister with some recommendations on enhancing cooperation between Vietnam and Australia in science and research. The Prime Minister agreed with the recommendations and tasked the Ministry of Science and Technology with implementing them (link).
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17 October 2023
Long Chu presented CBAM: What does it mean for your business to EUROCHARM member (link).
13-14 August 2023
Thang Do presented Emerging issues of climate change and energy transition in ASEAN and Vietnam, Pre-course Workshop of Masterclass for Climate Change and Energy Transition for Vietnamese MPs, Quang Ninh.
11 July 2023
Thang Nam Do and Frank Jotzo met with Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha to discuss Australia Vietnam cooperation on energy transition.
15 April 2023
Thang Do interviewed by Vietnam News on Vietnam Australia potential cooperation in energy transition, reposted by the Australian Ambassador to Australia and his counterpart (link).
8 April 2023
Long Chu and Thang Do presented Impacts of CBAM on Vietnam at the Energy Transition Partnership/Vietnam MONRE Workshop Impacts of CBAM on Vietnam.
7 February 2023
Long Chu presented at the Fulbright Vietnam's conference on Vietnam SME and standard compliance (link).
13 January 2023
Thang Do presented Harnessing Solar and Wind for Sustainable Cross-border electricity trade in Greater Mekong Subregion, APEC Workshop Bangkok.
12 January 2023
Thang Do presented at “Net Zero Emission Achievement for Vietnam” forum, Hanoi, Vietnam Environmental Economics Association.
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6 December 2022
Thang Do and Long Chu speak at the inception workshop of Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism impact evaluation (link, link, link).
6 October 2022
Long Chu talked with the State-run Vietnam News on Vietnam's economic growth in 2022 and key policy priorities (link).
26 June 2022
Chung Tran presented at a Webinar on "New growth models after Covid-19, international experiences and lessons for Vietnam" for the Academy of Politics Region II, III of Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho City.
9 June 2022
Toan Nguyen and co-authors presented the work entitled "Climate Change, Cold Waves, Heat Waves, and Mortality: Evidence from a Lower Middle-Income Country" at the Australasian Development Economics Workshop at the University of Sydney.
8 June 2022
Long Chu was invited to speak to the leaders of Quang Nam province on its Master Development Plan.
30 March 2022
Long Chu was interviewed by the Vietnam News Representative in Sydney on Australia - Vietnam FDI flows (link).
7 February 2022
Long Chu presented advanced rules for Cost-Benefit Analysis in AARES 2022.
25 January 2022
Hoa Nguyen was interviewed by Science Dev Net about the use of micro-estimates of wealth data in tackling poverty (link).
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23 December 2021
Long Chu was interviewed by Vietnam News on the complementary economic relationship between Vietnam and Australia (link).
1 October 2021
Lien Le joined multidisciplinary expert groups to support the development and promulgation of Vietnam's National Green Growth Strategy for the 2021-2030 period and vision towards 2050 (link).
24 August 2021
Long Chu, Chung Tran, Hoa Nguyen, Nhan Le, Thang Do, Phuc To, Minh Bui, Hieu Nguyen, Tai Hoang and some ANU academics requested Australia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs to consider further foreign aid for the Astra Zeneca vaccine to Vietnam (link). DFAT responded, promising concrete actions (link).
13 May 2021
Long Chu was interviewed by VOV on the new government and National Assembly of Vietnam (link).
14 April 2021
Long Chu spoke to Vietnam’s Ambassador to Australia on the connection between oversea Vietnamese and their homeland (link).
27 January 2021
Hoa Nguyen was interviewed by the ABC about Vietnam's Communist Party congress meeting (link).
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9 November 2020
Long Chu, Chung Tran, Thang Do, Hoa Nguyen, Nhan Le and some academics were invited to provide feedback on the drafted Congress reports of the Communist Party of Vietnam (link).
8 October 2020
Long Chu was interviewed on the COVID19 driven new normal of the world economy and policy implications for Vietnam – Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance (link).
23 May 2020
Long Chu was interviewed by Vietnam News Representative in Sydney on the trade pact between the EU and Vietnam and the implication on Vietnam-Australia economic relationship (link).
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Long Chu addressed Vietnam’s Prime Minister in Canberra (link).