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Claire MackenPro Vice-Chancellor and General Director of RMIT Vietnam
“I always talk about Brand Australia, and I'm so proud that Australian education is in Vietnam and in the region. A part of my role is to encourage and support the expansion of Australian education to help with Vietnam's goals.” |
One of the attributes that Professor Claire Macken noticed early on when arriving in Vietnam is the can-do attitude of the people here.
Being the Pro Vice-Chancellor and General Director of RMIT Vietnam, she is impressed with the positive energy, the inquisitive minds and above all, the drive to succeed of her students and staff.
RMIT first brought its education heritage from Australia to Vietnam by opening the first campus in Ho Chi Minh City in 2000.
Taking on the responsibility to steer the ship more than two decades later, Professor Claire Macken is now looking after over 12,000 students across Vietnam.
RMIT’s model of offering an Australian education system, awarding Australian degrees to students in Vietnam has stood the test of time and played a part in strengthening the connection between the two countries. “They (the students) are connected to Australia, they are already part of Australia,” she said.
It's evident that the Australian brand is something Professor Macken is proud of. “I always talk about Brand Australia, and I'm so proud that Australian education is in Vietnam and in the region. A part of my role is to encourage and support the expansion of Australian education to help with Vietnam's goals.”
Throughout the years, to keep its competitive edge and stay ahead of the curve in education, the university has been keeping a keen eye on the employment market trends in Vietnam, Australia and globally.
Professor Macken ranks adaptability highly. She observes that students nowadays want skills that equip them for an ever-changing world. “It’s things like artificial intelligence, digital transformation, cyber security, and all the aspects of society that are changing. A part of our function in higher education is to make sure that we educate students to be equipped and ready for that future in Vietnam and in Australia.”
One of the proudest moments in Professor Macken’s career at RMIT was when the Australian Prime Minister and the University’s Vice-Chancellor announced a strategic investment of over 250 million Australian dollars in Vietnam. The key areas of focus of this fund are education, partnerships, research, and campus infrastructure.
Professor Macken wants to make Vietnam the place people come from around the region to study at RMIT, and that RMIT is built around its communities. With an alumni network of 20,000, and many are leading important positions in various sectors, RMIT has earned its spot as the leading international university in Vietnam.
Her vision doesn’t stop there. She sees RMIT could play a role in shaping the future leaders of Vietnam, and to do that, collaboration between the two governments is key. “I think Australia and Vietnam are terrific friends and have been for a long time.”
Another word that reflects this relationship, in her view, is ‘reciprocal’. “It is probably a good word to say that when we're together we're stronger, and that benefits both Vietnam and Australia.”
A year in Vietnam and Professor Claire Macken has already developed a taste for the local delicacy of fish sauce. She uses it in her daily cooking and finds it amazing how just a few drops can enhance the flavours of a dish.
She is enjoying her life in Ho Chi Minh City and occasionally spends time in Hanoi learning about the diverse culture the country has to offer.
The educator sees her career has impacts beyond her day-to-day tasks, “we're in a career that is about really contributing to the good of society. And that's just the one thing you can invest in.”