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John DittyManaging Partner, Head of Trust and Country Quality and Risk Management Partner at KPMG Vietnam, former KPMG’s chairman
“I believe the key aspect of the Australia-Vietnam relationship is that it is not centered around any individual. It is not about what I or anyone else can do individually, but rather about what we can contribute collectively”
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When John Ditty first came to Vietnam in 1993, he initially planned to stay for only two years before returning to Australia. However, thirty years later, John is still in Vietnam, serving as the Country Quality and Risk Management Partner at KPMG Vietnam. His personal and professional journey reflects the strengthening relationship between Australia and Vietnam over the past five decades.
Professionally, John has played a vital role in Vietnam's rapid economic development since the Đổi Mới reforms in 1986. When he first arrived, Vietnam lacked a well-developed accounting profession, stock exchange, and clear financial regulations. Through his leadership at KPMG and collaboration with the Australian business community and government agencies, John has helped strengthen Vietnam's governance, capital markets, and integration into the global economy.
For instance, John assisted CPA Australia in offering credentials in Vietnam in the early 2000s. Today, Vietnam has over 2,000 Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), including senior leaders in the public and private sectors. This growth creates opportunities for Australian firms to expand in Vietnam and for Vietnamese professionals to access world-class education in Australia. As John explains, "If Vietnamese people have higher disposable incomes, they can invest more in education and this creates opportunities for the Australian education sector both here and in Australia."
Looking ahead, John sees significant potential for the Australia-Vietnam relationship to become even stronger, particularly in addressing pressing issues like climate change. As a global advisory firm guided by a vision to "inspire confidence and empower change," KPMG is well-positioned to facilitate cooperation on environmental sustainability, social development, and governance reforms.
John emphasises that real change requires openness to new ideas and a willingness to acknowledge knowledge gaps across sectors and cultures. He states, "I don't know everything. I want people to tell me, 'John, you should be aware of these issues'." This humility and commitment to integrity have enabled John to navigate differences over three decades in Vietnam. While he acknowledges that he cannot singlehandedly strengthen Australia-Vietnam ties, he believes progress happens through patience and partnership.
As John reflects, "If you work with integrity, if you work in partnership, and if you're prepared to listen, then you can make a difference." He strives to uphold this principle at KPMG, empowering younger Vietnamese and Australian colleagues to carry the torch forward. "My responsibility is to ensure that when I leave KPMG, things continue, that it's institutionalised, and that other people pick up the Australia-Vietnam relationship and take it to the next level."
On a personal level, John's cross-cultural marriage symbolises the people-to-people connections that bring Australia and Vietnam closer together. His wife is Vietnamese, and his children hold dual citizenship. Even when his daughter is sick, she instinctively turns to Vietnamese home remedies like rice congee with pork floss. According to John, "She has two countries in her heart."
Eventually, John plans to retire to spend time with family in both countries. However, he hopes to continue contributing to Vietnamese development and Australia-Vietnam relations as a trusted advisor and ambassador of goodwill. When asked about his future role, John jokingly responds, "I'll be retired at the beach!" But he quickly reaffirms his commitment to helping Australian organisations make a positive impact in Vietnam.