Photo provided by Dang Kim KHOI.
I joined with fellows from nine countries in the John Dillon Fellowship Program funded by ACIAR from 10 February to 24 March 2017. I attended training sessions on research communication and leadership at the Melbourne Business School (Melbourne University) and went on field trips to the Northern Territory (Darwin), ACIAR House in Canberra and Western Australia (Perth).
The training programs at Melbourne University helped me understand myself better and identify a leadership type that fits my characteristics. This training provided me with valuable knowledge and skills in research and human resource management. These courses also helped improve my research skills, such as writing, managing presentation and scientific journal.
A working week in Darwin in the Northern Territory was also exciting. I visited professors at Charles Darwin University where we discussed forestry and fisheries. After that, the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries organised trips to the Aquaculture Centre, the Forestry Centre and the Livestock Centre. My most interesting time in Darwin was meeting the Management Board of the Horticulture Farmer Association and the field trips to the farms owned by Australians with Vietnamese and Cambodian origins. My time working in the Northern Territory helped me understand more about its agriculture and has inspired some ideas for further co-operation between Australia’s Northern Territory and Vietnam in the fields of forestry, horticulture and livestock (cattle).
Ten days working in Canberra raised my understanding of Australia’s agriculture, research system and policymaking. Through meeting ACIAR research program managers, I know more about ACIAR’s approach and research priorities for partners now and in the future. Attending the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES)’ Outlook Conference gave me a good chance to approach new Australian research ideas. The most impressive event in Canberra was the workshop with the CEO of ACIAR, the former CEO of ABARES and the former Minister of Trade. Their management and policymaking experiences and expertise equipped me with priceless knowledge for my future career. In Canberra, I gave two presentations at the Australian National University about Vietnam’s agriculture and chances for further trade and investment co-operation between Australia and Vietnam. Many professors, lecturers and students in this university participated in these two workshops.
I spent my final working week in Western Australia. In Perth, I had a productive working program with many professors covering forestry, livestock, agriculture, biosecurity and clean renewable energy. I also organised a presentation about solutions to promote investment and trade between Western Australia and Vietnam, which was warmly welcomed.
The John Dillon Fellowship program in Australia provided me with valuable opportunities to improve my leadership and research capacity. This program also broadened my vision and my understanding of Australian agriculture and helped me identify new windows for further co-operation in agriculture between Australia and Vietnam. This important event was a highlight of my career and has widened my professional network with many international research agencies and organisations. Given the great benefits of the John Dillon Fellowship, I strongly wish that ACIAR will continue to support Vietnam to maintain and develop this program with the aim of improving the research and leadership capacity of Vietnamese research managers.