Orchid farming in Vietnam is still in its infancy. However with the assistance of the Australian Development Scholarship (ADS) programme, Vietnamese growers are on the way to developing an industry that can compete in overseas markets.
Australian Development Scholarship recipient Ms Ngo Thi Thach Truc recently achieved her Masters degree in biotechnology from Flinders University. She also studied orchid varieties and advanced growing techniques, learning from the experience of Australian orchid farmers. This provided her with the tools to set up her own orchid farming business.
On returning to Vietnam she established her orchid farm in Da Lat in Vietnam's South Central Highlands with new orchid varieties imported from Australia. She was able to apply more efficient and disease resistant propagation techniques and grow the stems suspended from wire instead of the traditional use of bamboo sticks, which causes them to grow curved rather than straight. Straight stems pack better and are less prone to damage, and are therefore more attractive to the international market.
In addition Ngo shared her knowledge with other growers. This is just one instance in which the training provided through the ADS programme of the Australian government has contributed to the growth and stability of an emerging economy.
In May 2003 SKM was contracted by AusAID to provide administrative management of the Vietnam Australian Development Scholarships Programme. Since the early 1990s more than 2,000 Vietnamese students have graduated from Australian universities with Australian Government scholarship assistance. This represents an investment of more than AU$300 million. More broadly, AusAID awards up to 1000 ADS scholarships each year across 31 countries in the Asia-Pacific region and Africa.
In addition to assisting Vietnam reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development there have been many other great outcomes. Scholars are given the opportunity to learn technical skills that they may not have access to in Vietnam. This helps them further develop their careers. Some get jobs in the private sector, others go into business and those who are government officials have increased opportunities for promotion.
Another key achievement is the development of an alumni programme. In the past, after the period of study, the person returned to their normal life. With the establishment of active alumni groups based around areas of study, ex students continued to interact after returning home through seminars, business networking and other related activities. This has been a very successful spin off of the programme.
The Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, The Hon Mr. Stephen Smith MP, visited Hanoi in July 2008. In an address to the Australian Chamber of Commerce he commented on the education links between Vietnam and Australia and the emergence of a rich network of alumni with knowledge and experience of Australia. He even met with some alumni who studied in Canberra under an Australian Government Scholarship in the 1980s.
The benefits of the Australian Development Scholarship program are far reaching. They contribute to the long-term development needs of Australia's partner countries by promoting good governance, economic growth and human development. This is achieved through imparting skills and knowledge that drive change.
ADS awardees are therefore required to return to their country of citizenship following the completion of their scholarship to contribute to its growth. The experience also facilitates improved linkages between participating countries. Having a positive experience of living in Australia is especially useful where ADS scholars have become senior members of government. This gives our politicians an immediate rapport with them.
The Vietnam ADS programme currently provides up to 150 full scholarships annually for postgraduate study at Masters or doctoral level in Australia. Studies focus on areas such as governance, rural development, health, education and crime prevention.
Today, Australian Development Scholarships are an important and well recognised element in Australia's bilateral development cooperation with Vietnam, and the programme is highly valued by the Government of Vietnam.
© Sinclair Knight Merz
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Who does this affect?
Development assistance agencies across the globe who understand the importance of developing and managing international development assistance programmes to promote social sustainability.
What do I need to do?
Gain an understanding of the far reaching benefits of an effective international development assistance programme for individuals and the broader community.
Author: Angus Barnes
Angus Barnes is a member of the senior management team for International Development at SKM, which is responsible for the overall management of the implementation and delivery of various AusAID programmes, including the development of good practice on monitoring and evaluation and sustainability.
© Sinclair Knight Merz
Requests to re-publish achieve articles should be made here