New Vietnam professorship advances economics research

Don Lam, co-founder and CEO of VinaCapital, one of Vietnam’s leading asset management groups, said the country was developing rapidly, and to fully understand where it may be headed required an expanded body of research and analysis.

“We are excited to play a part in bringing a world-class scholar to Vietnam to conduct groundbreaking research about Vietnam’s economy, its capital markets, and other relevant subject matters.” Lam said.

“We believe that the research produced will help give us new insights on where the economy is today and, more importantly, in the years ahead.

“RMIT is at the forefront of academic excellence in Vietnam, and we are pleased to partner with them in this valuable endeavour.”

Term professorships enabled universities to attract some of the greatest minds to their institutions, Professor Gael McDonald, President of RMIT Vietnam, said.

“While these types of professorships are common in other parts of the world, they are less so in Vietnam.

“We believe this professorship will be extremely valuable, not only to VinaCapital but also our students, fellow faculty members, and the broader community as a whole.

“We appreciate VinaCapital’s support and look forward to a very productive partnership.”

The professor, who will be based at either of RMIT’s campuses in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, will publish their research in academic journals and other outlets, as well as present at high-profile national and international conferences.

They will also run thought leadership workshops within Vietnam.

Recruitment for the position begins this month.

The successful applicant is expected to start in September.

The signing of the official agreement between VinaCapital and RMIT Vietnam was witnessed by Victoria’s Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade, Philip Dalidakis, who was visiting the University’s Ho Chi Minh City campus as part of a trip to Vietnam to promote investment in Victoria.

Story: Howie Phung