On a special day in Ho Chi Minh City, Mr. Brent Stewart, the Australian Deputy Consul General, delivered a speech at the 10th anniversary celebration of Survival Skills Vietnam (SSVN). In the presence of distinguished guests, he shared insightful thoughts on the significance of this event for the community as well as the strong relationship between Australia and Vietnam.
The Story of SSVN: The beginning of a non-profit organization and the power of community awareness about first aid
Mr. Brent Stewart expressed his special gratitude to Mr. Ho Thai Binh, First aid expert Tony Coffey, Ms. Trang Jena Nguyen, and those who have made significant contributions to the development of SSVN.
The story of SSVN is not just about the founding of a non-profit organization but also a testament to the power of community awareness and entrepreneurial spirit. Mr. Stewart emphasized that this is a truly inspiring story of how individuals who recognized society’s need for first aid training, combined their passion with action, and were able to create a significant impact on the community. He shared: “The story of SSVN is truly inspiring. It is a story of how people who see a need, have passion, and take action can achieve remarkable results.”
In reality, the number of people trained in first aid remains very low, leading to many unfortunate incidents due to a lack of knowledge and skills in handling emergencies. First aid education programs are still limited, often targeting only specific groups such as healthcare workers or volunteers. This has driven SSVN to commit to changing this situation.
Australia’s contribution to the development journey
As a representative of the Australian Government, Mr. Stewart proudly stated that the government has made a small contribution to SSVN’s development journey through development cooperation programs with Vietnam. This support not only demonstrates Australia’s commitment to Vietnam’s sustainable development but also promises to lay the foundation for further collaborative initiatives in the future.
It is hoped that this support will not only benefit SSVN but also create new opportunities in the field of first aid education and training, reflecting the strong connection between the two nations. Mr. Stewart also emphasized that SSVN was co-founded by Tony Coffey and two former Vietnamese students who studied in Australia, serving as a testament to the value of cross-border educational relationships.
Educational ties between Australia and Vietnam
Mr. Brent Stewart highlighted the strong educational ties between Australia and Vietnam, with over 100,000 alumni of Australian educational institutions currently living and working in Vietnam. These individuals not only bring knowledge but also carry cultural values and a spirit of collaboration, contributing to improving the quality of life and fostering social development in their home country.
Australian education not only provides better career opportunities but also helps individuals develop leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills. In reality, the achievements of the SSVN alumni founders have proven that this educational relationship benefits not only individuals but also brings significant advantages to society.
Celebrating a strong partnership
The 10th anniversary celebration of SSVN is not only an opportunity to reflect on past achievements but also a moment to honor the strong ties between Australia and Vietnam. Mr. Stewart stated that this relationship has never been stronger in history. Last year, the two nations celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations, built on a foundation of trust, friendship, and shared aspirations for peace and prosperity.
He also mentioned the signing of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership this past March—the highest level of diplomatic relations recognized by Vietnam. This partnership not only focuses on political, security, and economic development issues but also emphasizes people-to-people exchanges, a crucial factor in further strengthening the bond between the two nations.
In this memorable moment, Mr. Brent Stewart extended his congratulations to all those who have contributed to the success and growth of Survival Skills Vietnam. The expectation for a brighter future through collaboration and connection between the two nations is undeniable. He concluded his speech with a powerful message, affirming that the Australian Government’s support for organizations like SSVN will continue and expressing his hope that these achievements will serve as a foundation for new advancements in the sustainable development of the community.
The 10th anniversary celebration of Survival Skills Vietnam was not only a milestone for the organization but also an unforgettable testament to the close and warm relationship between Australia and Vietnam.
