RMIT hosts Vietnam Wellbeing & Safeguarding Summit 2025

The Vietnam Wellbeing & Safeguarding Summit 2025 was held at RMIT University Vietnam, starting at the Saigon South campus from Oct. 2-3, and continuing at the Hanoi campus on Oct. 10. The summit was co-hosted by RMIT Vietnam, AmCham Vietnam, Imago Work, the Saigon International Schools Network, and Learning Strategies, with support from partner schools and organizations.

Delegates follow speeches at the Vietnam Wellbeing & Safeguarding Summit 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo courtesy of RMIT

The summit, under the theme "Advancing professional practice across sectors in Vietnam," built on previous editions to enhance dialogue and action on well-being and safeguarding nationwide.

The event attracted delegates from Vietnam and abroad, including educators, social workers, healthcare providers, NGOs, international and bilingual schools, and representatives from embassies and industry partners.

Since 2023, it has become one of Vietnam's most comprehensive forums for promoting well-being and safeguarding practices, fostering stronger collaboration across sectors and institutions.

A panel discussion featuring international experts. Photo courtesy of RMIT

Jodie Altan, Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor of Engagement at RMIT Vietnam, emphasized that the summit is an opportunity to reflect, learn, and adopt new strategies to build stronger cultures of well-being and safeguarding in Vietnam. "Hosting this summit reflects RMIT's commitment to connecting global expertise with Vietnam's local needs and supporting stronger, more inclusive communities," she said.

The program, spanning three days in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, included five keynotes, 40 sessions, and over 50 speakers, addressing key challenges and opportunities facing the country and region.

The agenda focused on two main tracks: mental health and resilience, and safeguarding practice, covering topics from online safety to trauma care and institutional policies. Sessions ranged from foundational to intermediate levels, offering insights for newcomers and deeper, case-based learning for experienced practitioners.

Michael Tower, Associate Director of Wellbeing and Counselling at RMIT Vietnam, stressed the importance of supporting professionals working in Vietnam, particularly in well-being and safeguarding. "The summit allows Vietnamese and expat professionals to exchange practical solutions and build capacity to best support the communities we serve," he said.

Dr. Catriona Moran, Head of School at Saigon South International School, added, "The summit showed what is possible when schools, NGOs, and community partners come together with a shared purpose—we can turn dialogue into action and create safer, healthier environments for students and families."

Delegates networked, exchanged insights, and developed ideas for collaboration across sectors. Photo courtesy of RMIT

Delegates at the event engaged in extensive networking, exchanging insights and developing ideas for cross-sector collaboration. The NGO Fair in both cities offered a platform for organizations to showcase initiatives and explore partnerships in safeguarding, well-being, and community empowerment.

The connections and commitments formed during the summit are expected to shape new initiatives, strengthen professional practices, and deepen collaboration to support the well-being of young people, families, and communities across Vietnam.