Farewell Vietnam Country Manager An Nguyen: a lifelong career building enduring partnerships

After 17 years of dedicated service to agricultural research for development in Vietnam, Ms Nguyen Thi Thanh An is looking forward to well-deserved retirement and new adventures. 

An has been at the heart of building a strong and enduring partnership between ACIAR and Vietnam. The presence of so many ACIAR partners and alumni at her farewell, including leaders from Vietnam’s leading agricultural research institutions, speaks volumes about the trust, respect and collaboration she fostered over nearly two decades.

She played a pivotal role in strengthening the foundation of the collaboration between ACIAR and Vietnam. An led the development of a 10-Year ACIAR–Vietnam Strategy and advanced key Memoranda of Understanding — between ACIAR and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (now the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment), and with the Ministry of Science and Technology. These agreements continue to serve as cornerstones of an effective, equitable and long-term collaboration between Australia and Vietnam.

An’s professionalism, leadership and unwavering commitment have left a legacy. Her outstanding contribution was recognised by the Australian Government with the award of the prestigious Public Service Medal.  

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Former Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, Ms Robyn Mudie, who presented An with the Medal, said: ‘An has been an amazing, strong and highly valued representative of ACIAR in Vietnam. Her contribution as Vietnam Country Manager has seen ACIAR make a significant contribution to Vietnam’s development and progress across the agriculture sector.  

‘Through ACIAR’s work, more sustainable production methods, innovative approaches to climate adaptation and mitigation, and stronger economic development pathways have been created in some of Vietnam’s most vulnerable areas. This has made a real difference to the lives of many people in the agriculture sector and well beyond.’

While the testament to An’s impact lies in the deep respect, pride and affection she inspires among her colleagues and partners, An herself sees ACIAR - where she spent the longest period of her career – as the place where she felt happiest, learned every day and was shaped into who she is today.

Reflecting on her time with ACIAR, An shared: ‘I was always excited to go on field trips to project sites in rural areas and to meet farmers. They are my heroes—hardworking, brave, and willing to try new things on their land. Their warm-heartedness, hospitality, forward looking mindset and the way they treat me like a family member, even after I retired from ACIAR, are what I treasure most’.    

‘I was inspired every day by the simplicity, kindness and continuous learning of the scientists, partners and ACIAR colleagues. These beautiful values and the friendships I gained from the ACIAR family will always stay with me.’

Mr Tran Nam Anh is the new ACIAR Country Manager for Vietnam. Having spent 7 years as ACIAR Vietnam Assistant Country Manager, he looks forward to fostering and building on the many valuable relationships between ACIAR and in-country partners.