Hannah Huyen Vu: Expecting Deputies with Innovative Thinking and Strong International Integration

This was shared by Hannah Huyen Vu, President of the Australia-Vietnam Talent Network (AVTN) and Director of External Relations (Southeast Asia) at the University of Western Australia, ahead of the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term.
March 16, 2026 | 11:19
Technology application ensures fast, accurate, secured election information: NA leader
Dr. Phan Bich Thien: Returning from Europe to Join the Nation’s Election Day

- The election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term is approaching. How do you feel about the atmosphere of this major national event in your homeland?

As a Vietnamese living and working in Australia, I always follow every step of my homeland’s development with pride and a sense of responsibility as an overseas Vietnamese who loves the country. Therefore, the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term, scheduled to take place on March 15, is an event that I, along with many Vietnamese living abroad, pay special attention to.

Although we are thousands of kilometers away from our homeland, each election reminds us of the people’s right to mastery and of our shared responsibility to contribute to national development. This is not only an occasion for people at home to choose deserving representatives, but also an opportunity to institutionalize and realize the major development goals and orientations set out at the 14th National Party Congress.

Hannah Huyen Vu: Expecting Deputies with Innovative Thinking and Strong International Integration
Hannah Huyen Vu, President of the Australia-Vietnam Talent Network (AVTN) and Director of External Relations (Southeast Asia) at the University of Western Australia. (Photo: Courtesy of the interviewee)

- How do you assess the preparations for the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly?

Through information from newspapers and media channels, I see that preparations for this year’s election have been carried out in a very serious, methodical, and responsible manner. From the consultation process and nomination of candidates, to communication efforts and the provision of necessary conditions for organizing the election, all procedures have been conducted in accordance with regulations, in a public and transparent manner, and with the goal of improving the quality of elected representatives. This demonstrates Vietnam’s careful preparation to build a National Assembly that is increasingly professional, effective, and efficient.

In particular, as the country enters a new stage of development with both opportunities and challenges, the successful organization of the election and the prompt consolidation of the leadership apparatus are of great significance. With the implementation of a two-tier local government model and a more streamlined administrative system, selecting capable and dedicated deputies will help state agencies quickly stabilize their operations, thereby enhancing national governance and serving the people more effectively.

As someone from Quang Ninh, I can clearly feel the vibrant atmosphere of the election preparations through my family and friends back home. My relatives and friends in Quang Ninh are all very interested in this special event. Whenever I make FaceTime calls with my parents in Quang Ninh and hear them talk about streets decorated with colorful flags and flowers, I cannot help but feel excited as well. Many relatives and friends are also actively participating in election preparations and sharing updates on social media, spreading this sense of enthusiasm so that those of us living far from home can feel the atmosphere very vividly.

- What expectations do you have for the candidates running for the National Assembly?

I strongly agree with the view that elected representatives should possess many important qualities in order to meet the country’s development requirements. First and foremost, they must have firm political integrity and strategic vision, along with the ability to participate in shaping long-term policies aimed at achieving national development goals toward 2030 and the vision for 2045. In addition, deputies should demonstrate a high sense of responsibility and maintain close ties with the people in order to listen to and faithfully reflect the voices of voters, thereby ensuring that the decisions made by the National Assembly and local authorities truly originate from the realities of life.

In the context of globalization and rapid digital transformation today, I also hope that deputies will possess innovative thinking, strong international integration capabilities, and a deep understanding of global development trends. This is essential for Vietnam to effectively seize opportunities from international integration while developing policies that are suitable for the new context. I also hope that National Assembly deputies will pay greater attention to connecting with the overseas Vietnamese community, as overseas Vietnamese serve as a natural bridge between Vietnam and their host countries. In doing so, a strong combined force can be mobilized to support Vietnam’s external relations.

The Vietnamese community abroad, including many people from Quang Ninh living in different countries, share the same hope that the deputies elected by the people will truly listen to public voices, faithfully represent the aspirations of voters, and make sound decisions that promote the country’s sustainable development.

Hannah Huyen Vu: Expecting Deputies with Innovative Thinking and Strong International Integration
Hannah Huyen Vu, President of the Australia-Vietnam Talent Network (AVTN) and Director of External Relations (Southeast Asia) at the University of Western Australia. (Photo: Courtesy of the interviewee)

- What are your expectations for Vietnam’s development after the 16th National Assembly is elected?

I believe that once the 16th National Assembly is elected, Vietnam will continue to enter a new stage of development with even greater achievements. With a team of deputies who possess dedication, vision, and intellect, the National Assembly will continue to improve the legal system, advance institutional reforms, promote economic growth, improve people’s living standards, and strengthen Vietnam’s position on the international stage. In a world that still faces many uncertainties, these core deputies will serve as crucial “pillars,” contributing their efforts to help steer the country forward, bringing happiness and stability to the people.

As an overseas Vietnamese living far from home, I always feel proud when witnessing the country’s continuous renewal and development, and I also hope to make my own small contributions together with compatriots at home to build a Vietnam that is increasingly prosperous, civilized, and thriving.

I am always proud to see my homeland continuing to innovate and develop, and I also wish to contribute meaningful values to the country. Through the Australia-Vietnam Talent Network (AVTN), we are working to connect Vietnamese intellectuals, experts, and entrepreneurs abroad in order to support development initiatives in Vietnam, while promoting cooperation in education, innovation, and human resource development.

I believe that when the strength of the domestic community and overseas Vietnamese is closely connected, Vietnam will gain additional important resources to achieve faster and more sustainable development in the years ahead.

- Thank you very much!

Confidence of Foreign Business Community in Vietnam Confidence of Foreign Business Community in Vietnam

From the perspective of a business executive who has lived and managed enterprises across several continents, Santiago de los Reyes (Uruguay), International Market Development Manager ...

Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam: Election Preparations in Vietnam are Conducted Thoroughly Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam: Election Preparations in Vietnam are Conducted Thoroughly

In an interview with VietnamTimes Magazine, Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam Rogelio Polanco Fuentes said that preparations for the election of deputies to the 16th National ...

Pham Ly