CQU makes Vietnam community connections, impact
CQUniversity is making an impact in South-East Asia, supporting causes to grow education and opportunity.
CQU’s International Student Recruitment team recently participated in two important events in Vietnam during October, funding a new computer lab for disadvantaged school students, and fundraising for local cancer support.
Deputy Director of International Recruitment, Marketing, and Acquisition, Mahdi Shariatian, teamed up with in-country Student Recruitment Manager – Vietnam, Phuong Hoang, to visit a village school in Xã Đăc Tơ Ver, huyện Chư Păh, tỉnh Gia Lai and donate seven new computers.
The generous gift gives nearly 400 primary and secondary students access to technology and the internet – previously only possible by travelling to a neighbouring town.
Mr Shariatian said the donation was a collaboration with Nuôi Em, a respected charity organisation in Vietnam that works directly with the Youth Foundation under Gia Lai Government.
“It was a proud moment to present the computers to the school, and see the excitement and enthusiasm of the students,” he said.
CQU gift bags were also provided to students, to recognise academic achievement.
Nearly 90 per cent of the school’s students belong to the Bahnar ethnic group, and more than a quarter of the village lives in poverty.
Local government, school principals, teachers, and students attended the computer lab launch.
In 2025 CQU will expand its local philanthropy, and has committed to donating $200 for each new student enrolment from Vietnam. The dedicated fund will help establish more computer labs for young students with limited access to educational resources.
This year, CQU also became an official sponsor for Pink Run 2024, a major fundraiser for the Breast Cancer Network Vietnam.
The annual event attracted more than 5000 sponsored runners, including Mr Shariatian and Ms Phuong.
The event is also supported by Australian Consul General of Ho Chi Minh City, and Vietnam Graduates from Australia Club (VGAC).
Mr Shariatian said CQU has been active in Vietnam for several decades, and he’s excited to be increasing local presence and impact.
“In Australia and internationally, CQU has a reputation for community connection, and giving back,” he said.
“The investment that we are making is already having huge impacts for students who are using the computer lab, and we can see great potential for increasing that impact.
“Sponsoring and running in the Pink Run – although exhausting – was also a great opportunity for CQU to show how we connect with our communities, wherever that community is.
"And to see more than 5000 people up at 4am, jumping up and down for warm-ups as techno music blasted – it’s not just a great atmosphere, it’s a great indicator that young people in Vietnam want to achieve big things, and CQU is ready to help them do it.”
CQUniversity is home to more than 5000 international students, studying across 12 Australian campuses, from 40 countries across the globe.
To learn more about how CQUniversity welcomes and supports international students, visit the CQU International website.
