VietKnowledge NZ – VKNZ made its official debut on July 23. The hybrid event witnessed the attendance of representatives from Vietnamese community groups. Photos courtesy of Lam Giang

HÀ NỘI – The Vietnamese Knowledge Network in New Zealand (VietKnowledge NZ – VKNZ) made its official debut on July 23.

The hybrid event witnessed the attendance of representatives from Vietnamese community groups, alongside overseas Vietnamese, professionals, scholars, entrepreneurs, researchers, and students living and working across New Zealand.

The event marks the establishment of the first Vietnamese knowledge network to operate on a nationwide scale in New Zealand. VKNZ was founded to connect and leverage the intellectual resources of the Vietnamese community, foster community cohesion, promote people-to-people ties and bilateral cooperation, and contribute positively to the shared development of both Việt Nam and New Zealand.

Under the auspices of the Việt Nam’s Embassy in New Zealand, VKNZ aims to build a united, dynamic, and influential community. It provides a platform for members to share knowledge, experience, and initiatives, while serving as a bridge for professional collaboration, community development, and cultural exchange between the two nations.

In his remarks, the Vietnamese Ambassador to New Zealand Phan Minh Giang spoke highly of the establishment of VKNZ. To guide its future growth, he proposed the "Three Pillars of Elevation": first, to cherish and support one another in unity; second, to promote and preserve Vietnamese identity and heritage; and third, to raise the standing of the Vietnamese community within New Zealand society.

One of the hallmarks of VKNZ is its inclusive approach to the concept of "knowledge." Knowledge is not confined to academia or research; it encompasses professional expertise, life skills, practical experience, and the wisdom accumulated through study, work, and service.

“To us, knowledge isn’t just found in textbooks, it’s about career experience, hands-on skills, and real-life stories. That’s why VKNZ is an open platform born from a simple belief: everyone has something to share and everyone can make a difference,” said Nguyễn Lam Giang, a member of the Executive Board of the network.

According to Giang, although the Vietnamese community in New Zealand is modest, it is rapidly growing in both size and stature.

“At VKNZ, the most valuable resource is our people. Everyone has their own story, knowledge, and unique point of view, from professional expertise to the everyday lessons learned while living in New Zealand. When you share an experience or an opportunity, you are helping many others thrive," said Giang, Regional Engagement Lead, Southeast and East Asia, the University of Waikato.

“We believe that when each of us contributes our own unique strengths, even in small ways, we build a stronger and more connected community. VKNZ is the common thread that ties us all together, allowing our collective wisdom and experience to reach everyone,” she added.

In that spirit, VKNZ welcomes all Vietnamese individuals in New Zealand who wish to connect, share, and contribute, regardless of their profession, field of activity, or educational background. There are currently nearly 15,000 Vietnamese people living in New Zealand. VNS