THE AUSTRALIAN EDUCATION JOURNEY OF A LIFELONG LEARNER

Interview with Dr. Tracy Trang Tran – General Manager & Co-Founder, QTS Australia Vietnam

Dr. Tracy Trang Tran is widely recognised as a Vietnamese woman leader who rises with both strength and grace. An alumna of RMIT University, the University of Adelaide, and Griffith University, she has built a cross-sector career spanning Education, Diplomacy, Trade and Investment, Energy, and Technology.Her leadership journey includes:

• Co-Founder & General Manager – QTS Australia Vietnam

• Senior Business Development Manager – Australian Trade Commission

• Trade Representative – Queensland Government in Vietnam

• Trainer, advisor, and ambassador for international projects

• 2024 Australian Alumni Award in Women’s Leadership

• Graduate of Platform 4 Change (P4C) for women leaders (Griffith University & Austrade)

Beyond her executive career, she is devoted to women’s empowerment, girls’ education, and community development, supporting initiatives such as Aid to Children Without Parents USA, Free Healthcare for Poor People, and RMIT Alumni Social Support.

A woman of purpose and humility, Dr. Tracy champions the belief that women can be globally minded and deeply local, ambitious and compassionate, powerful and graceful—leaders and lifters at the same time.

Let’s join us in discussing with her about her learning journey in Australia. 

What did you study in Australia, and how has that education shaped your career path?  

I am proud to say that I have a lifelong learning journey with Australia. It began with my degree at RMIT University, and over two decades, I continued to pursue many professional training programs both self-funded and scholarship-based. I studied Economics with the University of Queensland, Cybersecurity for Trainers with the University of Adelaide, AI and Technology Training with La Trobe University, and Business Studies with University of Canberra. I was also honored to receive the Australian Awards Scholarship for the Women Leaders Program with Griffith University, an experience that deeply shaped my understanding of leadership and empowerment.

Beyond academic degrees, I also completed VET qualifications such as the Diploma of Business, Diploma of Leadership with QTS Australia and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, as well as mentorship programs supported by Austrade, Australian Government.

Each course, each experience, helped me grow into a person with a global mindset, cross-sector knowledge, and endless passion for education. Australian education has given me not only knowledge but also humility, empathy, and the courage to innovate. I often say, “Knowledge keeps me young, and thanks to Australia, I’ll always remain a young learner at heart.”

What aspects of the Australian education system do you believe Vietnam could benefit from adopting or adapting?

 

What I love most about Australian education is how it keeps the quality very high, but still makes learning practical and open for everyone. In Australia, education is not just for the top students, it is for all people, including those with disabilities. You can find special programs for talented learners, but also many useful courses that help anyone build real skills for life and work.

Australian education is also very modern and flexible. Teachers and students are always encouraged to update themselves, learn new things, and adapt quickly to global changes. There is a strong discipline and system behind it, every level of study is clear, with real outcomes and clear career paths for learners.

What impresses me most is that Australian graduates succeed all over the world, proving how effective the system is. I believe Vietnam can learn from that spirit: to aim for top quality, stay practical, and make education equal for everyone.

What do you remember most about Australia? 

What I remember most about Australia is the smiles and friendliness of its people. Everywhere I went, I was welcomed with warmth and openness, it’s something that stays in my heart. My husband (also Australian Alumnus and University Classmate) and I are very adventurous, so during our time studying, working, and returning to Australia for business, we explored almost every corner of the country.

From vibrant cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast, to the peaceful towns of Morwell, Wollongong, Toowoomba, Byron Bay, Mackay, Cairns, Townsville, and the Sunshine Coast, we were often the only Asian faces in some places, yet we always felt at home. Australians are so easy to talk to, always smiling, always kind.

And of course, the natural beauty of Australia is unforgettable. The golden beaches, mountains, valleys, waterfalls, and forests create such a harmony of peace and energy. It’s a land where nature and people live beautifully together. To me, Australia is not just where I studied, it’s a place that shaped my spirit of adventure, optimism, and love for life.

What is your most proud achievement in your career/education? 

Without the quality of Australian education and the resilient, hard-working spirit of Vietnam, there would be no Dr. Tracy Trang today. I am proud that my journey with Australia did not end with my degree, it has continued to grow throughout my life.

Australia not only gave me knowledge but also continued to support me as an alumna, helping me thrive in my career, build a successful business, and develop as a woman leader, educator, and trainer. I am proud that I could use what I learned to give back to Vietnam, bringing world-class education closer to Vietnamese students and families.

Even more meaningful is seeing the next generation of my family choosing Australia for their education. It shows that my journey has come full circle, from a young Vietnamese student in Australia to a lifelong learner and mentor whose work continues to connect the two countries. That legacy, of learning and giving, is what I am most proud of.