DCN December Edition 2019

The grill
Professor Vinh Thai, from the School of
Business IT & Logistics at RMIT University
talks about his work, travel and why
people should consider a maritime career
What is your current job and what does
it entail?
As Associate Professor at the School of
Business IT & Logistics, RMIT University
in Melbourne, my work portfolio includes
teaching, research and administration
in the context of my duty as the deputy
program manager for the Master of Supply
Chain and Logistics management program.
What makes your work rewarding?
I often say this about my work: “you get
paid for what you love doing”. In my case,
I love teaching and researching in my
domain of maritime logistics. Teaching
gives me a sense of fulfilment as it is one
of the ways to influence people for a better
world, while research gives me joy especially
when that research is impactful.
How did you get into researching
shipping and logistics?
My bachelor (Vietnam Maritime
University), master (World Maritime
University) and PhD (Australian
Maritime College – University of
Tasmania) degrees are all related to ports
and shipping. My research of shipping
and logistics started when I came to
the AMC for my PhD after some time
working for the maritime industry in
Vietnam in a freight forwarding/shipping
agency and at a container shipping line
and container terminal.
Do you think enough people
understand the importance of
commercial shipping?
I think most people understand the
importance of the ocean to Australia, but
perhaps not many people know shipping is
critical to the country as her foreign trade
is dependent on shipping with nearly 99%
of Australia’s foreign trade in terms of
volume going through ports.
Would you encourage people to
consider a shipping or logistics career?
Definitely. A career in shipping and
logistics has challenges but also rewards.
Although it is not trendy compared with
other areas such as finance, banking or
insurance, it is the lifeblood and backbone
of any nation’s economy.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in a sea town in the central
coast of Vietnam, Qui Nhon, which
possesses one of the most beautiful
beaches in the country and perhaps
Asia. My youth is always associated
with the ocean. My hometown is
in the tropical monsoon zone and
thus I remember I went to the beach,
which is only 10-minutes jog from my
parents’ house for swimming virtually
every day. Apart from that, I really
miss all the food delicacies the town
has to offer.
You have lived in Melbourne and
Tasmania. Which was the best place
to live?
It’s hard to say since each has its own
pros and cons. I miss the quality of
the air in Tasmania – it’s so fresh and
pristine – which is hard to find in
Melbourne. The landscape in Tassie
is also quite unique. Meanwhile,
Melbourne offers the vibrancy of
the metropolitan work life but also
other aspects of the countryside life.
If possible, I would like to work in
Melbourne but enjoy life in Tasmania.
What do you enjoy most about
Melbourne life?
You have everything you need here. The
inclusiveness yet diversity of food and
drink is another attractive feature, not
to mention the cultural festivals and
events. In my profession, Melbourne
offers the unique advantage of being a
hub for shipping and a port with all the
industry players.
Have you got a favourite Melbourne
restaurant?
I am easy-going when it comes to food. My
favourite is of course Vietnamese cuisine.
By the way, I have just found that Pho
Thin Lo Duc, a well-known pho restaurant
in Hanoi, has just opened a branch in
Melbourne. If you are a fan of pho, this
northern style with stir-fried beef is
certainly something you must try.
What do you enjoy doing in your
spare time?
I love watching movies, especially action
and kungfu ones. Apart from that, I love
cycling with my two little devils, my
daughter of 16 and son of 10 and especially
playing soccer with the little one.
Where is your favourite place for a
holiday?
Apart from locations in Vietnam such as
my own hometown, I would like to visit
Japan (again) and especially Kyoto and
Sapporo. There is so much to learn in
terms of culture.
Is there an Australian person
(past or present) who you consider
inspirational?
Perhaps Bob Hawke, the former PM.
David Sexton
66 December 2019
thedcn.com.au