Professor Võ Bá-Ngự, a passionate academic and a Vietnamese community leader, has built a life here in Perth since first arriving in 1982. Together with his parents and brothers, leaving Vietnam and the world they knew was a difficult decision to make so that he and his brothers could pursue a proper education.
As Bá-Ngự jokes, “Sure enough, 44 years later, I haven't managed to leave university yet.”
Bá-Ngự has had an impressive career teaching and researching at various universities. Currently a staff member at Curtin University, Bá-Ngự gives his time to mentor students and contribute to the academic community.
Bá-Ngự has been recognised multiple times for his academic achievements. In 2010, he was awarded the prestigious Eureka Prize for Outstanding Science in Support of Defence or National Security. He has also earned the Fellowships in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and the Asia-Pacific Artificial Intelligence Association, for his remarkable contributions to mathematical sciences and engineering.
Beyond academia, Bá-Ngự is committed to promoting and preserving Vietnamese history and culture. He actively participates in and supports various initiatives within the Vietnamese Community in Western Australia, working in various capacities to foster cultural heritage, education, and community engagement.
Remarking that his story is not a unique one, but one that thousands of people from refugee backgrounds could relate to, he says, “We had to learn a new language, adapt to a new culture and find our place in society. Personally, I spent most of my effort trying not to look completely lost.
“What made the difference was the sense of safety and the opportunities we found here. Our journey was not unique, but it reflects a shared story of resilience, hope and gradual belonging.
Sharing his experience as someone from a refugee background, Bá-Ngự says, “What it feels like to be from a refugee background changes over time.
“In the early years, it can be about uncertainty, adaptation and a desire to fit in. Later, it becomes about balancing different identities and giving back, becoming part of the fabric of the community.”
Reflecting on the sacrifices his parents made for their family, Bá-Ngự says, “One thing people might not realise is that whatever achievements you see are usually not individual accomplishments.
“They are the result of an entire family’s effort, sacrifice and quiet persistence, often with parents doing the hardest work behind the scenes while the children take the credit.”
Bá-Ngự is a passionate advocate for keeping an open, kind and curious mind in welcoming people from refugee backgrounds, believing that the smallest act can make a world of difference to someone who is building a life in a new place.
“Small gestures of support and understanding, especially in the early stages of settlement, can have a lifelong impact,” he says.
Difficult experiences are eased by simple but powerful moments of connection, as he adds that “a sense of humour also helps. Being able to laugh, especially at oneself, can make it easier to connect, to break down barriers.”
For Bá-Ngự, a sense of belonging and a welcoming, inclusive community helps beyond measure for people from refugee backgrounds to not just survive but thrive.
“Ultimately, an inclusive community is one where people feel they belong, are respected and are given the chance to participate fully,” he affirms.
Refugee Week runs from Sunday 14 June to Saturday 20 June 2026 and celebrates the contributions, courage and resilience of Australians from refugee backgrounds.