The Australian Embassy in Vietnam has announced the “ALL EARS: FOCUS AUSTRALIA 2026” program, a cultural initiative aimed at promoting creative collaboration between young Australian and Vietnamese artists.
A highlight of the program is the collaboration between Australian singer-songwriter Matthew Ifield and Vietnamese singer My Anh, one of the representative faces of Vietnam’s young contemporary music scene.
Supported by the Australian Government, the initiative brings Matthew Ifield to Vietnam as part of his highly anticipated 2026 Asia Tour, creating a unique platform for cross cultural co‑creation, youth expression, and creative industry partnership between Australia and Vietnam.
The collaboration will make its debut on 15 June 2026 on the main stage of the prestigious Hue Festival 2026. Under the night skies of Vietnam’s ancient capital, Matthew Ifield and My Anh will present a specially curated joint performance, blending soul, R&B, and pop influences to celebrate the vibrant people‑to‑people connections at the heart of Australia - Vietnam relationship.
Following Hue Festival, the two artists will continue a series of activities in Hanoi, including an intensive songwriting session aimed at developing a music project from the initial concept to its first demo recording.
On June 17, a talk and performance session will take place at VinUniversity, featuring artists and music industry experts from Australia and Vietnam. The event is expected to engage music lovers and young creative talents in Hanoi.
Participants will discuss how the music industry operates, share experiences in developing international collaborative projects, and introduce the first musical ideas emerging from the collaboration between Matthew Ifield and My Anh.
According to the Australian Embassy, the cultural initiative is being implemented within the framework of “Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040,” which identifies the creative industries as a priority sector for strengthening economic and cultural connections between Australia and the region.
Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Gillian Bird said: “We are thrilled to support this musical collaboration between Australia’s Matthew Ifield and Vietnam’s Mỹ Anh. Creative connections and exchange between young people in Australia and Vietnam will help build cultural understanding between our nations”.
Sharing her thoughts on the program, singer My Anh said she was excited to continue cultural exchanges with Australian artists following her previous performances in Sydney and Melbourne. According to her, music and art are unique ways for people to better understand and connect with one another.
Meanwhile, Matthew Ifield said he was impressed to have the opportunity to perform at Hue Festival, a place rich in history and culture. The artist expressed his hope of bringing his music to Vietnam in a setting that honors both cultural heritage and contemporary creativity.