Our Mission

VTSEA (VTSEA) is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to empowering disadvantaged people in South East Asia through practical, hands-on vocational training. Founded in 2023 by acclaimed horticulturist and landscape architect Don Thomson, VTSEA was established to bridge the gap between education and employment in rural Vietnam. Our mission is to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to secure meaningful work, helping to break the cycle of poverty and build sustainable futures.

Our flagship program, based in the Hau Giang province of Vietnam, offers a bilingual horticulture training course equivalent to the Australian Certificate II. This course provides students with valuable skills in horticulture while adapting to the unique landscape and needs of their local communities. In partnership with DNA Training Solutions, the Vi Thùy Vocational and Continuing Education Centre, and the Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, we ensure that each student receives not only world class education, but also the support and resources to gain employment which paves the way for long term success.

At VTSEA, we believe that education has the power to transform lives. By working with governments, educators, and local organisations, we create tailored programs that open doors to opportunity, giving individuals the tools to succeed and contribute to the prosperity of their communities.