OV Melbourne

Daniel was born in Hanoi and moved to Melbourne at 17. Today Daniel is a Creative Director and Technologist with over 12 years in motion design, video, art direction and creative technology, and a new media artist. Daniel found OV at an event in Hanoi in 2023 and brought the same energy back to Melbourne.

What do you do, and where did you grow up?

Born in Hanoi, Vietnam, and based in Melbourne, Australia since moving at age 17, I hold an academic background in multimedia design and research in AR/VR interaction design. Today, I work as a Creative Director and Technologist with over 12 years of experience spanning motion design, video production, art direction, and emerging creative technology integration. Outside of work, I'm also a practicing new media artist, focusing on interactive and immersive digital art.

Why do you lead OV in your city?

My journey with Overseas Vietnamese (OV) started back in 2023 at an event in Hanoi. I was instantly drawn to how the community seamlessly connects the global Vietnamese diaspora. When I returned to Australia, I knew I wanted to bring that same energy to Melbourne by stepping up to host local events. Hosting events was a deliberate leap outside my comfort zone as an introvert, but it turned out to be immensely rewarding. Three years on, regularly organizing gatherings and bringing people together remains one of the most fulfilling projects I work on.

One place in your city every Vietnamese visitor should know

Explore Melbourne’s famed specialty coffee scene, hidden throughout the city’s iconic laneways. You’ll find some of the best specialty coffee shops. As a city famous for its vibrant art and culture, it's also packed with iconic spots you can't miss, especially the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) and the historic State Library Victoria.