UEH News

On July 17-18, 2024, UEH hosted the International Scientific Conference  Resilience by Technology and Design (RTD) 2024  at its Vinh Long Campus with the theme “For a More Sustainable Mekong Delta.” The theme aimed to share solutions for promoting sustainable development in the Mekong Delta region. This theme follows the main topic “Fostering Sustainability,” held at the main campus in Ho Chi Minh City from July 15-16, 2024. 

The conference was co-organized by UEH and 12 renowned educational institutions and research institutes worldwide. Notably, over 200 leading scientists and experts from 18 countries participated, including the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Italy, Czech Republic, Australia, the United States, South Korea, India, Singapore, China, Macao (China), Taiwan (China), Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and India. The conference was part of the activities marking the 5th anniversary of the establishment of UEH - Vinh Long Campus (December 4, 2019 - December 4, 2024).

Overview of the "For a More Sustainable Mekong Delta" conference held at UEH Vinh Long on July 17, 2024

The opening session of the "For a More Sustainable Mekong Delta" conference held at UEH Vinh Long on July 17, 2024

The conference was attended by nearly 400 delegates, including provincial leaders, heads of departments, schools, associations, and organizations from Vinh Long province and the Mekong Delta region. Particularly noteworthy was the attendance and keynote address of the Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Committee of Vinh Long province, along with local department leaders: Director of the Department of Science and Technology of Can Tho City, Director of the Department of Information and Communications of Vinh Long Province and Deputy Director of the Department of Education and Training of Vinh Long Province.

Prof. Dr. Su Dinh Thanh, President of UEH, in his opening speech, emphasized: “Over nearly 50 years of establishment, UEH has become a national key university, a center for high-quality human resource training, leading in innovation and international integration. With the mission of sustainable development, UEH established the Vinh Long Campus, training nearly 2,000 full-time undergraduate students and over 400 postgraduate students, significantly contributing to the Mekong Delta region. Modern technology and design are key to developing sustainability, optimizing resources, and minimizing environmental impact. The Mekong Delta, a vital agricultural and fisheries economic region of Vietnam, faces challenges such as climate change, environmental pollution, land subsidence, and uncoordinated infrastructure. The RTD 2024 international conference in Vinh Long with the theme “For a More Sustainable Mekong Delta” aims to seek solutions and partnerships to promote sustainable development. This is an opportunity to share research and experiences from experts, encouraging actions for a bright future for the Mekong Delta.”

Prof. Su Dinh Thanh, President of UEH, delivered the opening speech at the conference

In the welcome address speech, Dr. Lu Quang Ngoi affirmed: “The Provincial Party Committee and People's Committee of Vinh Long highly appreciate the contributions and efforts of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City in organizing training, research, community connection, and knowledge dissemination activities, contributing to the sustainable development of Vinh Long province and the Mekong Delta in general, especially in the nearly five years since the establishment of UEH - Vinh Long Campus.” He also highlighted the necessity of UEH organizing this conference in the Mekong Delta region: “The Mekong Delta currently faces many challenges, including unsustainable economic development, ineffective regional linkage, slow application of science and technology, unattractive investment and business environment, labor migration, limited medical resources, slow digital transformation, water and soil pollution, and unsustainable resource exploitation. Vinh Long province has approved a plan for 2021-2030 with a vision to 2050, focusing on leveraging geo-economic advantages, innovation, and digital transformation, and developing a green, circular, and digital economy. Today's conference, with the presence of numerous leaders, scholars, and top experts in technology, design, art, management, and planning, is expected to bring practical and applicable solutions to achieve sustainable development and improve the quality of life, helping the Mekong Delta region and Vinh Long province soon achieve their set goals.”

Dr. Lu Quang Ngoi, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Committee of Vinh Long, delivered the welcome address at the conference

Due to the large number of presentations and research papers submitted to the conference, it was divided into several sessions, including:

Special Session 1 featured local leaders and managers, including important presentations such as: “Digital Transformation Issues towards Sustainable Development in Vinh Long” by MSc. Doan Hong Hanh, Director of the Department of Information and Communications of Vinh Long Province; “AI Technology in Sustainable Education” by Mr. Trinh Van Ngoan, Deputy Director of the Department of Education and Training of Vinh Long Province; and “Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the Digital Era” by Dr. Ngo Anh Tin, Director of the Department of Science and Technology of Can Tho City. These presentations contributed many practical ideas and solutions, including applying digital transformation to enhance management and public services, using artificial intelligence to improve education quality, and promoting entrepreneurship and innovation to prepare resources and create a favorable environment for sustainable economic development in the Mekong Delta.

MSc. Doan Hong Hanh, Director of the Department of Information and Communications of Vinh Long province, presenting on “Digital Transformation Issues towards Sustainable Development in Vinh Long”

Mr. Trinh Van Ngoan, Deputy Director of the Department of Education and Training of Vinh Long province, presenting on “AI Technology in Sustainable Education”

Dr. Ngo Anh Tin, Director of the Department of Science and Technology of Can Tho City, presenting on “Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the Digital Era in the Mekong Delta”

Prof. Dr. Su Dinh Thanh, President of UEH, giving a souvenir to local speakers

Special Session 2 included research results from international scholars, with many significant contributions and discussions:

Presentation: “A Socio-Ecological Turn for the Mekong Delta: Accentuating Indigenous Logics” by Prof. Kelly Shannon and Prof. Bruno De Meulder from KU Leuven University, Belgium, focused on emphasizing indigenous logics in socio-ecological management, contributing to the conservation and sustainable development of the Mekong Delta region through the application of traditional knowledge.

Prof. Kelly Shannon and Prof. Bruno De Meulder from KU Leuven University, Belgium, presenting on “A Socio-Ecological Turn for the Mekong Delta: Accentuating Indigenous Logics”

Dr. Tran Cong Chanh, President of the Association of Economic and Technical Colleges and Secondary Schools (ATEC) of Vietnam, discussing with Prof. Bruno De Meulder and Prof. Kelly Shannon

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung, Vice President of UEH and Director of Vinh Long Campus, giving a souvenir to Prof. Kelly Shannon and Prof. Bruno De Meulder from KU Leuven University, Belgium

Presentation: “Nature-based Solutions for a Sustainable Coastal City: Macao as a Case Study” by Prof. Karen Tagulao from Saint Joseph University, Macao, provided nature-based solutions for sustainable coastal city development, using Macao as an example to minimize the impacts of climate change and enhance the adaptability of coastal cities.

Prof. Karen Tagulao from Saint Joseph University, Macao, presenting on “Nature-based Solutions for a Sustainable Coastal City: Macao as a Case Study”

Delegates discussing with Prof. Karen Tagulao

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung, Vice President of UEH and Director of Vinh Long Campus, giving a souvenir to Prof. Karen Tagulao

Panel Discussion: “Innovation Ecosystem in Mekong Delta” led by Prof. Christopher Han and colleagues Prof. Wim Vanhaverbeke, Álvaro Barbosa, Mr. Lam Nguyen Hai Long, Dr. Trinh Tu Anh, and Prof. Harvey Neo, focused on building an innovation ecosystem in the Mekong Delta to promote creative collaboration and entrepreneurship in the region.

Dr. Christopher Han and colleagues Prof. Wim Vanhaverbeke, Prof. Álvaro Barbosa, Mr. Lam Nguyen Hai Long, Dr. Trinh Tu Anh, and Prof. Harvey Neo discussing “Innovation Ecosystem in Mekong Delta” at the conference

Assoc.Prof.Dr. Phan Thi Bich Nguyet, President of UEH Strategic and Policy Advisory Council, giving a souvenir to Prof. Christopher Han and speakers of the session

Presentation: “Sowing the Seeds for a More Sustainable Food System” by Prof. Lesly Goh, a Fulbright Specialist, proposed solutions for developing a sustainable food system from improving agricultural production to efficient resource management and enhancing food security.

Prof. Lesly Goh, Fulbright Specialist, presenting on “Sowing the Seeds for a More Sustainable Food System”

Delegates discussing with Prof. Lesly Goh

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung giving a souvenir to Prof. Lesly Goh

Presentation: “Research in Programmable Networking” by Prof. Javed I. Khan from Kent State University, USA, covered research on programmable networks contributing to the improvement of telecommunications infrastructure and information technology, supporting the development of digital services and smart connectivity.

Prof. Javed I. Khan from Kent State University, USA, presenting on “Research in Programmable Networking”

Delegates discussing with Prof. Javed I. Khan

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trinh Thuy Anh giving a souvenir to Prof. Javed I. Khan

Group Presentation on “Sustainable Energy” by Prof. Wei-Chih Lin and co-authors Dr. Nguyen Thanh Ha, Dr. Nguyen Quang Tan, and Dr. Nguyen Manh Hung from National Sun Yat-sen University, Taiwan, focused on sustainable energy solutions to minimize environmental impacts and enhance the use of renewable energy sources.

Prof. Wei-Chih Lin and colleagues from National Sun Yat-sen University, Taiwan, presenting

Delegates discussing with Prof. Wei-Chih Lin’s research team

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trinh Thuy Anh giving a souvenir to Prof. Wei-Chih Lin and colleagues

The contents and contributions from these presentations not only provided new knowledge but also opened up innovative approaches to promote sustainable development for the Mekong Delta region.

MOU Signing Ceremony between the Institute of Smart Cities and Management (ISCM) of the UEH School of Technology and Design and the Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities (LKYCIC) of the Singapore University of Technology and Design. The MOU signing ceremony featured Prof. CHEONG Koon Hean, Chair of LKYCIC, and Dr. Trinh Tu Anh, Director of ISCM.

MOU Signing between ISCM of UEH School of Technology and Design and LKYCIC of Singapore University of Technology and Design

Additionally, the conference organized five parallel sessions, allowing authors to present their scientific research papers.

Parallel Session D1 - Data Science and Development: This session focused on the application of data science to promote sustainable economic and social development, from big data analysis to IT solutions aimed at improving efficiency and decision-making accuracy.

Delegates taking commemorative photos with the session chair and authors at the Data Science and Development session

Parallel Sessions D2 and D3 - Robotics and Autonomous Systems Enhancing Sustainability 1 and 2: These sessions introduced research and applications of robotics and autonomous systems to enhance sustainability in various fields, including agriculture, industry, and environmental management, contributing to optimizing processes and minimizing negative environmental impacts.

Delegates taking commemorative photos with the session chair and authors at the Robotics and Autonomous Systems Enhancing Sustainability 1 session

Presentation at the Robotics and Autonomous Systems Enhancing Sustainability 1 session

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Truong Thinh, Director of the Institute of Intelligent Interactive Technology - CTD - UEH, chairing the Robotics and Autonomous Systems Enhancing Sustainability 2 session

Parallel Session D4 - Multidisciplinary Approach to Sustainability: This session emphasized the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to addressing sustainable development issues, from combining science, technology, and social fields to policy-making and effective resource management.

Delegates taking commemorative photos with the session chair and authors at the Multidisciplinary Approach to Sustainability session

Parallel Session D5 - Sustainable Mekong Delta: This session focused on research and solutions for sustainable development in the Mekong Delta, including water resource management, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable agricultural development to protect and develop the region in the face of climate change and environmental challenges.

Delegates taking commemorative photos with the session chair and authors at the Sustainable Mekong Delta session

Overview of the Sustainable Mekong Delta session

These parallel sessions not only provided a platform for new knowledge and technology but also promoted interdisciplinary and international cooperation, contributing to the comprehensive sustainable development goals set by the conference.

Exhibition Area for Local Works and Products

Alongside the conference activities was the Exhibition Area showcasing student works from UEH and OCOP (One Commune One Product) products from Vinh Long province and the Mekong Delta. The OCOP products displayed included a variety of items such as food, beverages, handicrafts, and agricultural products, featuring local specialties like fruits, coconut products, rice, and processed agricultural goods. The exhibition was not only a place for businesses, artisans, and researchers to connect but also an opportunity for residents and visitors to experience and learn about the culture, products, and new technologies, contributing to creativity and sustainable development in the Mekong Delta.

Overview of the art and OCOP product exhibition area, highlighting the cultural characteristics of Vinh Long province and the Mekong Delta

Delegates visiting the Exhibition of art paintings about typical images of the Mekong Delta region

Delegates visiting the OCOP product exhibition area

Display of specialty fruit boats from Vinh Long

A corner of the exhibition area

Field Trip - Unforgettable Impressions

In addition to attending the conference on July 17, 2024, experts participated in a field trip to Mang Thit Pottery Village and An Binh islet in Long Ho district, Vinh Long province on July 18, 2024. During this trip, the delegation conducted field surveys and made recommendations to preserve and promote the value of traditional brick kilns and ecological tourism sites, such as stopping the demolition of brick kilns and developing cultural, artistic, tourism, and service activities to transform Mang Thit and Long Ho into contemporary heritage areas of international significance.

Experts taking a boat to Mang Thit pottery village in Vinh Long province

The delegation of domestic and international professors and experts visiting Mang Thit pottery village in Vinh Long province

UEH lecturers and foreign professors at Mang Thit pottery village in Vinh Long province

Prof. Kelly Shannon observing the riverside pottery village in Mang Thit, Vinh Long province

Prof. Bruno De Meulder taking photos at Mang Thit pottery village in Vinh Long province

The delegation visited traditional brick kilns at Mang Thit pottery village in Mang Thit district, Vinh Long province

The delegation took a boat to visit Mang Thit pottery village and An Binh islet in Long Ho district, Vinh Long province

Prof. Álvaro Barbosa visiting a melon farm in a greenhouse at An Binh islet in Long Ho district, Vinh Long province

The delegation visiting the traditional coconut candy production process at An Binh islet in Long Ho district, Vinh Long province

The delegation visited a traditional craft village at An Binh islet in Long Ho district, Vinh Long province

Additional images from the conference:

Dr. Lu Quang Ngoi - Chairman of the People's Committee of Vinh Long province, and Prof. Su Dinh Thanh - President of UEH, visited the exhibition area at the conference

Dr. Lu Quang Ngoi - Chairman of the People's Committee of Vinh Long province, Prof. Su Dinh Thanh - President of UEH, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung - Vice President of UEH, visiting the Mekong Delta Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center

Prof. Su Dinh Thanh - President of UEH, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung - Vice President of UEH and Director of Vinh Long Campus, introduced the Smart Classroom Center to Dr. Lu Quang Ngoi - Chairman of the People's Committee of Vinh Long province

Dr. Lu Quang Ngoi - Chairman of the People's Committee of Vinh Long province, taking commemorative photos with UEH and Vinh Long Campus leaders

UEH leaders taking commemorative photos with leaders of departments and agencies in the Mekong Delta region

International speakers taking commemorative photos in front of the conference hall

Vinh Long Campus leaders taking commemorative photos with leaders of colleges and universities in the Mekong Delta region

Exhibition of art paintings about typical images of the Mekong Delta region

Display of Vinh Long specialty fruits

CTD-UEH leaders taking commemorative photos with members of the Institute of Intelligent Interactive Technology at the conference

Press Coverage:

Vinh Long Newspaper: "For a More Sustainable Mekong Delta"

Tin Tuc Newspaper: "Finding Solutions to Promote Sustainable Development for the Mekong Delta"

Policy and Life: "International Conference 'Towards a More Sustainable Mekong Delta"

Vinh Long Radio and Television: "International Scientific Conference with the Theme 'For a More Sustainable Mekong Delta"

UEH: "Opening of the RTD 2024 International Scientific Conference: A Forum for Discussing Technology and Design Solutions for Global Sustainable Development Goals"

News and photos: RTD 2024 Organizing Committee