Over 100 scientists attended the workshop “Connections and Technology Transfer for Institutes and Universities in Southern Vietnam,” jointly organized by VNUHCM and Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology at the VNUHCM Headquarters on the morning of July 19.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Hai Quan delivers the opening speech at the workshop.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Hai Quan stated that VNUHCM has set a vision of becoming a leading research university system in Asia, a hub for talent development, and a platform for disseminating Vietnamese knowledge and culture globally. He emphasized the critical role of international collaboration in achieving this goal. Consequently, organizing this conference aligns perfectly with VNUHCM’s vision and mission.

Mr. Quan further elaborated that prior to this conference, VNUHCM had tasked its member and affiliated units with conducting a survey to assess the demand for cooperation in science and technology, innovation, training, and other areas with international partners. He highlighted that this conference presents a valuable opportunity to engage with representatives from Ministries of Science and Technology worldwide. These individuals possess a deep understanding of, strong belief in, and keen interest in the scientific and technological advancements of institutes, universities, businesses, and funding agencies in their respective countries.

Speaking at the workshop, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui The Duy announced that the Ministry has established a network of representatives across 23 key science and technology fields in 15 countries. These representatives will be responsible for: (1) identifying and connecting with Vietnamese scientists and expatriates based on the requirements of domestic institutions and businesses; (2) gathering information on science and technology strategies, policies, and regulations to inform the Ministry and domestic stakeholders; and (3) facilitating direct connections between foreign research institutions, universities, and businesses with domestic entities in need of technological resources.

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui The Duy provides orientation remarks for the workshop.

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui The Duy expressed his hope that this workshop would facilitate direct connections between the Ministry’s representatives and VNUHCM scientists.

Participants heard two key presentations. The first, by Nguyen Duc Hoang, Deputy Director of the State Agency for Technology Innovation, focused on connections and technology transfer within the network of scientific and technological representatives. He presented aggregated results based on VNUHCM’s needs and proposed future collaborative initiatives. The second presentation, delivered by Ministry of Science and Technology representatives from New York, Houston, Tokyo, London, South Korea, and Washington, detailed findings based on VNUHCM’s requirements. They highlighted potential collaborations, training opportunities, and technology transfer prospects in their respective countries.

The workshop included two sessions: the morning session focused on connections and technology transfer for institutes and universities in Southern Vietnam, while the afternoon session concentrated on connections and technology transfer for local departments and businesses in Southern Vietnam.

The workshop panorama.