Representatives from the Management Board of the Ho Chi Minh City High-Tech Agricultural Zone, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade, and VNUHCM–University of Science performing the launching ritual for the 2026 Innovation and Start-up Competition in High-Tech Agriculture.

On 29 May, at VNUHCM–University of Science, the Management Board of the Ho Chi Minh City High-Tech Agricultural Zone, in collaboration with HCMUS, organised the launch ceremony for the 2026 Innovation and Start-up Competition in High-Tech Agriculture. Under the theme “Circular Agriculture – Shaping a Green Future”, the competition aims to promote ideas and projects that apply science, technology, and innovation to agricultural development, focusing on green, circular, and sustainable models.

The event was attended by Mr Nguyễn Duy Sơn, Vice Head of the Management Board of the Ho Chi Minh City High-Tech Agricultural Zone; Ms Bùi Thị Lưu Ly, representing the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade and member of the competition’s Organising Committee; and Ms Vương Thị Hồng Loan, Director of the High-Tech Agricultural Business Incubator. Representing HCMUS were Assoc. Prof. Trần Lê Quan, President of the University, along with representatives from various offices, lecturers, researchers, postgraduate students, and undergraduates interested in innovative start-up activities.

In the opening address, Mr Nguyễn Duy Sơn emphasised the significance of connecting resources from state management agencies, educational institutions, businesses, and experts to foster the innovation ecosystem within high-tech agriculture. According to Mr Nguyễn Duy Sơn, as green transition and sustainable development become inevitable global trends, circular agricultural models offer numerous opportunities for start-up initiatives rich in scientific and technological content, contributing to resolving challenges related to the environment, natural resources, and climate change.

In the welcoming speech, Assoc. Prof. Trần Lê Quan affirmed that HCMUS consistently regards scientific research, technology transfer, and innovative entrepreneurship as key pillars in the strategic development of the institution. The President highly commended the collaboration with the Management Board of the Ho Chi Minh City High-Tech Agricultural Zone, which provides students, researchers, and faculty members with further avenues to access start-up support programmes tailored to the practical needs of society and industry.

Within the framework of the programme, the Management Board of the Ho Chi Minh City High-Tech Agricultural Zone presented a letter of appreciation to HCMUS to acknowledge the invaluable partnership of the University in organising and advancing activities that support the innovative start-up ecosystem.

Alongside the official launch, the event featured keynote presentations addressing trends in circular agriculture and the commercialisation of scientific research outcomes.

Dr Nguyễn Hữu Hoàng, Director of the High-Tech Agricultural Applied Research Centre at HCMUS, delivered a presentation entitled “Commercialising Research Products in Agricultural Science – Key Case Studies”. The presentation shared practical insights into transforming research findings into viable, marketable products, thereby enhancing the value of scientific research activities.

Mr Tôn Thất Hạc Minh, a consultant specialising in sustainable development and the circular economy, and founder of EarthWise Consulting, presented on “Circular Agriculture Towards Net Zero”. The report provided updated insights into green transition trends in agriculture whilst highlighting the role of innovation in reducing emissions, optimising resource efficiency, and adapting to climate change.

From a corporate perspective, Dr Nguyễn Thị Vân Linh, Director of VinaCrop Co., Ltd. and Head of the Department of Food Technology at Nguyen Tat Thanh University, shared experiences in establishing and developing circular agricultural models, whilst exploring collaborative opportunities between enterprises and academic institutions in research, product development, and innovation.

The highlight of the event was the official launching ceremony, performed by representatives from the Organising Committee and collaborating institutions. The 2026 Innovation and Start-up Competition in High-Tech Agriculture is anticipated to serve as a vital bridge connecting scientific knowledge, industry demands, and resources that foster innovation. Through this initiative, promising ideas and projects will receive incubation, refinement, and eventual commercialisation, driving high-tech agriculture, the circular economy, and green growth forward into a new era.

On 20 March 2026, VNUHCM-University of Science (HCMUS) hosted the International Workshop on “Global Geoparks and Mineral Resources 2026.” The event convened a distinguished assembly of scientists, policymakers, industry experts, and academic partners from across the globe.

The event was attended by the HCMUS Executive Board, heads of administrative departments and faculties, alongside faculty members, doctoral candidates, and students. Distinguished guests included representatives from the Lam Dong Provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, various regulatory bodies and technical units within the geology and resources sector, and international partners from the National Taipei University of Technology (NTUT), Yehliu Geopark, and the Taiwan Marble & Stone Industrial Association (TMA).

In his opening address, Associate Professor Trần Minh Triết—Vice President of HCMUS—emphasised the pivotal role of geological sciences in addressing global challenges regarding resources, the environment, and sustainable development. The Vice President further reaffirmed the commitment of HCMUS to strengthening international cooperation within this vital field.

Academic Exchange on Geological Heritage and Sustainable Development

The first session focused on “Geological Heritage and Sustainable Development,” featuring presentations on geopark management, heritage conservation, and sustainable tourism. These research papers provided comparative perspectives between Ģ����ý and Taiwan, ranging from policy frameworks to technical solutions and management models.

Session I featuring numerous presentations on geopark management and sustainable tourism in Ģ����ý and Taiwan.

Presentations from Ģ����ý highlighted practical experiences in managing geoparks, most notably the conservation and promotion of the UNESCO Global Geopark in Dak Nong, alongside the Net Zero community-based tourism model in Lang Son. Meanwhile, research from Taiwan offered practical insights into geological structural reinforcement techniques, the role of geological surveys in urban planning, and sustainable management strategies at Yehliu Geopark.

Within the framework of the workshop, the Faculty of Geology formalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Yehliu Geopark and the Taiwan Marble & Stone Industrial Association. This partnership focuses on academic exchange, field research, professional training, and the joint organisation of workshops and communications to foster sustainable geological tourism.

Representatives from the Faculty of Geology at HCMUS signing the MoU with Yehliu Geopark and the Taiwan Marble & Stone Industrial Association.

Furthermore, the collaboration with TMA paves the way for practical advancements in mineral resources, including geological surveying, the application of extraction technologies, post-mining environmental restoration, and the development of technical standards for the stone and materials industry.

Mineral Resources: From Research to Application

The second session, entitled “Mineral Resources and Sustainable Development,” examined specialised research on regional geology, geothermal energy, geological hazards, and the potential applications of resources.

Reports in Session II focusing on mineral resources, geothermal energy, and applied geological issues.

The presentations provided updated analyses on the origin and application potential of pegmatites in Kon Tum, assessed risks from seismic events in Taiwan, and clarified the role of hydrothermal systems in geothermal energy development. Additionally, representatives from enterprises and industry associations shared practical perspectives on market trends, technology, and development trajectories within the stone extraction and processing sector.

Concluding the programme, a presentation on the mineral potential of Southern Ģ����ý suggested numerous avenues for collaboration between academia and industry, aiming to enhance the practical value of geological research in an era of global integration.

Affirming the Role of Academic Connection and Sustainable Development

The workshop providing a forum for academic exchange and collaboration between scientists, regulators, and enterprises.

The workshop served not only as an academic forum but also as a platform for bridging the gap between educational institutions, government agencies, and domestic and international enterprises. The discussions and partnerships established during the event have contributed to promoting interdisciplinary research, enhancing training capacity, and increasing the practical application of geological sciences.

Through this event, VNUHCM-University of Science continues to assert a leading role as a hub for academic and applied connectivity in geology and mineral resources, working alongside partners to address scientific and technological issues linked to sustainable development on both regional and global scales.

From 1–7 March 2026, VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS) hosted the OMU-TTI-HCMUS Spring School 2026, welcoming distinguished faculty and students from both Ģ����ý and Japan. Organised by the Faculty of Environment in collaboration with Osaka Metropolitan University (OMU) and the Toyota Technological Institute (TTI), this initiative sought to foster international academic exchange whilst providing an immersive learning environment focused on environmental science and sustainable development.

The course employed a hybrid structure, integrating specialised thematic lectures, rigorous academic debates, and extensive field research. The programme brought together five scholars from Japanese partner institutions and ten students from HCMUS, guided by expert faculty from all participating universities. This collaboration stands as a hallmark of the international outreach efforts at the Faculty of Environment, strengthening academic ties and expanding research networks between these prestigious institutions.

Throughout the week, participants attended a series of specialised lectures delivered by prominent academics. These sessions addressed critical environmental challenges and the pursuit of sustainable development, including: the current state and impact of biomass burning in Ģ����ý; professional career trajectories within a globalised landscape; trends in sustainable consumption; and Ģ����ý’s strategic roadmap towards achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050. Such seminars provided not only the latest scientific data but also multifaceted perspectives on the environmental hurdles faced during contemporary socio-economic growth.

Beyond the lecture theatre, the programme facilitated site visits and field surveys across the Mekong Delta and the Ho Chi Minh City Hi-Tech Agricultural Park. These excursions allowed students to examine firsthand the practicalities of agricultural innovation and resource management. Furthermore, the delegation visited the Heineken Ģ����ý Brewery to observe industrial processes, environmental management protocols, and the integration of sustainability within corporate operations.

The successful delivery of the OMU-TTI-HCMUS Spring School 2026 enhances the quality of education by bridging the gap between theory and practice. This initiative further solidifies the international partnership in environmental science between HCMUS and Japanese academic circles. Ultimately, the programme offered students a vital opportunity to engage within a multicultural academic setting, deepening their understanding of global environmental crises and the pivotal role the next generation must play in securing a sustainable future.