On 9 June, the Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology at VNUHCM鈥揢niversity of Science (HCMUS) hosted a meeting and bilateral discussion with Professor Sanna Huttunen and Dr Samuli Lehtonen, two visiting professors from the University of Turku, Finland.

Representing HCMUS at the session were Professor Ng么 膼岷 Nghi峄噋, Head of the External Relations Office; Associate Professor Tr瓢啤ng H岷 Nhung, Dean of the Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology; Associate Professor Nguy峄卬 Tuy岷縯 Ph瓢啤ng, Dean of the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Sciences and Head of the Graduate Studies Office; alongside academic staff from the Faculties.

During the dialogue, representatives from both institutions shared insights into respective academic programmes, scientific research activities, and strategic development goals for the coming years. A wide range of potential collaborative initiatives was discussed, including student exchange schemes, the delivery of both in-person and online instructional modules, and the implementation of practical workshops focused on ecosystems, climate change, the environment, and sustainable development. Joint organisation of scientific conferences and specialised workshops was also considered.

Delegates further explored the feasibility of establishing a 1+1 joint Master鈥檚 programme, co-supervising postgraduate and doctoral students, whilst expanding collaborative research in mutually beneficial fields.

The meeting provided a valuable forum for academics to exchange expertise, share pedagogical and research experiences, and deliberate on future collaborative directions between the Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Interdisciplinary Sciences, and the University of Turku.

On 5 June, at the Tran Chi Dao Hall, 水果派AV解说 National University Ho Chi Minh City hosted a ceremony to announce and present decisions regarding personnel appointments from the Standing Committee of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Organisation, the Standing Committee of the VNUHCM Party Committee, and the Chancellor of VNUHCM.

During the ceremony, the Chancellor of VNUHCM presented the personnel appointment decisions to the leadership of VNUHCM鈥揢niversity of Science.

• Associate Professor Tr岷 L锚 Quan 鈥� Secretary of the Party Committee, President;
• Associate Professor Tr岷 Minh Tri岷縯 鈥� Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee, Vice-President;
• Professor Nguy峄卬 Trung Nh芒n 鈥� Member of the Executive Committee of the Party Organisation, Vice-President;
• MSc V膬n Ch铆 Nam 鈥� Member of the Standing Committee of the Party Committee, Vice-President.

The strengthening of leadership teams across institutions takes place as higher education institutions nationwide implement the policy designating the Party Committee Secretary as the head of the educational institution, in accordance with Resolution No. 71-NQ/TW of the Politburo. This transition also aligns with new university governance regulations under the Higher Education Law 2025, ensuring stability, unity, and continuity in leadership, governance, and operational management.

For VNUHCM鈥揢niversity of Science, this development establishes a vital foundation for the institution to continue realising strategic objectives. As science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation become the primary drivers of growth, HCMUS continues to champion a pioneering role in training high-calibre human resources, conducting fundamental scientific research, and developing foundational technologies to serve national development.

With a heritage of more than 85 years of establishment and growth, coupled with an experienced, resilient, and dedicated leadership team, VNUHCM鈥揢niversity of Science continues to strive towards becoming a research-led university. This ambition contributes actively to the strategic development of VNUHCM, the advancement of higher education reform, and the construction of national science, technology, and innovation in the new era.

On 6 June, VNUHCM鈥揢niversity of Science (HCMUS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Petro Vietnam Paint Joint Stock Company (PV Paint), a subsidiary of the Petrovietnam Maintenance and Repair Corporation (PVMR) and a member of Vietnam National Industry – Energy Group (Petrovietnam).

The event marks a new milestone in the partnership between academia and industry, aiming to bridge the gap between education, scientific research, and commercial operations. This initiative will also accelerate the research and development of advanced materials and paint technologies tailored for the energy sector.

The ceremony was attended by Assoc. Prof. Tr岷 Minh Tri岷縯, Vice-President of HCMUS; Mr V农 Duy C瓢峄漬g, General Director of PV Paint; alongside representatives and leaders from specialist units of both organisations. Notably, the event welcomed Assoc. Prof. L锚 V膬n S峄�, Head of the Department of Science, Technology and Digital Transformation, Petrovietnam.

Speaking at the event, Assoc. Prof. Dr Tr岷 Minh Tri岷縯 emphasised that this partnership represents a major milestone in the strategic expansion of the corporate partner network at HCMUS. According to the Vice-President, connecting the research capabilities of academic scientists with practical industrial needs not only enhances educational quality but also ensures that research outcomes are successfully translated into high-value products and technologies.

The Vice-President reaffirmed that HCMUS will fully leverage a distinguished cohort of experts and scientists, together with modern laboratory facilities, to support the enterprise through the processes of research, technological development, and innovation, thereby addressing pressing challenges within the industry.

Representing the enterprise, Mr V农 Duy C瓢峄漬g stated that in an increasingly competitive market, developing high-tech paints, nano-coatings, and next-generation surface materials is essential to boost the competitiveness of Vietnamese businesses. PV Paint expects the partnership with HCMUS to unlock opportunities to access cutting-edge research, whilst accelerating the R&D process for novel products with high scientific and technological value.

Collaborative projects will be implemented through the Faculty of Materials Science and Technology, focusing on education, scientific research, technology transfer, and digital transformation.

In education, both parties agreed to co-develop high-quality human resources through internship programmes, industrial site visits, and support for undergraduate dissertations and Master’s theses aligned with practical problems in the coating manufacturing industry. PV Paint will also consider establishing scholarship schemes for students with outstanding academic and research achievements. Furthermore, the two institutions will co-develop specialised modules on paint technology, protective coatings, applied nanomaterials, and related fields to enhance professional competence and career adaptability for students.

Regarding research and technological development, priority areas will focus on next-generation industrial coatings, environmentally friendly materials, anti-fouling solutions to protect marine structures, and advanced nanomaterial systems such as graphene, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and nano-TiO鈧� to improve product performance, durability, and added value.

Alongside research activities, both sides agreed to promote technology transfer and the commercialisation of research findings. Projects with viable application potential will be assessed and selected for integration into the manufacturing systems of the company. The Faculty of Materials Science and Technology will support PV Paint in building research capacity and innovation, moving towards the long-term goal of developing a dedicated science and technology enterprise.

Significantly, digital transformation has been identified as a core component of this collaboration. The two organisations will enhance connectivity and share research data, utilising digital technology platforms to optimise research workflows, whilst progressively developing a smart laboratory model that integrates artificial intelligence (AI) into product R&D.

During the working session, representatives from the specialist units of both sides engaged in detailed discussions regarding the roadmap for upcoming collaborative schemes. Both parties agreed to establish a regular coordination mechanism, enhance professional exchanges, and create online communication channels to guarantee operational efficiency. Plans to organise specialised seminars and workshops on paint and coating technologies featuring domestic and international experts were also discussed, aiming to create a high-quality academic and corporate networking forum.

The two organisations also plan to maintain a periodic review mechanism to evaluate implementation results, review collaborative activities, and propose new directions, ensuring that the partnership continues to deepen and remain closely aligned with practical corporate demands and trends within the advanced materials sector.

 

On 6 June, the VNUHCM鈥揢niversity of Science (HCMUS) hosted the seminar 鈥楧emands and solutions for teaching Statistics in basic sciences in 2026鈥�. Jointly organised by the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science and the Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, the event drew significant interest from scientists, lecturers, experts, and learners focused on statistics, data science, and higher education.

In an era where data and artificial intelligence (AI) are reshaping research methodologies, industry, and governance across most sectors, Statistics increasingly asserts a vital role as a foundational framework. This discipline enables learners to access, analyse, and exploit data for scientific research and practical problem-solving. Consequently, the seminar aimed to assess the current state of Statistics education whilst proposing strategic solutions to improve educational effectiveness within basic science disciplines.

In the opening address, Associate Professor Tr瓢啤ng H岷 Nhung, Dean of the Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, noted that alongside the shift towards interdisciplinary and data-driven scientific development, statistical thinking has become an essential requirement for learners. According to Associate Professor Tr瓢啤ng H岷 Nhung, equipping learners with the ability to analyse, interpret, and utilise data scientifically improves educational quality and provides a robust foundation for learners to adapt to rapid technological advancements.

During the seminar, keynote presentations focused on analysing the current landscape of Statistics teaching and learning in higher education.

Dr V玫 膼峄ヽ C岷﹎ H岷, Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, provided an overview of Mathematics and Statistics provision at HCMUS. The presentation emphasised the significance of foundational knowledge in helping learners engage effectively with specialised fields that are increasingly data-centric.

Following this, Dr T么 膼峄ヽ Kh谩nh, a lecturer from the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, analysed the challenges in contemporary Statistics education. According to Dr T么 膼峄ヽ Kh谩nh, the primary obstacle lies not merely in delivering theoretical knowledge, but in enabling learners to apply statistical methods and tools to resolve practical problems in research and professional careers. From this perspective, Dr T么 膼峄ヽ Kh谩nh proposed directions for curriculum reform, innovative teaching methods, and enhanced practical applications in education.

In addition to educational matters, the seminar dedicated substantial time to discussing the role of Statistics amidst the rapid rise of data science and artificial intelligence.

In the presentation entitled 鈥楾ransforming Data into Knowledge: The Role of Statistics and AI in Experimental Science鈥�, Dr L瓢u Ph煤c L峄, Head of the Scientific Research Department at the Institute for Applied Research in Health Sciences and Ageing (Thong Nhat Hospital), demonstrated that statistical methods maintain a core position throughout the research process. This spans experimental design, data processing, and model building to supporting scientific decision-making. Furthermore, the growth of AI highlights the critical importance of quantitative thinking and data analysis capabilities in modern research.

Subsequent presentations expanded horizons regarding the application of Statistics across various basic sciences. Dr 膼岷穘g L锚 Anh Tu岷, a lecturer from the Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, shared experiences in applying Statistics within biological and biotechnological research. Dr Ph岷 T岷 H霉ng, a lecturer from the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Sciences, presented the role of Statistics in AI-driven materials discovery, ranging from experimental data to predictive modelling and high-throughput screening. Dr Nguy峄卬 Th峄� Hu峄硁h Tr芒m, a lecturer from the Faculty of Environment, offered insights into bridging the gap between statistical theory and environmental data analysis skills.

These contributions demonstrated that Statistics is no longer an isolated discipline but has instead become a universal language across multiple scientific fields, linking data, technology, and knowledge.

 

Beyond the thematic reports, the open discussion session recorded numerous perspectives from lecturers, researchers, and learners regarding curricula, teaching methodologies, the integration of data analysis tools and AI, and solutions to enhance statistical application capabilities for learners across diverse fields.

Participants agreed that reforming Statistics education must be linked with real-world data, increased practical problems, digital technology exploitation, and the cultivation of data-analytical thinking. These are viewed as crucial directions to help learners meet the rising demands of the labour market and research environments in the age of data and artificial intelligence.

The seminar served as an academic forum for dialogue between educational and research institutions whilst reinforcing the status of Statistics as a foundational competence in modern science. As data becomes a strategic resource for digital society, the modernisation of Statistics teaching represents a vital requirement for higher education and a necessary step to prepare a workforce capable of mastering data, technology, and future artificial intelligence tools.

The discussion session noting various proposals aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of Statistics teaching and learning in basic sciences.

On 6 June, the Faculty of Geology at the VNUHCM鈥揢niversity of Science (HCMUS) hosted a symposium entitled 鈥楲and Management and Land Economics in the Context of Digital Transformation, AI Technology and Sustainable Urban Development鈥�. The event brought together the participation of policymakers, experts, scientists, lecturers and students from the fields of geology, geoinformatics, land management, and urban planning and development.

As Ho Chi Minh City enters a new phase of development with increasingly stringent requirements for urban governance, digital transformation and sustainable growth, the symposium served as an academic forum to connect perspectives from state management, science and technology, and urban development practices. In doing so, the seminar helped clarify the role of geospatial data, digital technology and geological science in supporting policy formulation, land resource management and urban spatial organisation.

In the opening remarks, Associate Professor Ph岷 Trung Hi岷縰, Dean of the Faculty of Geology at HCMUS, noted that the profound shifts driven by digital transformation impose new demands on resource management and urban development. According to the Dean of Faculty, technologies such as GIS, UAVs, artificial intelligence and geospatial data systems no longer function merely as technical tools; instead, these advancements are becoming fundamental platforms supporting decision-making processes in planning, land management and sustainable urban development.

A key highlight of the symposium was the interdisciplinary approach applied to land management and land economics. Presentations extended beyond state management to encompass geospatial data, urban economics, digital technology, environmental geology and developmental governance.

Numerous topics were debated by experts, including:

1. 鈥楽tate Management of Land in Ho Chi Minh City within the Context of Digital Transformation鈥� 鈥� Mr Hu峄硁h Th谩i Ng峄峜, MA, Head of the Investment, Exploitation and Land Fund Development Department at the Ho Chi Minh City Land Fund Development Centre;
2. 鈥楢pplication of the GITC Platform and GIS Technology in State Management鈥� 鈥� Mr Ph岷 膼峄ヽ Th峄媙h, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Information Technology and Geospatial Centre;
3. 鈥楾he 鈥淐ompact City鈥� Model and Land Economics in the Post-Merger HCMC Mega-Region: Governance Speed, Financialisation of Space and the Challenge of Sustainable Development鈥� 鈥� Dr Nguy峄卬 B岷 Th脿nh, Van Lang University;
4. 鈥楢pplication of Digital Transformation in Land and Urban Management: From Parcel Standardisation to the control of unauthorised construction using UAVs and DEMs鈥� 鈥� Dr Tr岷 Anh T煤, VNUHCM鈥揢niversity of Technology;
5. 鈥楻esearch into the Evaluation of Current Status and Strategies for Urban Planning and Green Cover in HCMC under the Smart City Model鈥� 鈥� Dr Tr岷 Th峄� Kim, HCMUS;
6. 鈥楾he Necessity of Establishing Urban Environmental Geological Maps for the Sustainable Management and Development of Post-Merger Ho Chi Minh City鈥� 鈥� Associate Professor Ph岷 Trung Hi岷縰, HCMUS, and Mr 膼峄� C么ng D峄�, Engineer, Ho Chi Minh City Geological Association.

 

The presentations demonstrated that contemporary urban development depends intrinsically on the effective exploitation of data. When data layers regarding topography, geology, land use status, green spaces, water surfaces, groundwater and subsidence risks are integrated and synchronised, management authorities gain a more robust scientific foundation to assess current conditions, forecast development trends and formulate appropriate management solutions.

In particular, the application of artificial intelligence, big data and geospatial platforms opens up new methods of governance, enhancing the capacity to monitor, analyse and support decision-making in land resource management and urban development. This shift is regarded as an inevitable trend as major cities transition towards smart and sustainable urban models.

Beyond technical considerations, numerous contributors at the symposium emphasised the need to view land as a strategic development resource. The efficient management of land resources must be positioned within an overarching relationship with spatial planning, infrastructure development, environmental protection and the improvement of citizens’ quality of life.

The discussions at the symposium indicated that modern land management requires an interdisciplinary approach, whereby geological science, digital technology, urban economics and public governance collectively inform policy formulation and implementation. This approach aligns closely with the developmental demands of Ho Chi Minh City in the era of digital transformation, contributing to the scientific foundation for the creation of smart, resilient and sustainable urban environments for the future.

On 2 June 2026, the Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology at the VNUHCM鈥揢niversity of Science (HCMUS) hosted An International Seminar on Molecular Phylogenetics. The event featured presentations by Associate Professor Sanna Huttunen and Associate Professor Samuli Lehtonen from the University of Turku (Finland), alongside Dr Ph岷 M岷h H霉ng, a lecturer within the Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology at HCMUS.

The seminar provided an opportunity for lecturers, researchers, and learners to engage with new research findings in the field of molecular phylogenetics, whilst strengthening academic exchange between HCMUS and the University of Turku (Finland).

Within the framework of the programme, the speakers shared research findings and novel approaches regarding the application of molecular data to evolutionary studies, biodiversity, and ecology.

Opening the academic session, Associate Professor Sanna Huttunen presented a lecture entitled 鈥楿tility of DNA barcoding in long-term monitoring of saproxylic bryophyte species鈥�. The report demonstrated that DNA data and metabarcoding methods hold significant potential to support phylogenetic research in bryophytes, particularly in identifying cryptic groups that are challenging to classify using morphological traits, and in discovering hidden biodiversity. Alongside the opportunities presented by molecular methods, the presentation also addressed certain current limitations related to molecular markers and reference databases. The findings presented have contributed to opening new avenues of research into the biodiversity and evolutionary relationships within non-vascular plants.

Continuing the programme, Associate Professor Samuli Lehtonen delivered a presentation entitled 鈥楢pplication of phylogenetic methods at community-level鈥�. The lecture introduced the application of phylogenetic methods not only to the study of the evolutionary history of individual taxa, but also to the analysis of the structure and evolutionary history of entire biological communities. Drawing upon research conducted on Amazonian fern communities, the report elucidated the connection between the phylogenetic structure of a community and soil fertility, thereby providing new insights into the evolutionary and ecological processes that have shaped contemporary communities.

Concluding the seminar session, Dr Ph岷 M岷h H霉ng presented a paper entitled 鈥楿nveiling Hidden Marine Fish Diversity in the Con Dao Archipelago from Molecular Approach鈥�. The presentation introduced recent research findings on marine fish diversity in the Con 膼ao archipelago achieved through the application of DNA barcoding and environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques. The molecular data demonstrated the capacity to detect numerous cryptic species and provided new records of species composition. Furthermore, this data source establishes a foundation for phylogenetic analyses, contributing to the clarification of evolutionary relationships and community structures across diverse habitats. The report also emphasised the role of molecular phylogenetics in biodiversity research, ecology, and the conservation of marine ecosystems.

Both international speakers participating in the programme are scientists with significant contributions to biodiversity and evolutionary research. Associate Professor Sanna Huttunen currently serves as Vice-Head of the Department of Biodiversity Sciences at the University of Turku, with many years of research experience in the taxonomy and evolution of bryophytes (Bryophyta), as well as in the application of molecular systematic methods in plant biodiversity research. Associate Professor Samuli Lehtonen is affiliated with the Department of Biodiversity Sciences at the University of Turku and has extensive research experience in plant systematics, evolution, and biogeography, particularly in ferns and aquatic plants.

Through the in-depth presentations and academic discussions between the speakers and attendees, the seminar succeeded in updating contemporary research approaches within molecular phylogenetics. The event also created networking opportunities and professional exchanges for scientists, lecturers, and students interested in evolutionary biology, ecology, and biodiversity conservation. Consequently, participants gained further perspectives on the role of molecular tools in uncovering evolutionary history and evaluating biodiversity within the context of current research.

On 1 June, VNUHCM鈥揢niversity of Science (HCMUS) partnered with Synopsys to host the opening ceremony of the Intensive Training Program 2026 (ITP2026), welcoming 30 outstanding students selected from various universities across the country to participate in the 13-week training course.

Against the backdrop of the semiconductor industry becoming a strategic priority for government development, the demand for high-quality human resources in IC design continues to escalate. ITP2026 has been organised to bridge the gap between higher education and practical corporate requirements, whilst enabling students to engage with an industry-standard working environment during their academic studies.

Speaking at the ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Tr岷 L锚 Quan, President of HCMUS, remarked that IC design currently receives extraordinary interest from both the government and society due to the expanding need for skilled professionals. According to the President, to match the rapid pace of industry growth, short-term intensive training programmes such as ITP2026 serve as an urgent solution, contributing to the supply of high-quality personnel for the community.

Over five cohorts, the Intensive Training Program has attracted more than 250 students. Programme statistics reveal that over 90% of former participants secured employment at semiconductor firms within three months of course completion. These figures demonstrate the growing enthusiasm among students for IC design, whilst reflecting the efficacy of a training model built upon a robust partnership between academia and industry.

The year 2026 marks a distinctive milestone as HCMUS assumes the role of primary host for the first time, in collaboration with Synopsys. This partnership fosters a practice-oriented learning environment, allowing students early access to the technologies, tools, and workflows currently utilised within the global semiconductor sector.

Throughout the 13 weeks of training, participants will receive guidance from HCMUS faculty members who hold the Synopsys Train The Trainer certification, alongside corporate experts and mentors. The curriculum focuses on extensive practical application, featuring a comprehensive system of laboratory sessions, professional documentation, and modern IC design tools.

Notably, students will have the opportunity to experience the entire IC design workflow from the Synthesis stage through to Signoff in accordance with industry standards. Through this process, undergraduates not only reinforce theoretical knowledge but also gain a profound understanding of real-world product development, progressively cultivating the technical mindset and capabilities required by employers.

Entering the sixth cohort, the Intensive Training Program continues to prove an effective bridge connecting academia, industry, and the student community passionate about IC design. Beyond providing access to advanced expertise and practical experience, the initiative contributes to the formation of a professional network, establishing a foundation for the younger generation of engineers to participate in the rapidly expanding semiconductor value chain in 水果派AV解说.

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鈥揢niversity of Science performing the launching ritual for the 2026 Innovation and Start-up Competition in High-Tech Agriculture.

On 29 May, at VNUHCM鈥揢niversity 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 鈥� 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 Nguy峄卬 Duy S啤n, Vice Head of the Management Board of the Ho Chi Minh City High-Tech Agricultural Zone; Ms B霉i Th峄� L瓢u Ly, representing the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade and member of the competition’s Organising Committee; and Ms V瓢啤ng Th峄� H峄搉g Loan, Director of the High-Tech Agricultural Business Incubator. Representing HCMUS were Assoc. Prof. Tr岷 L锚 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 Nguy峄卬 Duy S啤n 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 Nguy峄卬 Duy S啤n, 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. Tr岷 L锚 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 Nguy峄卬 H峄痷 Ho脿ng, Director of the High-Tech Agricultural Applied Research Centre at HCMUS, delivered a presentation entitled “Commercialising Research Products in Agricultural Science 鈥� 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 T么n Th岷 H岷 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 Nguy峄卬 Th峄� V芒n 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.

Over 100 delegates, including scientists, conservation experts, policymakers and farmers, have attended a seminar entitled 鈥淓cological Approaches to Golden Apple Snail Management in Rice Fields鈥�. The event aimed to identify effective pest control strategies, reduce chemical dependency and promote sustainable agricultural development across the Mekong Delta.

On 28 May 2026, the VNUHCM鈥揢niversity of Science (HCMUS) collaborated with the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Dong Thap Province to host the seminar in Tram Chim Commune, Dong Thap Province. Attendees included Mr L锚 H脿 Lu芒n, Director of the Dong Thap Department of Agriculture and Environment; Mr V膬n Ch铆 Nam, Vice President of HCMUS; alongside more than 100 representatives from the scientific community, conservation bodies, local government and the regional farming sector.

During the opening remarks, institutional leaders emphasised the vital role of science and technology in supporting the agricultural sector to counter pest challenges, whilst steering towards low-emission, sustainable and ecological farming models.

The seminar brought together prominent experts in ecology, agriculture and plant protection from HCMUS, VNU Ha Noi University of Science, Can Tho University, the Southern Plant Protection Centre, and the Ca Mau Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection. Representatives from global conservation bodies, including the IUCN, WWF, and Tram Chim National Park, also contributed to the discussions.

Scientists presented numerous research papers focusing on the biological and ecological characteristics of the golden apple snail. The discussions highlighted integrated biological management strategies designed to minimise pesticide use and preserve biodiversity within paddy fields.

According to the experts, the golden apple snail remains one of the most pervasive pests in rice cultivation, particularly during the early seedling stage. However, management of this species should move away from an exclusive reliance on chemical pesticides. Instead, farmers are encouraged to adopt a combination of ecological measures, such as careful water level regulation, manual collection, botanical traps, duck grazing, or the promotion of natural predators to control snail populations. Chemical treatments should only serve as a final resort when biological methods prove insufficient.

Delegates noted that this ecological approach not only lowers production costs but also protects the paddy ecosystem, maintains biodiversity and enhances agricultural product quality.

Dr Tr岷 Tri岷縯, an ecologist representing HCMUS and the International Crane Foundation, observed that the presence of birds, fish, crabs, amphibians, beneficial insects and natural predators indicates a healthy, functioning ecosystem. When managed correctly, this biodiversity serves as a natural support system that helps farmers protect crops more effectively.

A central theme of interest among participants was the concept of treating rice fields not merely as food production sites, but as living ecosystems. Within these habitats, wild species play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, controlling pests and reducing the pressure to use agricultural chemicals. The specialists also clarified that ecological agriculture does not imply sacrificing yields or returning to outdated farming practices. On the contrary, this scientific approach aims to reduce input costs, mitigate environmental impacts and deliver safer produce for consumers.

The active participation of over 30 local rice farmers from Dong Thap was a key highlight of the seminar. Practical insights from real-world farming helped scientists and policymakers evaluate the feasibility of the proposed solutions.

Mr B霉i Quang Sang, representing a model ecological rice farm, remarked that whilst total reliance on pesticides offers quick results, the practice poses severe long-term risks. In his view, combining diverse management techniques and using chemicals only when absolutely necessary helps paddy fields maintain ecological health and achieve long-term sustainability.

According to attendees, the collaborative dialogue between scientists, regulators, businesses, conservation organisations and farmers demonstrates a growing commitment to ecological transition within Dong Thap and the wider Mekong Delta.

Beyond addressing a single pest species, the seminar opened up broader perspectives on modern agricultural development, where production is intrinsically linked to ecosystem protection, biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods for farming communities. Through this initiative, HCMUS reaffirms its commitment to public engagement, translating scientific knowledge into practical solutions. By partnering with local authorities to address urgent societal challenges, the university contributes directly to the national goals of low-emission ecological agriculture, aligned with the Government’s project to develop one million hectares of high-quality rice in the Mekong Delta.

On 27 May 2026, VNUHCM鈥揢niversity of Science (HCMUS) hosted a meeting of the Evaluation Committee for the VNUHCM-level research project: 鈥楽tudy of the effects of plant growth regulators on the development of rice grains (Oryza sativa L.)鈥�, chaired by Associate Professor Tr岷 Thanh H瓢啤ng.

The research focused on investigating the developmental process of OM5451 seed rice and evaluating the impact of plant growth regulators on both maturation time and grain weight under cultivation conditions in the Mekong Delta. This research direction holds significant relevance against the backdrop of agricultural production facing increasingly pronounced impacts from climate change, particularly for rice 鈥� one of the strategic crops of 水果派AV解说.

The findings demonstrate that rice grain development is a complex physiological process, closely linked to changes in photosynthesis, respiration, chlorophyll content, and the activity of plant hormones through each growth stage. The research team identified significant variations in auxin, gibberellin, zeatin, and abscisic acid (ABA) during grain developmental stages, thereby contributing to clarifying the role of growth regulators in the physiological ripening process of rice grains.

The findings also indicate that application of plant growth regulators at appropriate times can shorten the maturation period of rice grains. Specifically, treating rice with GA3 at a concentration of 50 mg/L during the booting stage allows grains to mature 9.1 days earlier than the control group, whilst contributing to an increase in grain weight. Furthermore, application of Ethephon during the hard dough stage reduces maturation time by approximately 6.2 days without altering grain weight. These results open up prospects for applying plant growth regulators to optimise seasonal timing, enhance production efficiency, and adapt to changing climatic conditions.

In the course of implementation, the project published two international scientific papers indexed in Scopus. Additionally, the project contributed to training one doctoral student whose research focuses on the development of rice flowers and fruit to shorten the maturation stage.

The Committee assessed that the project possesses an appropriate research scope, feasible methodology, reliable results, and practical application value. The project has fulfilled all set objectives, determined appropriate treatment methods, and was unanimously passed with a high evaluation rating.