21st Asian Science Park Association conference runs in HCM City
The Asian Science Park Association (ASPA) convened its 21st annual conference in Ho Chi Minh City on October 20, gathering over 400 participants from across the globe.
HCM City (VNA) – The Asian Science Park Association (ASPA) convened its 21st annualconference in Ho Chi Minh City on October 20, gathering over 400 participants fromacross the globe.
Themed “ScienceParks in Empowering Growth Quality and Competitiveness of National Economy”,the event features reports and studies on live science parks, technologies forbetter living standards, startup venture capital funding, smart cities, and renewableenergy, among others.
ASPA PresidentHirohisa Uchida stressed environment protection is a global issue that requiresjoint efforts to solve via the development of sustainable energy sources.
He said theconference is an opportunity for ASPA members to exchange their initiatives andexperience in the field.
Nguyen ThanhPhong, Chairman of the HCM City People’s Committee, said the southern economichub is working to build a 200-hectare science park that is estimated to cost4.3 trillion VND (189.2 million USD).
The park will helpdevelop green and space technologies serving the city’s growth demand, headded.
Phong called on enterprisesto continue investing in the local hi-tech sector, promising a favourablebusiness climate and simplified administrative procedures.
Ho Chi Minh Cityhas so far attracted 130 hi-tech projects worth 6.8 billion USD. By 2020, thesector is expected to generate 10 percent of the city’s gross regional domesticproduct.
As part of the conference,enterprises from the southern hub of Vietnam and ASPA members will organise anexhibition showcasing their standout products, while outstanding start-ups andhi-tech products will be awarded.
The ASPA is aninternational non-governmental organisation established in Japan in 1997 topromote development in the fields of science and technology, industry andeconomy in Asia. It now has 138 members, including three in Vietnam - SaigonHi-tech Park, Da Nang Hi-tech Park and Hoa Lac Hi-tech Park.-VNA
Some 400 delegates from 20 countries and territories will attend the 21st Annual Conference of the Asian Science Park Association (ASPA) scheduled for October 19-21 in Ho Chi Minh City.
With its own capabilities and the close, experienced partnership of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Vietnam is well-positioned to pursue its first nuclear power plant that meets the highest international safety standards. Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations and International Organisations in Vienna, Austria, talked to the Vietnam News Agency about the country’s deepening cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in applying nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.
Vietnamese businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), must embrace digital and AI transformations to remain competitive and achieve sustainable growth, experts said.
Under the European Union (EU)’s global initiative on Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence (CoE), Vietnam has implemented numerous projects aimed at strengthening national capacity in detecting, preventing, and preparing for CBRN-related threats.
The course aims to promote knowledge exchange between scientific and educational schools from different countries, while deepening participants’ expertise in modern technology and technical education. It comprises two main specialisations of electronics-automation and nuclear technology.
ANTARA and VNA can design global-scale cooperation programmes or joint media campaigns, demonstrating the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Indonesia, as well as the cooperation between the two national news agencies.
As Vietnam’s digital transformation accelerates, both the frequency and severity of cyberattacks are growing. The National Cybersecurity Association (NCA) reported that in 2024 alone, there were some 659,000 separate cybersecurity incidents, impacting around 46.15% of government agencies and businesses.
A key highlight will be the technology cluster pavilion, showcasing top enterprises selected for their innovation, market potential, and practical applications. These firms will display flagship products and solutions, supported by government policies to strengthen the tech sector.
Since 2022, more than 500 Vietnamese startups have engaged in Google’s Startup Academy, Google for Startups Accelerator, and Google Startup Masterclass. Nearly 100 of these firms received support to develop and improve their products, benefiting more than 300,000 customers and creating over 300 new jobs through successful fundraising and team expansion amidst Vietnam’s competitive economy.
Over the past three decades, Binh Duong has cemented its status as one of Vietnam’s most dynamic industrial hubs, building a robust foundation in manufacturing, exports, and investment. The province now has 30 operational industrial parks spanning over 13,000 hectares, with an occupancy rate exceeding 90%.
The diplomat emphasised that Vietnam places the highest priority on the development of science, technology, and innovation, viewing them as critical drivers for the country’s advancement in the new development era.
The PM revealed Vietnam’s plan to develop nuclear power in the near future, and called on the Swedish side to assist Vietnam in developing and refining legal and policy frameworks for the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes; training and developing human resources; ensuring nuclear safety; and conducting training and drills to improve incident management capabilities.
More than an art showcase, the second “Technology with heart” contest seeks to inspire innovation and spotlight the humanistic values that technology can bring into daily life, expected to contribute to a sustainable digital future.
The average speed of the national mobile broadband network remained stable, with download speeds reaching 76.86 Mbps and upload speeds reaching 26.98 Mbps.
Under the MoU, AMD will support several key initiatives spearheaded by HCM City’s authorities, including piloting policies, co-hosting innovation events, and evaluating the investment environment within the Saigon Hi-Tech Park.
The centre is a joint initiative between Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology, with PTIT and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) serving as co-leads, and global telecommunications giant Nokia as founding industry partner.
The new centre, staffed by a team of scientists, researchers, and AI specialists working in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, forms part of Qualcomm’s global AI research group.
As a flagship initiative of the community project “Digital Literacy for All”, the programme forms part of a national scheme to equip 20 million young people with digital business skills.
The organisers hope the competition will help shape a generation of exceptional engineers who will make significant contributions to Vietnam’s scientific and technological progress in this era of transformation.
(Photo: VNA) 
