Within the framework of the Sustainable Development Forum for the Mekong Delta - Outlook 2045 (SDMD 2045), Can Tho University (CTU) has taken the lead, in coordination with domestic and international partners, in organizing a series of quarterly online SDMD dialogues.
Since 2022, eleven SDMD Dialogues have been successfully held, focusing on key issues of the Mekong Delta such as climate change, growth model transformation, science and technology, innovation, and human resource development. These dialogues have served as an important platform connecting policymakers, scientists, experts, businesses, and the community to share knowledge and experience, while promoting cooperation in research, application, and sustainable development across the Mekong Delta region.
Building on the positive outcomes of previous dialogues, on the morning of December 19, 2025, CTU organized the 12th Quarterly SDMD Dialogue in a hybrid format under the theme “Breakthroughs in Science and Technology Development, Innovation, and National Digital Transformation in the New Era.” The event was held in person at the CTU’s Administration Building and livestreamed via the SDMD 2045 Fanpage (https://www.facebook.com/sdmd2045), Can Tho University Fanpage (https://www.facebook.com/CTUDHCT), and the Zoom platform. This Dialogue was one of the key activities accompanying other major events during the Can Tho City Week of Science, Technology, Innovation, and Digital Transformation 2025 (CASTID 2025).
The meeting took place at CTU’s Administration Building
The 12th SDMD Dialogue 2025 was attended by Mr. Nguyen Duc Hien - Deputy Head of the Central Policy and Strategy Commission; Mr. Tran Nam Tu - Deputy Director of the Department of Science, Technology, and Information, Ministry of Education and Training. Representing Can Tho City were Mr. Vuong Quoc Nam - Vice Chairman of the Can Tho City People’s Committee, along with representatives of the Department of Science and Technology. International organizations were represented by Mr. Kubo Yoshitomo - Senior Representative JICA Vietnam Office; Mr. Hamamoto Shota, Representative JICA Vietnam Office; and Prof. Tanaka Yuji - Chief Advisor of Technical Cooperation Project - Phase 2, JICA - CTU. At CTU’s side were Prof. Dr. Ha Thanh Toan - Former Rector and Member of the SDMD 2045 Steering Committee; Prof. Dr. Tran Ngoc Hai - Vice Rector; together with leaders of relevant units. The Dialogue also welcomed representatives from provincial departments and agencies across the Mekong Delta, associations, organizations, companies, enterprises, corporations, and domestic and international universities and research institutes.
The Dialogue was organized in the context of Vietnam’s strong nationwide implementation of Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo on breakthroughs in the development of science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, and Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW of the Politburo on private economic development. These major policy orientations open new opportunities for breakthrough development in the Mekong Delta - a region of strategic importance to the nation in agriculture, the marine economy, renewable energy, and the digital economy. The Dialogue clearly reflected the strong commitment to strategic cooperation among Local Government - Universities - Enterprises in creating new drivers, models, and partnerships for sustainable regional development, linking strategic thinking, scientific knowledge, practical solutions, and concrete action commitments from all stakeholders.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Ha Thanh Toan emphasized that, over nearly 60 years of establishment and development, CTU has continuously grown and affirmed its position as a key center for education, scientific research, and knowledge transfer in the Mekong Delta. In the new context, with a strong sense of responsibility toward the development of the region and its people, CTU remains committed to strengthening cooperation with domestic and international partners. Through these efforts, the University strives to effectively fulfill its mission in education, scientific research, and community service in an increasingly dynamic, comprehensive, extensive, and sustainable manner. Prof. Dr. Ha Thanh Toan also affirmed that the 12th Quarterly SDMD Dialogue served as a meaningful forum, connecting scientists, policymakers, enterprises, and stakeholders to jointly discuss and propose breakthrough solutions in science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation in support of sustainable development in the Mekong Delta.
Prof. Dr. Ha Thanh Toan expressed his sincere appreciation to the Can Tho City People’s Committee, local authorities, associations, organizations, companies, enterprises, corporations, and domestic and international universities and research institutes for their continued support and companionship with the 12th SDMD Dialogue
Speaking at the Dialogue, Mr. Vuong Quoc Nam expressed his hope that, through the SDMD Forum and CASTID 2025, Can Tho City would continue to receive valuable contributions, policy recommendations, and practical initiatives. These inputs would help the city and the Mekong Delta more clearly identify strategic technologies, effective cooperation models, and breakthrough solutions for the development of science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation in the coming period. The Can Tho City People’s Committee affirmed its commitment to supporting stakeholders by creating favorable mechanisms, policies, and an enabling environment for investment, research, and innovation, while strengthening linkages among local government, universities, and enterprises. Through this approach, science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation are expected to truly become drivers of sustainable development, not only for Can Tho City but for the entire Mekong Delta region.
Mr. Vuong Quoc Nam emphasized that Can Tho City identifies its transformation into a driving center for science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation not merely as a goal, but as a critical political task
Mr. Nguyen Duc Hien delivered a presentation on Strategies and Driving Forces for Science and Technology Development, Innovation, and Digital Transformation in the Mekong Delta
Mr. Ngo Anh Tin - Director of the Can Tho City Department of Science and Technology, delivered a presentation on Developing Can Tho City into a Driving Center for Science and Technology, Innovation, and Digital Transformation in the Mekong Delta
Mr. Nguyen Tuan Au - Acting Deputy Director of Business Development at GASCO (a member of CT Group), presented on Breakthrough Strategic Technologies for the Development of the Mekong Delta
Mr. Kubo Yoshitomo presented on Local Government – University – Enterprise Cooperation to Promote Science and Technology Development, Innovation, Digital Transformation, and Sustainable Development in the Mekong Delta
Prof. Dr. Tran Ngoc Hai presented on Promoting the Role and Resources of Can Tho University in Accompanying the Mekong Delta toward Breakthrough Development in Science and Technology, Innovation, and Digital Transformation
The Dialogue focused on clarifying the pivotal role of science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation -strategic pillars in the cooperation model among stakeholders, in realizing sustainable development goals for the Mekong Delta in line with Politburo Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW. Many presentations analyzed strategies and driving forces for science and technology development, innovation, and digital transformation in the region in the new era; proposed solutions to build Can Tho City into a regional hub for science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation; identified breakthrough strategic technologies for socio-economic development; and emphasized the importance of cooperation among Local Government - Universities - Enterprises, particularly with the support of international partners and major technology corporations.
Speakers, experts, and participants engaged in in-depth discussions and shared numerous insights, proposals, and recommendations related to science and technology development, innovation promotion, and national digital transformation. These exchanges contributed to shaping breakthrough solutions in the pursuit of sustainable development goals in the new era
Within the framework of the program, Can Tho University signed cooperation agreements with seven partners, marking an important milestone in expanding collaborative relationships and opening up practical development pathways for the future. This demonstrated CTU’s strong commitment to translating discussion outcomes into long-term, substantive, and impactful cooperation. Through these agreements, the Local Government – University – Enterprise linkage model continues to be strengthened and expanded in a sustainable direction, laying a solid foundation for science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation to be effectively integrated into production and real-life applications, thereby promoting comprehensive and long-term development of the Mekong Delta.
CTU signed a cooperation agreement with the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Can Tho City and De Heus Vietnam Co., Ltd. on the implementation of the Super-Intensive Shrimp Farming Project using an Integrated Multi-Species Recirculating Aquaculture System (CTU-RAS)
CTU signed a cooperation agreement with the Department of Science and Technology of Ca Mau Province and De Heus Vietnam Co., Ltd. on the implementation of the CTU-RAS Super-Intensive Shrimp Farming Project in Ca Mau Province
CTU signed a cooperation agreement with the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Can Tho City and Thien Bang Vietnam Animal Feed Co., Ltd. on the implementation of the CTU-RAS Super-Intensive Shrimp Farming Project
CTU signed a cooperation agreement with C.P. Vietnam Livestock Corporation to strengthen collaboration in education and training, scientific research, and technology transfer, particularly in the livestock sector
The College of Agriculture - CTU signed a cooperation agreement with C.P. Vietnam Livestock Corporation to enhance linkages and collaboration in livestock production and veterinary medicine, aiming to improve training quality in alignment with labor market demands
CTU signed a cooperation agreement with CT Group, focusing on education and training, research, development, and application of biotechnology, particularly in agriculture
CTU signed a cooperation agreement with the VEMEDIM Research & Development Center on collaboration in research and development of biological products in the veterinary field, as well as in-depth research cooperation, contributing to the transfer of scientific research outcomes into practical production
CTU presented commemorative plaques to the partner organizations upon the signing of the cooperation agreements
Through the 12th Quarterly SDMD Dialogue, CTU reaffirmed its role as a knowledge nucleus and strategic connector of the Mekong Delta -bringing together policy thinking, scientific knowledge, enterprise resources, and international cooperation. The discussions not only articulated visions and orientations but also strongly emphasized concrete actions, feasible solutions, and substantive cooperation models closely aligned with the needs of localities and enterprises.
With this spirit, SDMD 2045 has gradually evolved from a regular academic forum into a strategic dialogue space and a platform for long-term cooperation, contributing to the formation of a regional ecosystem for science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation. Through the 12th Quarterly SDMD Dialogue, CTU once again demonstrated its strong commitment to accompanying local authorities, enterprises, and domestic and international partners, actively contributing to the realization of the aspiration to build the Mekong Delta into a dynamic, sustainable, and highly adaptive region in the new era.
Commemorative Photos
(Website Editorial Board)
