From local wisdom to solutions for global challenges

– You are collaborating with Vietnamese scientists on the “Smart Marine Aquaculture System” project in Khanh Hoa Province. Could you share more about this initiative?

We are developing a smart aquaculture model that integrates sensors to monitor water quality, algorithms to optimize feed use, and decision-support systems that help farmers respond in real time. This represents the future of sustainable seafood production—cleaner, smarter, and more resilient to climate change.

What makes this project particularly meaningful is that it is locally driven. The technology is being developed in collaboration with Vietnamese researchers, and it clearly demonstrates an interdisciplinary spirit—where experts in information technology or manufacturing are applying their expertise directly to agriculture.

– How do you see this model contributing to Vietnam’s long-term vision for a “blue economy”? 

Globally, discussions about the blue economy often revolve around one central question: How can we grow the ocean economy without harming the ocean itself? This project provides a very clear answer—by integrating digital monitoring with ecological management, enabling real-time tracking and sustainable decision-making that improve both productivity and environmental stewardship.

For coastal provinces like Khanh Hoa, that means more stable livelihoods, better water quality, and stronger resilience to climate shocks. Over time, it can serve as a blueprint for other coastal regions, showing that sustainable development is entirely achievable when science and nature work in harmony.

– You are also advising a project led by the Vietnam National University of Agriculture in Ba Vi, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in dairy farming. What drew you to this project, and what potential impact do you see?

What really impressed me about this initiative is the way it combines local resources with scientific rigor. Vietnam has a wealth of herbal plants rich in bioactive compounds that can reduce methane emissions from livestock. We are working closely with the Vietnam National University of Agriculture to explore how these compounds can be effectively applied in practice.

If successful, the project could not only lower greenhouse gas emissions but also improve animal health, enhance feed efficiency, and reduce costs for farmers. At the national level, it would make a tangible contribution to Vietnam’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions.

Young Vietnamese Scientists: Localizing Global Challenges

– Through your collaborations, how do you perceive the approach of young Vietnamese scientists toward sustainable development and green innovation?

I have been very impressed by their ability to localize global challenges. Rather than simply adopting international models, young Vietnamese scientists constantly ask: Can our own natural resources be part of the solution? How can we approach this in a way that fits Vietnam’s context?

Local knowledge is a treasure—an accumulation of generations of insight into ecosystems, crops, and animal behavior. When that wisdom is combined with modern scientific tools like genomics or AI-based lifecycle modeling, it leads to innovations that are both effective and scalable.

For instance, in aquaculture, some researchers are experimenting with seaweed or traditional tea leaves that have antimicrobial properties. That, to me, captures the essence of sustainability: a forward-looking mindset that doesn’t lose sight of cultural roots.

VinFuture: An Open Space for Dialogue and New International Collaborations

– Vietnam has set a goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. In your view, how can collaboration between domestic universities, research institutes, and international experts accelerate this green transition?

No country can achieve the goal of net zero on its own. What truly impresses me about Vietnam is its openness and willingness to collaborate and learn—always keeping the door open to international knowledge while jointly developing solutions that are tailored to local conditions.

For example, in our project with the Vietnam National University of Agriculture, we exchange knowledge in both directions—from research design and measurement methods to the solutions proposed by Vietnamese scientists.

It is an equal and two-way partnership, where both sides learn from one another. As a result, the science supporting Vietnam’s net-zero ambition is not something imported, but something co-created on a shared foundation of knowledge.

– From your international perspective, how do you see VinFuture’s role in connecting Vietnamese science with the global scientific community?

I believe VinFuture has become a genuine “roundtable of global intellect,” giving young Vietnamese scientists the invaluable opportunity to engage directly with some of the world’s most distinguished researchers. It’s not just about transferring knowledge—it’s about inspiring new ideas and opening minds.

What makes the annual VinFuture Sci-Tech Week unique is that it’s not simply an award ceremony or scientific symposia—it’s a celebration of connection. In the same room, you’ll find Nobel laureates sitting next to early-career researchers, and government officials in direct dialogue with scientists. It’s an atmosphere rarely found in international science events—open, diverse, and deeply human. Each conversation feels like planting a new seed of collaboration.

At VinFuture, you can truly feel that the world is meeting Vietnam, and Vietnam is meeting the world—with intellect, confidence, and generosity.