13th Online SDMD Seminar: Can Tho University – 60 Years of Achievements and Vision 2045 for the Mekong Delta and the Nation
On March 30th, Can Tho University, in collaboration with domestic and international partners, organized the 13th regular online SDMD Seminar with the theme “Can Tho University – 60 Years of Achievements and Vision 2045: For the Mekong Delta and the Nation”. The event took place in a solemn atmosphere, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the University's formation and development (March 31, 1966 – March 31, 2026), a significant milestone recognizing six decades of continuous dedication to human resource training, scientific research, and community service.
Can Tho University presented commemorative plaques to the delegates attending the seminar.
The seminar was held in a hybrid format, combining in-person and online participation via Zoom, with the attendance of Mr. Tran Chi Hung – Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Can Tho City. The program also received support from numerous agencies, organizations, businesses, and international partners such as JICA Vietnam, CSIRO, VCCI Mekong Delta region, as well as universities and research institutes both domestically and internationally.
Representing Can Tho University were Nguyen Thanh Phuong – Secretary of the Party Committee; Ha Thanh Toan – former Rector; Tran Ngoc Hai and leaders of affiliated units. Also present were representatives from departments and agencies of provinces and cities in the Mekong Delta region.
The seminar focused on strategic issues related to the role of Can Tho University in regional and national development. Presentations highlighted outstanding achievements over the past 60 years in the fields of education and training, scientific research, innovation, and digital transformation; and proposed development directions for the new phase. Many current regional issues were also discussed, such as the development of high-tech agriculture adapted to climate change, the application of strategic technologies, strengthening domestic and international linkages, and promoting the role of young scientists.
Within the framework of the program, a signing ceremony for memoranda of cooperation was held, marking an important step in expanding the network of collaboration between Can Tho University and domestic and international partners. The cooperation focuses on training high-quality human resources, scientific research, technology transfer, developing high-tech applied agriculture, healthcare, and promoting an innovation ecosystem.
The delegates at the seminar unanimously agreed that, after 60 years of construction and development, Can Tho University has affirmed its role as a leading center for training, scientific research, and technology transfer in the Mekong Delta region, making important contributions to socio-economic development, especially in the fields of agriculture, environment, and climate change adaptation.
Speaking at the seminar, Mr. Tran Chi Hung emphasized that, in the context of the country strongly implementing major policies on science and technology, innovation, private sector development, and education and training, the Mekong Delta faces both opportunities and challenges in transforming its development model towards sustainability. In this process, Can Tho University plays the role of a knowledge center for the region, serving as a strategic "key" to elevating sustainable development in the new phase.
According to Professor, Dr. Nguyen Thanh Phuong, in the coming time, Can Tho University will focus on three pillars: improving the quality of training in line with market needs and international standards; leveraging its strengths in science and technology, making breakthroughs in strategic technology fields; and strengthening domestic and international cooperation, serving the community and integrating globally, with particular emphasis on close linkages between the State - University - Enterprises.
In addition, many opinions at the seminar also suggested strongly developing new fields such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and renewable energy; building a regional cooperation ecosystem, forming a network of linkages between universities, research institutes, businesses, and governments, thereby enhancing the value of the agricultural and aquatic product value chain and promoting sustainable development.The 13th SDMD Forum is not only a platform for academic exchange and experience sharing, but also an opportunity to affirm the vision and commitment of Can Tho University in the new development phase. With the spirit of "Creating Knowledge – Continuing the Pioneering," the University continues to play a core role, collaborating with localities, businesses, and international partners to contribute to realizing the goal of rapid and sustainable development of the Mekong Delta, towards a vision for 2045 and beyond.