3rd Feb (Sat.) 09:30 - 16:30 VN Time
9:30 - 9:45
Guest Speech by Dr. Shuichiro Takahashi
9:45 - 10:45
Keynote Session | Challenging the Box: Accentuating Vietnam’s Scientific Ingenuities
We embark on a journey that transcends conventional boundaries and beckons towards a realm of limitless possibilities. This theme serves as a clarion call to spotlight Vietnam’s inherent creative genius and innovative capacities, particularly in the realms of Manufacturing, Agro-Industrial, and IT Solutions. It’s an invitation to break free from the ordinary, pushing the limits of what is known, and presenting inventive approaches to address contemporary challenges. The narrative we weave around this theme is one of adaptability and resilience, where the unique mindset of Vietnam’s scientific community shines through, demonstrating not just a response to challenges, but a celebration of the ingenious spirit that propels us forward.
For detail
Dr. Vo Nguyen Xuan Phuong
Researcher-Lecturer
Faculty of Applied Sciences
Ton Duc Thang University
Dr. Vo Nguyen Xuan Phuong, a seasoned Research Group Leader with 15 years of experience, specializes in spearheading transformative initiatives in three key domains, which are Eco-Health, Environmental Remediation, and Renewable Energies.
With an unwavering commitment to innovation and sustainability, Dr. Vo Nguyen Xuan Phuong continues to make significant contributions to her academic fields.
Mr. Hai Ho
Co-founder and CCO
Alternō Pte. Ltd.
Hai Ho is a serial entrepreneur with a deep commitment to sustainable development and technological innovation. His career spans the travel, blockchain, and climate tech sectors, where he has excelled in product development, team building, and fundraising. Hai’s core philosophy centers on sustainability, aiming to initiate business models that drive industry-wide ecological transformation. His dedication is recognized in his features across major financial media outlets like The Wall Street Journal, CNN, Forbes, Nikkei Asia, Tech In Asia, e27, The Next Web, Pacific Asia Travel Association, and Shark Tank Vietnam.
Mr. Yasuharu Hamanaka
Representative Director and CEO
Lea Bio, Inc.
In 2002, Graduated from Gunma University School of Medicine, Department of Health and Medical Care, Physical Therapy. Worked in clinical development at a foreign pharmaceutical company after graduating from university. Lea Bio Inc. in August 2019 and Lea Bio Viet Nam LLC in May 2023.
10:45 - 11:45
Panel Session 1 | Crafting Innovation: The Many Facets of Industry and Manufacturing
One of Vietnam’s biggest industries is manufacturing, with many foreign companies opting to put up shop in the country, creating factories and manufacturing centers. With the big rise in manufacturing in the country, certain innovations also need to be created in order to address different issues tied to these sorts of developments. In this session, we will explore the different technologies that have been, or are being developed, to work alongside the booming manufacturing industry in Vietnam, as well as the mindsets and stories behind the conception of these innovations.
For detail
Assoc. Dr. Nguyen Dinh Quan
Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology
Assoc. Dr. Nguyen Dinh Quan, from Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, is the DeepSignature Company’s founder and CEO, specializing in industrial manufacturing processes design. Dr. Quan has 50+ articles published in reputable international ISI journals. Academic rewards in his career include the 2008 Outstanding Research Achievement and the 2008 Excellence in Academic Performance from Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST). His notable victories include the 2020 Tech Planter Vietnam Special Prize, 2020 Tech Planter Asia-Pacific First Prize, the 2021 Asian Entrepreneur Award Third Prize, the 3rd Prizes of VNExpress Creative Scientific Innovations. In his mentorship role, Dr. Quan has guided numerous startups to secure multiple awards, both domestically and internationally, between 2019 and 2023.
Dr. Vo Thanh Hang
Lecturer
Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources
Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT)
Dr. Vo Thanh Hang is currently a lecturer/ researcher of Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources (FENR), Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology. She received her Ph.D. at Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea. Her research interests include: Acid fermentation and methane production (CH4) in wastewater treatment process, Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change for Water Resources Management, Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) and Waste Management. Besides this, Dr. Hang is the Chairwoman of Bach Khoa Green Innovation Club (BKGI), Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, where she helps HCMUT’s students for research and start-up activities. She is also a mentor of Global Mentoring Program for V-Startups 2021 (part of the National Innovation Initiative to 2025-ISEV) which aims to create a favorable environment to promote and support the formation and development of enterprises. She coordinates the Engineering Project in Community Services (EPICS 4 & 5) program under BUILD-IT Project. She conducts the activities of Undergraduate Research Initiative (URI) program at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology.
Mr. Rafael Masters
CEO
Vulcan Augmetics
Rafael is the CEO of Vulcan Augmetics, a Vietnam based startup building biosignal sensor technology for assistive devices, starting with prosthetics. In developing and growing his company Rafael has been involved with the regional startup and medtech scene for the last 5 years and approaches the topic from both a founders perspective and a wider systemic view.
14:00 - 15:00
Panel Session 2 | Harvesting Synergies: Uniting Agriculture and Industry through Unconventional Connections
Delve into the dynamic world of research academia with ‘Harvesting Synergies: Uniting Agriculture and Industry through Unconventional Connections.’ This pioneering initiative transcends traditional boundaries, inviting scholars, researchers, and academics to explore the intersection of agriculture and industry in innovative ways. The symphony of ideas generated through unconventional connections promises to yield a rich harvest of knowledge and solutions. This intellectual harvest where the synergy between agriculture and industry creates a fertile ground for groundbreaking discoveries and transformative advancements. Your participation is key to cultivating a future where these two domains seamlessly collaborate for the greater benefit of society.
For detail
Dr. Vu Ngoc Anh
Associate Professor, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology
Representative, Air Boots
15+ years of Aircraft, Drone Design Optimization experiences. Dr. Vu Ngoc Anh received a PhD in Aerospace Engineering in 2012 from Konkuk University, South Korea. He was one of youngest Associate Professor in 2019 for his research related to Agriculture Drone in Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, Vietnam. He started up as CEO of Noba Robotics Ltd in 2018-2022, CTO of JWCLab Ltd in 2019-2021. He is an inventor in bringing Drone technologies to create a new generation of Ultralight Agriculture Vehicle.
Mr. Cheng Liang Qi
Chief Operating Officer
Delightex Pte., Ltd.
Serial Entrepreneur with investment experience in Family Office, Government and Private Venture Capital Firms. Chartered Accountant with a Double Degree in Accounting and Finance from Nanyang Technological University.
Dr. Chau Thi Da
Faculty of Applied Sciences
Ton Duc Thang University
Dr. Chau Thi Da began his career in 2000 at the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of An Giang province as a technical adviser of aquaculture and fisheries management. He started to work for Ton Duc Thang University February 2019 until now as a full-time researcher and lecturer, and has also joined many excellent international academic networks from Sweden, UK, Germany, Australia, Japan, US, Thailand and Singapore to carry out many international projects related to the Mekong Delta in Vietnam.
15:00 - 16:00
Panel Session 3 | Empowering Scientific Future: Transcending STEM through Information Technology Applications
Session partner : Focus Systems, Inc.
Embark on a transformative journey through Vietnam’s dynamic Information Technology (IT) landscape in our groundbreaking panel session, Connect with researchers, scholars, and industry leaders as we explore cutting-edge advancements at the intersection of academia, Industries, and Startups, reshaping the future of innovation in Vietnam. Delve into the symbiotic relationship nurturing Information Technology Talents, innovative solutions, and robotics, propelling the nation to the forefront of global industry. Uncover the current status of IT education and talent development in Vietnam, revealing collaborative efforts that act as a gateway to unlocking the nation’s potential and celebrating success stories. This session serves as your key to shaping the scientific future for the country, breaking free from traditional boundaries in STEM through impactful Information Technology applications.
For detail
Mr. Truong Vo Huu Thien
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
GaraSTEM
Mr. Truong Vo Huu Thien has had a passion for computer technology from a young age. After graduating with his Bachelor degree in Vietnam, he received a scholarship for a Master’s degree in Computer Science at the Institute of Advanced Science and Technology in Japan. After completing his Master degree, he returned to Vietnam and established GaraSTEM Educational Technology Joint Stock Company with his desire of bringing STEM education closer to Vietnamese students. With over 8 years of experience and expertise in the field of Entrepreneurship and Information Technology, he has made GaraSTEM become one of the top STEM education companies in Vietnam. Especially in 2022 where the Computer Science 10 and 11 textbooks – Computer Science Specialty, which he participated in the compilation, was officially put out into a teaching program in high schools in Vietnam.
Mr. Ngo Viet Dzung
Innovation Strategist
Growth Advisor – Lead The Change
Dzung is a startup ecosystem builder and mentor in the Vietnam Startup Ecosystem. With +12 years of experience in entrepreneurship & manufacturing management in various industries, he has supported +200 startups & SMEs, providing expertise in innovation training, business development, and project consultancy, leading to successful connections with investors globally. Holding a MBA & degrees from serial entrepreneurship programs from Japan and Singapore, he’s served as a Program Director for cross-border acceleration programs, collaborating with countries like Israel, New Zealand. He’s also an entrepreneur and innovator by himself. He’s a CEO of Brave Cat Co., an innovation & data science consultant agency. Before entrepreneurship, he spent over 6 years as a SQA Manager at Ajinomoto Group, contributing significantly to their strategy in the Vietnamese market. Currently, he’s a Growth Advisor at Lead The Change and lecturer on Entrepreneurship & Innovation at NTT Institute of International Education – Nguyen Tat Thanh University (NIIE).
Ms. Nami Akinaga
Frontier Development Division
Leave a Nest Co., Ltd.
She has received a Master’s degree in Sustainability Science at the University of Tokyo. Her mission is “Maximizing the Value of Diversity”. In Leave a Nest, she creates new platforms for the next generation of entrepreneurs to generate knowledge beyond their research field, country and cultural borders. She has been committed to expand Leave a Nest main pillar projects such as science workshops, SCIENCE CASTLE and TECH PLANTER to Southeast Asia and supporting the early stage expansion of Leave a Nest Group to overseas.
