Ho Chi Minh City Open University hosts the 3rd International Conference on Biotechnology 2025 with the theme: “Research and Application in Biotechnology”

On the morning of May 8, 2025, at Hall 602, Vo Van Tan Campus, Ho Chi Minh City Open University organised the 3rd International Conference on Biotechnology 2025 with the theme “Research and Application in Biotechnology.” The program aimed to create an academic forum for scientists, lecturers, PhD students, graduate students, and undergraduate students from universities and research institutes both domestically and internationally to exchange and share experiences as well as research findings, thereby promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative applications for the benefit of the community.

The program was honoured to welcome Prof. Dr. Nguyen Minh Ha, Rector of Ho Chi Minh City Open University, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Bao Chau – Dean of the Faculty of Biotechnology, from Ho Chi Minh City Open University. They were joined by nearly 200 enthusiastic speakers, experts, lecturers, and students from many prestigious national and international institutions in Malaysia, Thailand, India, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan (China).

In his opening speech, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Minh Ha, President of the University, stated that the development of biotechnology is not just a scientific strategy but also a crucial socio-economic goal. In Vietnam, recent applications of biotechnology have brought not only immense economic benefits but also profound humanitarian value in protecting and caring for human health. It has contributed to environmental protection, ensured sustainable economic development, and brought benefits to the global community, culture, and society.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Minh Ha expressed his hope that, “With the participation of scientists from countries like India, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan (China), Thailand, and many domestic universities and businesses, the conference is not only an opportunity to share knowledge but also to expand international cooperation networks in the field of biotechnology.”

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Minh Ha – President of the University, delivering a speech

Out of a total of 106 papers selected for inclusion in the conference proceedings, 35 studies were presented as oral reports in the main hall, 65 studies were presented as poster reports, and 06 in-depth invited talks were delivered by guest speakers at the conference. These presentations covered three main fields: Agricultural and Environmental Biotechnology, Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, and Food Biotechnology.

Bringing a fresh perspective on functional fats, Prof. Dr. Chin Ping Tan from Universiti Putra Malaysia presented his paper, “Enzymatic Production of Diacylglycerol and Its Functional Applications.” He highlighted the potential of Diacylglycerol (DAG) in supporting health. Because it’s produced through a safe and efficient enzymatic process, DAG not only helps improve the structure of food products but also contributes to reducing the risk of obesity and enhancing cardiovascular health. This research opens up a promising direction for developing healthy foods and modern lipid technology.

In the paper titled “Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Vietnamese Medicinal Plants,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dang Thi Phuong Thao from the University of Science, VNU-HCM, systematically categorised valuable traditional medicinal plant species, clarifying their potential applications in treating wounds, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. These findings emphasise the vital importance of preserving traditional botanical knowledge and recommend accelerating scientific research to validate the evidence, thereby effectively integrating traditional values into modern medicine.

Prof. Dr. Arinthip Thamchaipenet from Kasetsart University, Thailand, in her paper “Beneficial Plant Microbiomes for Growth, Health, and Stress Resistance,” clarified the role of endophytic microorganisms in enhancing plant health and adaptability. Through gene expression and transcriptome analysis, the research revealed molecular interactions between plants and microorganisms, opening up avenues for potential microbial consortium applications to develop green agriculture adaptable to climate change.

In the paper titled “Integrating Bioinformatics and Machine Learning Techniques to Predict Bioactive Peptides for Pharmaceutical and Cosmeceutical Applications,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Teerasak E-Kobon from Kasetsart University, Thailand, presented the use of advanced techniques to predict antimicrobial, antioxidant, and skin-pigmentation-regulating peptides. This research opens up opportunities for developing products to treat acne and whiten skin. Optimising research processes and leveraging untapped biological resources also promises to create sustainable solutions for the healthcare and beauty industries.

Following this, in the paper titled “Molecular Tools and Biotechnology in the Diagnosis of Plant Viruses and Phytoplasmas,” Dr. Govind P. Rao from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute emphasised that viruses and phytoplasmas pose a serious threat to agricultural productivity and development. He introduced modern diagnostic techniques that allow for the rapid detection of pathogens even before plants show symptoms, thereby helping to control pests and maintain sustainable yields.

In another study, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mori Takahiro from the University of Tokyo, Japan, presented his paper, “Structural-Functional Analysis and Engineering of Biosynthetic Enzymes.” His research clarified the mechanism responsible for the structural diversity of secondary metabolites, particularly in the biosynthesis of lincosamide antibiotics from Streptomyces. The study found that aromatic amino acids at the enzyme’s active site are crucial determinants in controlling substrate specificity and reaction outcomes. Through structural mutation techniques, the research team successfully transformed the enzyme’s catalytic function, leading to the creation of new lincosamide derivatives, thus opening up opportunities for developing novel antibiotics and metabolites.

The live presentations highlighted the central role of biotechnology in addressing real-world challenges across diverse fields, from medicine and food to agriculture and cosmetics. A prominent common theme was the immense potential unlocked from rich biological resources — including plants, microorganisms, and marine organisms — combined with advanced biotechnological tools such as enzymes, genetic analysis, and machine learning. Notably, all studies demonstrated strong interdisciplinary synergy, spanning biology, chemistry, medicine, agriculture, computer science, and food technology. The robust foundation for these applications lies in extensive basic research into biological mechanisms, genetic analysis, molecular structures, and complex biological interactions.

Accordingly, all full papers from the program, after peer review, will be considered for publication in a special issue of the Journal of Science, Ho Chi Minh City Open University – Economics and Technology (ISSN: 1859 – 3453, recognised by the State Professorship Council of Vietnam). This conference will not only serve as a bridge for disseminating scientific knowledge but also open up opportunities for extensive cooperation, contributing to the sustainable development of the field.