On the morning of July 15th, 2025, at Hall 602, 97 Vo Van Tan Campus, Ho Chi Minh City Open University collaborated with the Management Board of the Hi-Tech Agricultural Park to organise the Workshop “Digital Transformation in Sustainable Agricultural Development” and the Launching Ceremony for the “Innovative Startup Contest in Hi-Tech Agricultural Application Sector 2025”. The program served as a networking space for experts, investors, businesses, and students to share digital transformation trends in agriculture, foster the spirit of innovation and creativity, and promote the application of technology in developing modern, green, and sustainable agriculture.
Attending the program, from the Vietnam Institute of Digital Economy Development, was Mrs. Bui Thi Thuy Tien – Vice Director. From the Startup Contest Organizing Committee were Mrs. Nguyen Thanh Hien – Deputy Head of the Hi-Tech Agricultural Park Management Board, Standing Deputy head of the contest organizing committee; and Mrs. Vuong Thi Hong Loan – Director of the Center for Business incubation of Hi-Tech Agricultural, committee member. Participating Businesses included Mr. Nguyen Vu Bao Quoc – Business Development Director of. Green Agri Technology Joint Stock Company, and Mr. Nguyen Vu Thang – Executive Director of Chiyo Technology and Science trade, production, research company limited. From Ho Chi Minh City Open University were Dr. Senior lecturer. Le Xuan Truong – Vice Rector, along with heads of departments, staff, lecturers, and a large number of students from the University.
Giving the opening speech, Dr. Senior lecturer. Le Xuan Truong – Vice Rector of Ho Chi Minh City Open University, shared: “In the spirit of concretising the Prime Minister’s policies in Decision 844 and Decision 1665, Ho Chi Minh City Open University has been implementing various activities to make startup a key theme in our development strategy. The University is always ready to invest in and create conditions for students to confidently realise their ideas. With the advantage of multi-disciplinary training, students have many opportunities for interdisciplinary connection and collaboration to develop startup initiatives, create practical value for society, and contribute to the development of the national economy. We hope that today’s program will be the beginning of a new chapter for Ho Chi Minh City Open University with increasingly effective and creative steps.”
Workshop “Digital Transformation in Sustainable Agricultural Development”
Through three presentations from experts and startup businesses, the workshop opened up many new approaches, helping to inspire innovative thinking and promote creative startups in the hi-tech agriculture sector.
Mr. Nguyen Van Minh – Director of the Biotechnology Research and Application Centre, Ho Chi Minh City Open University, Co-Head of the Village – Creative Student Village – Techfest Vietnam, emphasised: “Creativity is the vocation of mankind – it is the unique ability that sets humans apart. In the current context, innovative startup plays a particularly crucial role, especially for students. When entrepreneurship is integrated into the learning process, it creates a clearer orientation, helping students develop teamwork skills, problem-solving abilities, and increased adaptability to the market”.
Signing Ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Ho Chi Minh City Open University and the Ho Chi Minh City Hi-Tech Agricultural Park Management Board
In its strategy for sustainable educational development, Ho Chi Minh City Open University always focuses on expanding cooperation with agencies, organisations, and businesses to strengthen the link between training and practical application. Following this orientation, the University proceeded to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ho Chi Minh City Hi-Tech Agricultural Park Management Board, marking the beginning of a strategic cooperative relationship between the two parties.
Management Board
Based on the signed agreement, the two parties are committed to coordinating and implementing practical activities, most notably the organisation of an annual national-level contest for agricultural startup projects. Concurrently, they will support the realisation of potential projects and contribute to promoting digital transformation in agriculture, aiming for sustainable development.
Launching the “Innovative Startup Contest in Hi-Tech Agricultural Application Sector 2025”
Continuing the spirit of innovation, creativity, and practical connection, the “Innovative Startup Contest in Hi-Tech Agricultural Application Sector 2025” was officially launched, promising to be a breakthrough platform for creative, useful, and highly applicable ideas.
Speaking at the program, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Hien – Deputy Head of the Ho Chi Minh City Hi-Tech Agricultural Park Management Board, shared: “In the context of the strong Fourth Industrial Revolution, innovation and technology are increasingly becoming crucial factors for development. In our role as the organising unit, we expect the contest to be a place to seek and incubate creative startup ideas with high potential for application and scalability in practice. The contest is an opportunity for students to train their mindset, develop their capabilities, and nurture the spirit of innovative entrepreneurship right from the classroom.”
Article: Thao Anh
Photos: Minh Khanh