On 20 March 2026, VNUHCM-Â鶹´«Ã½ (HCMUS) hosted the International Workshop on “Global Geoparks and Mineral Resources 2026.â€� The event convened a distinguished assembly of scientists, policymakers, industry experts, and academic partners from across the globe.

The event was attended by the HCMUS Executive Board, heads of administrative departments and faculties, alongside faculty members, doctoral candidates, and students. Distinguished guests included representatives from the Lam Dong Provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, various regulatory bodies and technical units within the geology and resources sector, and international partners from the National Taipei University of Technology (NTUT), Yehliu Geopark, and the Taiwan Marble & Stone Industrial Association (TMA).

In his opening address, Associate Professor Trần Minh Triết—Vice President of HCMUS—emphasised the pivotal role of geological sciences in addressing global challenges regarding resources, the environment, and sustainable development. The Vice President further reaffirmed the commitment of HCMUS to strengthening international cooperation within this vital field.

Academic Exchange on Geological Heritage and Sustainable Development

The first session focused on “Geological Heritage and Sustainable Development,� featuring presentations on geopark management, heritage conservation, and sustainable tourism. These research papers provided comparative perspectives between Viet Nam and Taiwan, ranging from policy frameworks to technical solutions and management models.

Session I featuring numerous presentations on geopark management and sustainable tourism in Viet Nam and Taiwan.

Presentations from Viet Nam highlighted practical experiences in managing geoparks, most notably the conservation and promotion of the UNESCO Global Geopark in Dak Nong, alongside the Net Zero community-based tourism model in Lang Son. Meanwhile, research from Taiwan offered practical insights into geological structural reinforcement techniques, the role of geological surveys in urban planning, and sustainable management strategies at Yehliu Geopark.

Within the framework of the workshop, the Faculty of Geology formalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Yehliu Geopark and the Taiwan Marble & Stone Industrial Association. This partnership focuses on academic exchange, field research, professional training, and the joint organisation of workshops and communications to foster sustainable geological tourism.

Representatives from the Faculty of Geology at HCMUS signing the MoU with Yehliu Geopark and the Taiwan Marble & Stone Industrial Association.

Furthermore, the collaboration with TMA paves the way for practical advancements in mineral resources, including geological surveying, the application of extraction technologies, post-mining environmental restoration, and the development of technical standards for the stone and materials industry.

Mineral Resources: From Research to Application

The second session, entitled “Mineral Resources and Sustainable Development,� examined specialised research on regional geology, geothermal energy, geological hazards, and the potential applications of resources.

Reports in Session II focusing on mineral resources, geothermal energy, and applied geological issues.

The presentations provided updated analyses on the origin and application potential of pegmatites in Kon Tum, assessed risks from seismic events in Taiwan, and clarified the role of hydrothermal systems in geothermal energy development. Additionally, representatives from enterprises and industry associations shared practical perspectives on market trends, technology, and development trajectories within the stone extraction and processing sector.

Concluding the programme, a presentation on the mineral potential of Southern Viet Nam suggested numerous avenues for collaboration between academia and industry, aiming to enhance the practical value of geological research in an era of global integration.

Affirming the Role of Academic Connection and Sustainable Development

The workshop providing a forum for academic exchange and collaboration between scientists, regulators, and enterprises.

The workshop served not only as an academic forum but also as a platform for bridging the gap between educational institutions, government agencies, and domestic and international enterprises. The discussions and partnerships established during the event have contributed to promoting interdisciplinary research, enhancing training capacity, and increasing the practical application of geological sciences.

Through this event, VNUHCM-Â鶹´«Ã½ continues to assert a leading role as a hub for academic and applied connectivity in geology and mineral resources, working alongside partners to address scientific and technological issues linked to sustainable development on both regional and global scales.

From 1–7 March 2026, VNUHCM–Â鶹´«Ã½ (HCMUS) hosted the OMU-TTI-HCMUS Spring School 2026, welcoming distinguished faculty and students from both Viet Nam and Japan. Organised by the Faculty of Environment in collaboration with Osaka Metropolitan University (OMU) and the Toyota Technological Institute (TTI), this initiative sought to foster international academic exchange whilst providing an immersive learning environment focused on environmental science and sustainable development.

The course employed a hybrid structure, integrating specialised thematic lectures, rigorous academic debates, and extensive field research. The programme brought together five scholars from Japanese partner institutions and ten students from HCMUS, guided by expert faculty from all participating universities. This collaboration stands as a hallmark of the international outreach efforts at the Faculty of Environment, strengthening academic ties and expanding research networks between these prestigious institutions.

Throughout the week, participants attended a series of specialised lectures delivered by prominent academics. These sessions addressed critical environmental challenges and the pursuit of sustainable development, including: the current state and impact of biomass burning in Viet Nam; professional career trajectories within a globalised landscape; trends in sustainable consumption; and Viet Nam’s strategic roadmap towards achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050. Such seminars provided not only the latest scientific data but also multifaceted perspectives on the environmental hurdles faced during contemporary socio-economic growth.

Beyond the lecture theatre, the programme facilitated site visits and field surveys across the Mekong Delta and the Ho Chi Minh City Hi-Tech Agricultural Park. These excursions allowed students to examine firsthand the practicalities of agricultural innovation and resource management. Furthermore, the delegation visited the Heineken Viet Nam Brewery to observe industrial processes, environmental management protocols, and the integration of sustainability within corporate operations.

The successful delivery of the OMU-TTI-HCMUS Spring School 2026 enhances the quality of education by bridging the gap between theory and practice. This initiative further solidifies the international partnership in environmental science between HCMUS and Japanese academic circles. Ultimately, the programme offered students a vital opportunity to engage within a multicultural academic setting, deepening their understanding of global environmental crises and the pivotal role the next generation must play in securing a sustainable future.