[UEH CONFERENCE 50] Opening of the RTD 2026 International Conference: Shaping "FutureScape" - A Vision of Technology and Design for a Sustainable Future
On the morning of July 15, 2026, the International Scientific Conference "Resilience by Technology and Design" (RTD 2026), organized by the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) in collaboration with prestigious universities from Italy, Australia, South Korea, Macau (China), Taiwan, Singapore, Japan, etc., officially opened. As one of the 22 flagship activities in the journey of "50 years of co-creating a sustainable future," RTD 2026 marks the beginning of the "Research for All - Embracing Knowledge Impact" scientific conference series, bringing together leading international experts and scientists to promote interdisciplinary academic connections and technology and design solutions for sustainable development.
For the first time in its history, the International Scientific Conference "Resilience by Technology and Design" (RTD 2026) is being held across three strategic hubs: Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta (Vinh Long & Can Tho), and Nha Trang, creating a robust "triangle of connection" between knowledge, technology, and community. Towards the milestone of UEH's 50th anniversary, the conference is co-organized by the UEH College of Technology and Design (CTD), UEH Mekong, and UEH Nexus Nha Trang, in collaboration with 18 international partner universities, and runs from July 15 to 20, 2026.
Panoramic view of the RTD 2026 opening ceremony
At the opening session, the conference was honored to welcome keynote speakers: Prof. Dr. Utz Dornberger - Director of the SEPT Competence Center, Leipzig University (Germany); Prof. Dr. Bor-Jiunn Wen - Department Chair, Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, National Taiwan Ocean University, Taiwan; Ms. Carolina Tinangon - Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Ho Chi Minh City; Prof. Dr. Elena Marchigiani - Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste (Italy); Prof. Dr. Bruno De Meulder and Prof. Kelly Shannon - Glocal Experts, Institute of Smart City and Management (ISCM), UEH-CTD; Prof. Yong-Guk Kim - Department of Computer Engineering, Sejong University (South Korea); Prof. Dr. Soolyeon Cho - Director, Building Energy Technology Laboratory, North Carolina State University (USA); and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trinh Tu Anh - Director, Institute of Smart City and Management (ISCM), UEH-CTD.
Representing UEH, the opening session was attended by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung - UEH President and Head of the RTD 2026 Organizing Committee; Dr. Dinh Cong Khai - Vice President of UEH; Prof. Dr. Nguyen Dong Phong - Chairman of the UEH Strategic Development Council; Prof. Dr. Su Dinh Thanh - Chairman of the UEH Science and Education Council; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Bich Nguyet - Chairwoman of the UEH Alumni Executive Board; along with the Rectorate of member Schools, leadership of Faculties, Institutes, functional departments, and a large number of UEH lecturers and students.
The program also featured the participation of Ms. Yuen Yee Hor - Representative of QS; Dr. Cung Trong Cuong - Director of the Thua Thien Hue Provincial Development Research Institute; representatives from co-organizing universities, partners, research institutes, enterprises, along with numerous scholars, authors, lecturers, students, and domestic and international delegates.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung - UEH President, delivering the opening speech at the conference
In his opening address, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung - UEH President and Head of the RTD 2026 Organizing Committee, warmly welcomed and expressed deep gratitude to the speakers, scientists, partners, and international delegates attending RTD 2026 on the occasion of UEH's 50th anniversary. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung shared: "The half-century journey has transformed UEH into a multidisciplinary university, pursuing development in training, research, and creating positive social impact, recognized by its position in the Top 101-200 globally according to the THE Impact Rankings 2026. Building on the success of previous conferences, RTD 2026 is not only an international scientific conference but also continues UEH's commitment to creating academic value and generating positive impact for the global community. Under the theme 'FutureScape,' the Conference aims to promote the connection between technology, art, design, governance, and business, while implementing a multi-hub model in Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, and Nha Trang, forming a 'Local & Global Network' to link global knowledge with the development needs of each locality".
With approximately 140 academic, applied, exhibition, and networking activities, RTD 2026 attracts over 80 researchers and experts from more than 30 domestic and international universities, research institutes, enterprises, and government agencies. The keynote sessions focus on several core thematic groups: Smart Cities, Design, and Climate Adaptation; AI, Robotics, Digital Technology, and Net-Zero Transition; and Living Labs, Innovation, ArtTech, and Creative Technology.
International partners performing the Flag Ceremony (UEH 50 Years - 50 Partners in 5 Continents)
Notably, at the RTD 2026 Opening Session, the Journal of Technology and Design (JTD) of UEH was widely introduced to the academic community. JTD is oriented to become a forum connecting research, innovation, and practical application in the multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary fields of technology and design.
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Assoc. Prof. Trinh Thuy Anh - Rector of the UEH College of Technology and Design, Editor-in-Chief of JTD, and Prof. Nguyen Truong Thinh - Vice Rector of the UEH College of Technology and Design, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of JTD, presenting at the Journal of Technology and Design (JTD) launch session
Within the framework of the Conference, at UEH Campus B (Ho Chi Minh City), 10 keynote speeches, 13 special sessions, and 108 scientific presentations across 27 parallel sessions will take place, revolving around University Living Labs, smart cities, data and robotics, art-media-technology, and the role of culture in sustainable development.
Prof. Dr. Utz Dornberger - Director of the SEPT Competence Center, Leipzig University (Germany), presenting on "Unlocking Business Potential Through University Living Labs" on the morning of July 15, 2026
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trinh Tu Anh - Director, Institute of Smart City and Management (ISCM), UEH-CTD, presenting on "The FutureScape of Smart City: Unlocking the Prospects and Trends for Developing Cities"
Prof. Dr. Bor-Jiunn Wen - Department Chair, Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, National Taiwan Ocean University, Taiwan, presenting on "AI-Powered Marine Robots for Smart Coastal Cities: From Underwater Sensing to Global Resilience"
In addition, the FutureScape Showcase is taking place, offering an exhibition and experiential space introducing technological solutions, applied research, innovative products, digital maps, Digital Twin models, and sustainable development initiatives developed by universities, enterprises, research groups, lecturers, and students.
At UEH Mekong Campus (Vinh Long), 3 keynote speeches, 3 special sessions, and 1 conference in Can Tho are being held, focusing on rethinking water flows and delta transportation, green infrastructure, and blue carbon for climate change adaptation.
At UEH Nexus Nha Trang, 2 keynote speeches and 2 special sessions are being held on creating 3D spaces with large language models and integrated urban design towards Net-Zero cities.
RTD 2026 sincerely acknowledges and thanks the units that have sponsored, accompanied, and actively contributed to the success of the program: Penguin Research and Development Services Co., Ltd. (Gold Sponsor); LV Incubation Company Limited - Ho Chi Minh City Technology and Innovation Incubation Center (ISC) (Silver Sponsor); Information Technology and Design Training Center (ATD) (Bronze Sponsor); HPT Information Technology Services Joint Stock Company (Companion Unit); United Overseas Bank Limited (Vietnam) (Companion Unit); WATA Software (Companion Unit); Leonix Vietnam Co., Ltd. (Companion Unit).
Furthermore, RTD 2026 organizes field trips to Vinh Long, the Mekong Delta, and Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa. These trips are designed to offer experts, speakers, lecturers, students, and attendees the opportunity to directly observe and experience practical realities in key regions of Vietnam. This journey not only helps deepen understanding of the challenges and opportunities in sustainable development but also facilitates networking and connection activities with local communities.
RTD 2026 Program Overview
RTD 2026 promises to provide attendees with in-depth knowledge, updates on the latest trends, as well as analysis of multidimensional, unique, and fresh perspectives. This is an opportunity to learn from leading experts in the fields of technology and design.
View the session schedule and speaker information HERE.
Registration link for Mekong Delta (Vinh Long & Can Tho): https://go.ueh.edu.vn/RTD2026_RegistrationVL
Registration link for Nha Trang: https://go.ueh.edu.vn/RTD2026_RegistrationNT
"Research Contribution for All" Scientific Conference Series“Embracing Knowledge Impact” Towards the 50th anniversary of UEH's establishment, the "Research Contribution for All" scientific conference series, with the message "Embracing Knowledge Impact," creates an open academic space where international keynote speakers disseminate knowledge, inspire innovation, and increase the impact of research on the community. The program belongs to the series of 22 flagship activities aimed at redefining and assigning new roles to the 8 heritage values left on UEH's 50-year journey: "Unity – Compassion – Dedication – Community – Pioneering – Creation – Sustainability – Internationalization." Look forward to the special milestone: UEH Grand Anniversary “Embracing Future Together” October 27, 2026, at A.116 Hall and livestreamed on UEH media & social platforms. Explore more: https://ueh50.ueh.edu.vn/ or the UEH 50 Booklet at LINK. |
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News, Photos: RTD 2026 Organizing Committee, Department of Communications and Partnerships
Additional photos from the Conference:
Delegates taking commerative photos
UEH leaders present gifts to Morning Session speakers at the Conference
Parallel Sessions held throughout the day as part of the conference
Students experience and interact at the fFtureScape Showcase Exhibition Area