From 1–7 March 2026, VNUHCM–University of Science (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.