On 04 September, VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS) held a signing ceremony for a Tripartite Cooperation Agreement with MasiBio Lab New Materials Technology and Solutions Company Limited and Minh Sang Manufacturing–Trading Company Limited, aimed at strengthening links in training, research, technology development, transfer and commercialisation within the field of materials science and plastics technology.

Attending the programme, on the part of HCMUS were Associate Professor Trần Minh Triết, Vice President, together with leaders of relevant functional offices and the Faculty of Materials Science and Technology. On the part of the enterprises were Mr Nguyễn Quốc Minh – Director of MasiBio Lab New Materials Technology and Solutions Company Limited, and Ms Cổ Thụy Phương Trang – Director of Minh Sang Manufacturing–Trading Company Limited, together with members of both companies.

During the programme, representatives of HCMUS and the enterprises gave an overview of training, research activities and development directions, and exchanged views on possible areas of cooperation in materials and sustainable manufacturing. Discussions focused on connecting the training and research capacity of HCMUS with the practical needs of enterprise, laying the groundwork for cooperative activities to follow.

Effective until 2030, the cooperation programme focuses on short- and long-term training activities in materials science, plastics technology, and product failure analysis and treatment; facilitating student internships, graduation theses and research participation at the enterprises; and broadening opportunities for lecturers and researchers to take part in research and technical consultancy. Key research directions include new plastic materials, processing technology, and additives and compounds for engineering plastics, geared towards applications in electronics, agriculture, industrial packaging and healthcare.

One notable element is the development of environmentally friendly packaging solutions, such as biodegradable bags, recyclable bags and packaging made from recycled and bio-based materials. Products showing potential for application will be tested, refined, transferred and brought into production and commercial use, with Minh Sang Manufacturing–Trading Company Limited involved in the manufacturing and commercialisation process.

In addition, the cooperation programme is oriented towards establishing a “New Materials Training, Research, Application, Development and Technology Transfer Workshop”, with a projected area of around 500 m², to serve training, research, testing, trial production and technology transfer. A “Materials Hospital” model is also envisaged, to receive, analyse and advise on solutions for technical issues arising during materials and packaging production. This collaborative initiative aims to connect training and research through to testing, production and commercialisation, thereby bringing scientific outcomes into practice and promoting the development of environmentally friendly materials and packaging solutions.