Panoramic view of Lecture Hall 1 – VNUHCM-University of Science during the Opening Ceremony of the Young Scientists Conference 2025.

On the morning of 18 May, at Lecture Hall 1, the VNUHCM-University of Science hosted the Opening Ceremony and Plenary Session of the 2nd Young Scientists Conference – a large-scale academic event organised by the university under the theme “Science – Technology in the Era of Emergence.”

The conference serves as a platform for research ideas and innovative initiatives contributed by undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as young scientists, helping to cultivate a dynamic academic environment with strong potential for knowledge transfer.

The opening session was honoured by the presence of:

• Mr. Phạm Lê Minh Khang – Member of the Standing Committee, Head of the Youth Affairs Division of the Ho Chi Minh City Youth Union, and Executive Vice President of the Ho Chi Minh City Students’ Association;
• Mr. Phan Quốc Thái – Deputy Secretary of the VNUHCM-Youth Union;
• Assoc. Prof. Trần Minh Triết – Vice President of VNUHCM-University of Science;

as well as representatives from various faculties, departments, the University Scientific Council, and supporting organisations.

In his opening address, Assoc. Prof. Trần Minh Triết emphasised the significance of the conference in fostering a passion for scientific research among the younger generation:

“The Young Scientists Conference is not merely an annual academic event but a strategic foundation for the VNUHCM-University of Science to develop its next generation of researchers. I believe this very platform will give rise to numerous new ideas, creative research models, and academic collaborations, contributing to the sustainable development of science in Viet Nam.”

Three Keynote Speeches: A Forum for Interdisciplinary Academic Perspectives

The plenary session featured three invited talks from esteemed experts and researchers both within and outside the university:

• Assoc. Prof. Tô Thị Hiền – Head of the Department of Environmental Technology, Faculty of Environment:
  “Air Pollution and Public Health – A Silent Threat in Modern Cities” – this talk analysed the cumulative impact of urban air pollution on public health and proposed solutions from the perspective of environmental technology.

• Dr. Nguyễn Hà Hùng Chương and Đoàn Diệp Minh Triết – Faculty of Interdisciplinary Sciences:
  “A Teaching Model to Equip Learners with AI Competency” – presented a model integrating artificial intelligence skills into education, aiming to prepare students with essential competencies in the digital age.

• Mr. Nguyễn Phúc Vinh – Senior Technical Director, Synopsys Viet Nam:
  “Semiconductor Technology Updates and Advanced Packaging Trends” – an update on the latest developments in semiconductor technologies, advanced packaging, and opportunities for developing high-tech human resources in Viet Nam.

Continuing the Academic Journey

Following the plenary session, the Conference will feature two specialised academic activities:

• Scientific Poster Exhibition from 4 to 8 June 2025 – a space to showcase outstanding research projects by undergraduate and postgraduate students from both within and outside the university.
• Specialised Subcommittee Presentations on 8 June 2025 – a forum for in-depth academic exchange between young research groups, the university’s scientific council, and experienced researchers.

The Young Scientists Conference 2025 is not only an occasion to recognise the research efforts of students and postgraduates, but also serves as a stepping stone in the development of future generations of researchers within the scientific and technological ecosystem of the VNUHCM-University of Science and the broader Vietnamese research community.

PMN