On 23 July, VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS) welcomed a delegation from the Wallonia Export & Investment Agency (Embassy of Belgium) and Neo-Tech SA (Belgium) to discuss investment in research infrastructure, advanced technologies, and opportunities for collaboration in education, research, and technology transfer.

Representing HCMUS were Assoc. Prof. Trần Minh Triết, Vice President; Prof. Ngô Đại Nghiệp, Head of the Office of External Relations; MSc Lê Thị Nga, Head of the Office of Facilities and Equipment Management; and Dr Nguyễn Hoàng Chương, Deputy Head of the Office of Science and Technology.

The visiting delegation comprised Mr Christophe Smitz, Trade and Economic Counsellor at the Wallonia Export & Investment Agency (Embassy of Belgium); Ms Ly Giang Thanh, Trade and Investment Advisor at the Wallonia Export & Investment Agency (Embassy of Belgium); and Mr Nicolas Nikas, General Director of Neo-Tech SA (Belgium).

During the meeting, HCMUS outlined strategic priorities for upgrading and modernising laboratory facilities to strengthen education, research, innovation, and technology transfer. A shared laboratory model was also presented, designed to encourage collaboration with universities, research institutes, and industry while making the best use of research infrastructure and expanding opportunities for collaborative research.

HCMUS also introduced priority areas for future development, including artificial intelligence and digital technologies, advanced biotechnology, advanced materials, green energy and Net Zero technologies, nuclear energy, nuclear engineering, medical physics, and other strategic fields of science and technology. Several laboratory development projects are already under way, supporting the creation of modern research facilities that will meet future educational and research needs.

The discussion also explored advanced technologies, research equipment, and opportunities for collaboration in education, scientific research, technology transfer, technical support, and talent development. HCMUS expressed hope that the Wallonia Export & Investment Agency (Embassy of Belgium) would continue to facilitate connections with companies, universities, and research institutes across Wallonia whose expertise aligns with institutional priorities, creating new opportunities for international collaboration and long-term partnerships.

Representatives of the Wallonia Export & Investment Agency (Embassy of Belgium) and Neo-Tech SA welcomed the University’s strategic vision and noted that suitable technological solutions and research equipment would be further explored in line with investment priorities and the capabilities of all parties. Such discussions are expected to provide a strong foundation for future collaboration.

The visit further strengthened links between HCMUS and partners in Wallonia, Belgium, in support of the University’s Development Strategy for 2021–2030, with a vision to 2045. Through continued investment in research infrastructure and the expansion of partnerships with organisations in Viet Nam and around the world, HCMUS aims to become one of Asia’s leading research universities in the fields of fundamental science and core technologies.