On November 29, Southeast-Asia Impact Alliance (SIA) was honored to have our founder, Mr. CY Huang, invited to attend and present at the Second Mekong Delta Sustainable Development Forum 2024 under the theme “Industrialization – Modernization,” held at Can Tho University. The forum brought together 400 delegates, including representatives from ministries, local governments in the Mekong Delta region, associations, enterprises, organizations, and domestic and international higher education institutions.

The forum featured two key events that highlighted industrialization and modernization efforts in various sectors. The first was a roundtable discussion with experts from developed countries, sharing insights on modern agricultural development from Australia, agricultural mechanization from Japan, emerging AI industry advancements from Taiwan, and smart urban development strategies from Singapore. The second focused on specialized sessions addressing the development of production-processing-export chains for rice in the Mekong Delta and providing insights into the evolution of Vietnam’s logistics sector. Additionally, participants had the opportunity to visit exemplary economic models and successful projects, including industrial parks, technology startup incubators, high-tech aquaculture, and renewable energy initiatives in Can Tho City and Tra Vinh Province.

At the forum, Mr. CY Huang joined discussions with international experts and shared insightful recommendations to promote sustainable development in the Mekong Delta. He emphasized the importance of enhancing the agricultural economy by focusing on increasing product value to drive economic growth. To revitalize the region’s economy, he advocated for adopting innovative and forward-thinking strategies that could unlock new opportunities for sustainable development. While drawing from international experience, Mr. CY Huang highlighted the necessity for Vietnam to develop solutions tailored to its unique context. He also underscored the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in addressing key challenges in agriculture, improving efficiency, and protecting the environment. Furthermore, he pointed to the pivotal role of Can Tho University in training talent for semiconductors and AI, fostering practical applications, and maximizing the potential of the local workforce.

The forum aimed not only to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders and foster a sustainable development environment in the Mekong Delta but also to prioritize advancements in science and technology, as well as human resource training for the region’s long-term sustainability. SIA was deeply honored to participate in this impactful forum and looks forward to future collaborative opportunities to strengthen Vietnam-Taiwan partnerships further.