Introduction: The overall picture
In recent years, the Mekong Delta has faced many difficulties and challenges, particularly issues related to climate change, saltwater intrusion, and resource depletion. However, the continuous development has partly demonstrated the capacity and maturity of both human and material resources, improving the income and living standards of people in the region. In this context, Tra Vinh University continues to implement policies that develop high-quality human resources, build an applied educational environment, link training with scientific research, and serve the community.
Tra Vinh University focuses on scientific research, training quality, and sustainable development, gradually affirming its position domestically and internationally.
Training and quality accreditation
Aiming to train high-quality human resources for the community, Tra Vinh University is committed to improving teaching quality to reach international standards through globally recognized and cooperative training programs. The international ranking results affirm the continuous efforts to improve the quality of education and meet global integration requirements.
The University has now achieved international accreditation for 27 programs through FIBA, AUN-QA, and ABET while cooperating with more than 90 global partners and expanding online training to increase accessibility for learners.
Tra Vinh University focuses on linking training with research and practice in the medical and pharmaceutical fields. The second-class Tra Vinh University Hospital, with more than 150 medical staff and modern equipment, is a practical training facility for students. The hospital also supports local community health care. Research projects on indigenous medicinal plants and medical initiatives are carried out to improve healthcare services and community health sustainably.
Scientific research
In scientific research, Tra Vinh University regularly organizes scientific conferences and creates forums to connect interdisciplinary knowledge, promoting research cooperation and academic exchange with the domestic and international scientific community. The University’s scientific publications significantly improve research quality and global connectivity.
Practical application and technology development
Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Minh Hoa, Rector of Tra Vinh University, said: “In addition to scientific research to publish international articles, the university is currently focusing many resources, especially financial resources, on applied research to solve practical problems, especially research serving the community and local development.”
Agriculture and aquaculture are key fields at Tra Vinh University, where high technology is applied to promote sustainable development and protect natural resources.
Mr. Diep Thanh Toan, lecturer at the School of Agriculture and Aquaculture, TVU, shared: “With a 2-hectare scale, TVU invested in a super-intensive white-leg shrimp farming model with a roof to study the impact of climate change on shrimp farming models. TVU applies roof technology with a complete pond lining and concrete walls to increase production efficiency. This technology also helps prevent rainwater from overflowing into the pond”.
Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Trai, Acting Director of the Center for Applied Biology and Deputy Dean of the School of Agriculture and Aquaculture, TVU, said: “Previously, people grew wax coconut trees mainly by traditional breeding methods, the rate of wax fruit per bunch was only from 0 to 25%. TVU has successfully researched the process of cultivating wax coconut embryos. Mature trees from this process have a rate of wax fruit per bunch of up to 100%. “
Associate Professor Dr. Pham Thi Phuong Thuy, Deputy Director of the Institute of Environmental Science and Technology, TVU, said: “TVU has implemented a technology transfer process for many domestic and foreign organizations and individuals. The technology has been transferred to the Department of Science and Technology of TraVinh province and an enterprise in Thanh Hoa province to expand production scale”.
In 2021-2024, research focuses on applying advanced technology to adapt to natural conditions, conserve plant and aquatic species, and support livelihoods for local communities. The school has implemented more than 40 topics and projects in engineering, technology, and natural sciences. These projects focus on developing medical sensors, researching digital data security, and applying artificial intelligence to identify wax coconut.
Culture and society: Preserving the identity of the Southern region
Tra Vinh University focuses on preserving and promoting the cultural values of the Southern region, especially the Southern Khmer culture. Research activities help maintain the unique cultural identity and contribute to the sustainable development of the local community.
Dr. Ngo So Phe, Principal of the School of Southern Khmer Language – Culture – Arts and Humanities, Tra Vinh University, explained: “From the efforts in teaching and learning of teachers and students, the sustainability in scientific research with projects from the grassroots to the national level, connecting the community in the process of serving the community and cultural and artistic exchanges with the community through the Southern Khmer Culture and Arts Club, we have spread cultural values to the community and international friends.”
Research institutes and community projects: Connecting research to practice
Tra Vinh University connects research to practice through specialized research institutes and community projects, promoting scientific innovation for local development.
Dr. Doan Van Cong, Director of the Center for Climate Change Adaptation Research and Community Development Support at Tra Vinh University, explains: “Coastal erosion means the loss of coastal mangrove ecosystems, thereby people lose agricultural land. For example, people will lose those farming areas with shrimp farming models in mangrove forests. Saltwater intrusion directly affects the crop season, crops’ quality, and, more importantly, affects irrigation water for people”.
Inventions and international cooperation projects demonstrate efforts to improve the community’s quality of life and sustainable adaptation capacity.
Digital transformation and innovation
Tra Vinh University actively applies digital transformation and modern technology to research and develop practical products, meeting the needs of industrialization and digital transformation in the locality.
Associate Professor Dr. Diep Thanh Tung, Vice Rector of Tra Vinh University, shared: “We believe that digital transformation is an inevitable trend that all universities must implement, and at Tra Vinh University, we have many activities to implement digital transformation at many different levels. A significant content that the University highly appreciates related to the SOARing project is that it helps us recognize the core elements for implementing digital transformation projects, including first, building an internal digital culture in line with the mission and core values of the organization, second, promoting the training and improvement of digital skills and digital capacity for all stakeholders through the tools provided by the project. Tra Vinh University will periodically assess the University’s digital transformation capacity per each stage of development. “
Entrepreneurship and Innovation: From Ideas to Practice
Tra Vinh University puts entrepreneurship and innovation at the center of its educational strategy, supporting students from ideas to practice. Entrepreneurship programs, along with the support of business incubators, help students develop practical products, contribute to economic development, and promote the spirit of entrepreneurship in the youth community.
Conclusion: TVU creates the future
Tra Vinh University is committed to building an advanced university model closely connected with the community and sustainable development. The school continues to improve the quality of training, promote research and innovation, build high-quality human resources, and expand international cooperation to contribute to the common development of the country and the Mekong Delta region.
