TVU – From October 21-24, 2025, the delegation of Tra Vinh University (TVU) including Dr. Tran Thi Ngoc Bich, Vice Principal of the School of Engineering and Technology, Tra Vinh University, and members of the STARS Water Center attended two important international events in the field of water resources and sustainable development: the 32nd UNESCO IHP RSC-AP Conference in Hanoi and the VietWater 2025 Exhibition in Ho Chi Minh City.
The 32nd UNESCO IHP RSC – AP Conference
The 32nd Session of the UNESCO IHP Regional Steering Committee for Asia and the Pacific (RSC-AP) is an annual meeting of the UNESCO International Hydrological Programme (IHP). It was held in Hanoi with the participation of representatives from more than 30 countries and numerous leading research organizations in the Asia–Pacific region.
The theme of this year’s conference is “Water Science and Management for Sustainable Development under Climate Change”, focusing on discussing challenges and opportunities in water resources management, innovation in water reuse and storage technology, as well as the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in sustainable water management.
Attending the conference, the delegation from Tra Vinh University had the opportunity to exchange academic knowledge and connect with experts from UNESCO, Hohai University (China), Saitama University (Japan), Universiti Sains Malaysia, and many other international organizations in the fields of science and water management.
At the event, the STARS Water group from Tra Vinh University presented a scientific poster on the “Eco-park Wetland” model, which is a nature-based solution that utilizes native plants to treat domestic wastewater and reuse it for irrigation purposes. It is an excellent initiative that reached the TOP 3 of the “UNESCO Water Challenge for Young Innovators 2025” competition, highly appreciated for its practical application and potential for replication in developing environmentally friendly wastewater treatment systems.
The presence of Tra Vinh University at the conference represents an important step in expanding international cooperation and updating global water science trends, thereby contributing to the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal No. 6 (SDG 6) – ensuring clean water and sanitation for all.
Vietwater 2025 Exhibition
Following the working trip, the delegation from Tra Vinh University participated in the VietWater Expo & Forum 2025 (WETV Expo & Forum), held at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City from October 22 to 24, 2025.
At Booth E18 (Hall A1), STARS Water Center (TVU) introduced the latest models and research in the field of Water – Energy – Food – Environment (WEFE Nexus), including:
- Environmentally friendly water and wastewater treatment solutions;
- Water management model adapting to climate change in the Mekong Delta;
- Training cooperation programs, student and lecturer exchange programs between TVU and Saxion University of Applied Sciences.
At VietWater 2025, Dr. Tran Thi Ngoc Bich, representing Tra Vinh University and Saxion University of Applied Sciences (Netherlands), was honored to participate in the discussion session “Capacity Building and Education” together with international organizations such as the World Water Academy, World Waternet, and The Water Agency.
During the discussion session, Dr. Tran Thi Ngoc Bich emphasized the importance of open education, international cooperation, community engagement, and knowledge transfer in training and fostering the young generation – future leaders and innovators in water resource management and sustainable environmental protection.
Within the framework of the exhibition, the STARS Water team from the School of Engineering and Technology at Tra Vinh University excellently won the “Best Innovation Team” award at the Water Tech Innovation 2025 competition, jointly organized by The Water Agency and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Vietnam.
The winning project is called “Blue Loop: Integrated household water management system,” a solution that combines various models, including fish farming, circular vegetable growing (aquaponics), ecological wetlands, rainwater collection, and solar energy, to maximize the use of available water sources in households.
It is a nature-based solution that aims to sustain rural areas and adapt to climate change, making it suitable for the conditions of rural areas in the Mekong Delta. The award is a testament to the creativity and commitment of TVU students in developing circular water solutions for the community.
MY NHIEN
