Within the framework of international cooperation activities towards sustainable development goals, the delegation led by Dr. Tran Thi Ngoc Bich, Vice Principal of the School of Engineering and Technology, Tra Vinh University, together with student Nguyen Thi Kim Anh, majoring in Natural Resources and Environmental Management, Faculty of Environment, School of Engineering and Technology, had an effective working and studying trip to the Netherlands, participating in essential activities on agricultural and food innovation and circular economy (Circular Economy – CE) in the Netherlands from September 25 to October 10, 2025.
Participate in the Grand Finals of the Global Food System Innovation Challenge in the Netherlands
From September 27 to September 30, 2025, the delegation from Tra Vinh University sent student Nguyen Thi Kim Anh to compete in the Grand Finals of the Food System Innovation Challenge, a global competition that attracted 24 teams selected from excellent teams from 13 countries. The EarthFeast team from Tra Vinh University, represented by student Nguyen Thi Kim Anh, presented the project “Rebuilding the organic rice-shrimp value chain towards a circular food model in the Mekong Delta.” The project has garnered high praise from international experts for its creativity, practical applications, and contributions to food security and climate change.
In addition to the competition, as a moderator, Dr. Tran Thi Ngoc Bich participated in the dialogue, offering breakthrough, feasible solutions to promote the transformation of the agricultural food system and enhance climate action. At the same time, she participated in in-depth workshops led by experts, as well as exchange sessions and tours on sustainable food systems in the Netherlands. This activity is not only an opportunity for TVU to affirm the research and innovation capacity of students and staff, but also an important stepping stone to connect with the global academic and expert network.
Strengthening Vietnam-Netherlands cooperation on Circular Economy and Sustainable Production
In addition, from October 1 to October 3, 2025, Dr. Tran Thi Ngoc Bich joined the working group on Circular Economy (CE) and Sustainable Production & Consumption in the Netherlands, jointly organized by UNDP Vietnam, the Embassy of the Netherlands, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of Vietnam.
The delegation had working sessions and field trips at Saxion University of Applied Sciences (Saxion UAS) and pioneering businesses and organizations on CE; attended the Business Connection Conference; and met with Dutch Government Agencies to discuss strengthening cooperation between the two countries, especially in developing and implementing CE policy in The Hague (October 2-3, 2025)
In addition, the delegation from Tra Vinh University met with Mr. Ngo Huong Nam, the Ambassador of Vietnam to the Netherlands. At the meeting, Dr. Tran Thi Ngoc Bich reported in detail on TVU’s breakthrough development vision in developing models and projects to support communities in solving difficulties in local economic development in the face of climate change challenges; projects and programs with international partners in the global sustainable development goals SDGs, especially the cooperative relationship with government organizations, companies, businesses and Dutch universities; the core role of the STARS Water Center in sustainable development projects on water, circular economy and training development programs for young professionals.
Ambassador Ngo Huong Nam highly appreciated TVU’s efforts and strategic orientation, especially in applying local experimental models, integrated water-energy-food models, and the Circular Economy, considering this a necessary spearhead for sustainable development of the Mekong Delta. Through the exchange, the TVU delegation received strong support and commitment from the diplomatic representative agency, creating greater motivation and a solid legal framework for future international cooperation projects.
The participation of the STARS Water Center of Tra Vinh University in the working group underscores TVU’s role and strategic orientation in the field of environment and sustainable development. During the working sessions, the TVU delegation has explored leading innovative solutions and technologies in the Netherlands, such as wastewater reuse technology at the Trendy Water Center and NX Filtration.
Strengthening bilateral cooperation with Saxion University
From October 4 to October 9, 2025, Dr. Tran Thi Ngoc Bich continued to work intensively with research groups of Saxion UAS. Key activities include: Working with research groups “International Water Technology” and “Sustainable Land and Regional Transformation”, with lecturers from related faculties; Conducting a seminar with students of the Saxion Smart Solution project, thereby sharing experiences and expertise on water and sustainable water management solutions; Orienting of cooperation programs and research funds in the field of water, water treatment technology, especially for the STARS Center at Tra Vinh University.
Based on positive exchanges in May 2025, on October 7, 2025, Dr. Tran Thi Ngoc Bich directly participated in and officially finalized a major practical exchange program with lecturers from the Faculty of Civil Engineering at Saxion University.
According to the agreement, a group of 40 second-year students majoring in Civil Engineering, Mining, and Urban Planning will come to TVU to do internships and practical research in Vietnam from January 4 to January 16, 2026.
The practical program is designed in-depth, helping Dutch students explore application models in Vietnam, including:
• Research on infrastructure architecture and construction design (bridges, roads, industrial parks, factories).
• Visiting projects to design and operate water treatment and reuse systems in industrial parks, eco-tourism areas, and high-tech agricultural facilities.
• Learning about the role and function of coastal dyke systems and coastal ecological forests in climate change prevention.
• Surveying companies and renewable energy production systems (solar power, wind power).
Working session with 40 second-year students majoring in Civil Engineering, Mining and Urban Planning, and lecturers from Saxion University for the internship in January 2026
This success not only strengthens the cooperative relationship but also affirms TVU as a reliable destination for international students to study and apply sustainable engineering.”
The working trip of the Tra Vinh University delegation to the Netherlands is a testament to the school’s strategic vision to internationalize education, strengthen applied research capacity, and bring global knowledge to serve local development. The results of the trip open up opportunities for bilateral cooperation with Dutch universities, research institutes, and enterprises in the fields of water, energy, and circular economy, contributing to advancing the goal of green, clean, sustainable development for Tra Vinh in particular and the Mekong Delta in general.
PHOTOS OF THE BUSINESS TRIP:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1e9DoL1CQlfPHJ8q_cVZP-mVf34RkqglR?usp=sharing
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