(TVU) – Against the backdrop of complex climate change and increasingly severe salinity intrusion in the Mekong Delta, Tra Vinh University is continuing its active role in scientific research and application by participating in the high-level event series “Salinity Innovation Mission,” jointly organized by the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Nature. TVU’s engagement is marking a step forward in the University’s international cooperation capacity, particularly in water resource management and climate-adaptive agriculture.
Strengthening scientific collaboration at the thematic working session
At the thematic working session on January 20, 2026 in Can Tho, Tra Vinh University (TVU) and Can Tho University (CTU) are making a strong impression through a joint discussion. As two leading universities in the Mekong Delta, TVU and CTU are reviewing and sharing notable research outcomes built on years of collaboration with Dutch partners.
Representing TVU’s scientific voice, Dr. Tran Thi Ngoc Bich, Director of the STARS Water Center, is presenting a paper that focuses on practical effectiveness. She is sharing data and results from projects and agricultural models that TVU is implementing directly with farmers, highlighting the approach of “research and application of agricultural model transfer in the context of climate change and salinity intrusion linked to livelihood development.”
Based on research findings, discussions, and working exchanges, participants are reaching a shared direction for agricultural development cooperation in the Mekong Delta to respond to salinity intrusion, with a long-term vision toward 2050. The outcome is reflecting a strong commitment from the scientific community to support sustainable regional development.
TVU at the Business Dialogue: Proactively connecting “Training – Market”
Beyond academic exchange, on January 21, 2026, Dr. Tran Thi Ngoc Bich, representing Tra Vinh University, is participating in the discussion session “Cooperation for Climate Change Adaptation in Agriculture” within the Business Forum at the Sheraton Can Tho Hotel.
At the forum, she is engaging in direct dialogue with international agricultural support organizations and companies, including Agriterra, Transforming, Rabobank Foundation, and Nuffic Southeast Asia. TVU’s presence is demonstrating proactive international integration while also providing an opportunity to update on trends in climate finance and sustainable agricultural development.
Through open dialogue, TVU representatives are sharing practical local perspectives and seeking common ground with Dutch partners, with the aim of building long-term cooperation that connects advanced knowledge and technology resources to lecturers, students, and the agricultural community in the Mekong Delta.
Expanding a network of strategic international partners
Through the Salinity Innovation Mission, Tra Vinh University is establishing and strengthening direct connections with the Netherlands’ innovation ecosystem.
Cooperation links with Wageningen University & Research are opening opportunities for TVU lecturers to access advanced methods in research on salt-tolerant agriculture. At the same time, exchanges with technology and seed-sector organizations such as Eurofins and East-West Seed are supporting TVU in updating training content with testing technologies and improved seed varieties, while promoting transfer to Tra Vinh Province and the wider region. These connections are contributing to TVU’s strategic direction toward becoming a key hub for Dutch-supported technology transfer in the Mekong Delta’s coastal areas.
Empowering the next generation: TVU students in innovation challenges
The event series is also focusing on youth through the launch of the “Empower Youth4Food Changemaker Challenge 2026.”
During the session, Nguyen Thi Kim Anh, a student majoring in Resource and Environmental Management at Tra Vinh University, is sharing insights from her experience in the Changemaker Challenge 2025. As a member of the Vietnamese team reaching the final round of the Food Systems Innovation Challenge 2025 at Wageningen University & Research (Netherlands), her international exposure is serving as motivation for future cohorts.
Building on these outcomes, Tra Vinh University is affirming its commitment to continue supporting students’ participation in the Changemaker Challenge 2026, considering it a practical environment for developing entrepreneurial thinking and social responsibility among young intellectuals.
Overall, TVU’s active participation in the 2026 Salinity Innovation Mission reflects its development orientation toward becoming an advanced applied university that stays close to community needs and integrates deeply with international partners. Through the “three-party” connection model State – University – Enterprise, along with support from Dutch partners, TVU is gradually turning climate challenges into a driver for development, while continuing to pursue its mission of “providing quality learning opportunities for the community.”
Photo link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/141PDIkZjaQKu2Mk8LJFUPMk2d5BHy0ch?usp=sharing
My Nhien
