On 16 September 2025, the Vietnam Intellectual Society in the UK and Ireland (VIS) hosted a special meeting in London to welcome the visiting delegation led by ๐.๐. ๐๐ซ๐จ๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐จ๐ซ ๐๐ ๐ฎ๐ฒ๐๐ง ๐๐ฎ๐๐ง ๐๐ก๐๐ง๐ , Politburo Member and President of the Ho Chi Minh Academy of Politics (HCMA). The event was attended by ๐.๐. ๐๐ซ ๐๐จ ๐๐ข๐ง๐ก ๐๐ฎ๐ง๐ , Ambassador of Vietnam to the UK, along with representatives of the Embassy of Vietnam in London.
In his opening remarks, ๐๐ซ๐จ๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐จ๐ซ ๐๐ฎ๐๐ง ๐๐ ๐ฎ๐ฒ๐๐ง, Chair of VIS, welcomed the delegation and expressed his appreciation for the visit. He highlighted VISโs three key missions: building a strong and supportive Vietnamese intellectual community in the UK and Ireland; strengthening connections with other Vietnamese associations; and fostering closer engagement with Vietnam.
The meeting centred on policy dialogue and knowledge exchange, with contributions from leading Vietnamese academics and experts in the UK and Ireland on issues such as national digital transformation, resources for sustainable growth, and green development.
Key contributions from VIS professors and scholars:
– ๐๐ซ๐จ๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐จ๐ซ ๐๐ข๐๐ญ ๐๐ง๐ก ๐๐๐ง๐ (University of Manchester): Acknowledged the crucial role of the private sector in sustainable development, calling for substantial investment in R&D. Recommended tax incentives to promote innovation and stronger publicโprivate partnerships in social welfare.
– ๐๐ซ๐จ๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐จ๐ซ ๐๐๐ฆ ๐๐ ๐ฎ๐ฒ๐๐ง (Nottingham Trent University): Addressed corporate governance in the green and digital transitions, the need to develop a carbon credit market, and reforms in the banking sector. Highlighted the importance of advancing ESG practices in Vietnamese enterprises, particularly SMEs.
– ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐จ๐๐ข๐๐ญ๐ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐จ๐ซ ๐๐๐ง ๐๐ซ๐๐ง (Heriot-Watt University): Focused on green transport solutions, including vehicle electrification and battery adoption by 2035. Emphasised the importance of commercialising university research and tackling challenges related to intellectual property and technology transfer.
– ๐๐ซ๐จ๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐จ๐ซ ๐๐จ๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ง๐ก (Northumbria University): Shared insights into the UKโs innovation ecosystem, including tiered funding mechanisms (seed funding and large-scale grants) and effective industryโacademia collaboration. Underlined the importance of human capital (knowledge, skills, and motivation) as the foundation of innovation.
– ๐๐ซ๐จ๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐จ๐ซ ๐๐ซ๐ฎ๐ง๐ ๐๐ก๐๐ง๐ก ๐๐ ๐ฎ๐ฒ๐๐ง (Liverpool John Moores University): Highlighted opportunities in digital logistics and maritime technology, noting that 90% of Vietnamโs trade is conducted via sea transport. Recommended developing data-driven logistics services, strengthening supply chain cybersecurity, and expanding UKโVietnam maritime cooperation.
– ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐จ๐๐ข๐๐ญ๐ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐จ๐ซ ๐๐ข๐ง๐ก ๐๐ ๐ฎ๐ฒ๐๐ง (University College London): Advocated embedding sustainability and green education across all levels, from early childhood to higher education. Suggested building a national brand based on Vietnamโs unique strengths in sustainability and innovation.
In his concluding remarks, ๐.๐. ๐๐ซ๐จ๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐จ๐ซ ๐๐ ๐ฎ๐ฒ๐๐ง ๐๐ฎ๐๐ง ๐๐ก๐๐ง๐ expressed his high appreciation for the insightful contributions of VIS scholars. He emphasised the importance of closer and more substantive collaboration, encouraging further academic exchange and policy-oriented research.