On the evening of 28/1, Vietnam National University TP HCM (VNU-TP HCM) launched its Strategic Advisory Council for Innovation (SACSTI). This marks the first time the university system has established a dedicated advisory group comprising international experts and leading entrepreneurs.
The council’s primary role is to provide strategic advice and consultation on medium and long-term plans. It will also critique policies and projects related to science, technology, and innovation for the university, as well as for TP HCM and national policies.
Eight prominent business leaders are among the 13 members of the SACSTI:
Pham Phu Ngoc Trai, Chairman of Vietnam Packaging Recycling Alliance.
Tran Hung Huy, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Asia Commercial Bank.
Dang Huynh Uc My, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors, Thanh Thanh Cong - Bien Hoa Joint Stock Company.
Don Lam, CEO and Founding Shareholder, VinaCapital Group.
Le Hong Minh, Co-founder, Chairman of the Board of Directors, and CEO, VNG Joint Stock Company.
Bolat Duisenov, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Coteccons Construction Joint Stock Company.
Nguyen Ngoc Hoa, Chairman of the Members' Council, TP HCM State Financial Investment Company.
Nguyen Thanh My, Chairman of the Board of Directors, My Lan Joint Stock Company.
Additionally, the council includes Young-Sup Joo, former minister of startups and small and medium enterprises in Korea. The rectors of 4 VNU-TP HCM member universities—Polytechnic University, University of Natural Sciences, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, and University of Economics and Law—also serve on the council.
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The strategic advisory council for innovation of Vietnam National University TP HCM launched on the evening of 28/1. Photo: Khac Hieu. |
Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Hoang Minh highlighted a paradox in current innovation: research output from universities is increasing, but its practical application remains limited. Many technologies "remain" in laboratories, while businesses needing innovation struggle to find suitable sources. He referred to this gap as the "valley of death" between scientific and technological research and the market.
The existing science and technology innovation ecosystem across ministries, sectors, and localities remains fragmented. Universities, research institutes, businesses, and investment funds lack intermediaries to connect them. Technology commercialization services, such as valuation, brokerage, intellectual property consulting, and standard assessment, are dispersed and unprofessional, making the market entry of research outcomes fraught with risks. Therefore, establishing innovation centers is an objective requirement to address these issues.
"According to the plan, the entire country will establish and develop 100 national and local innovation centers this year," the deputy minister stated. Minh expressed hope that the advisory council and the VNU-TP HCM Innovation Center, with the participation of experienced entrepreneurs, managers, and reputable scientists, will support the university in realizing research and startup projects, contributing to national growth targets.
Le Nguyen
