Global science park managers to gather in HCM City

Managers of science parks, high-tech parks, famous scientists and heads of scientific and technology organisations from around the world will gather in HCM City for the 21st annual conference of the Asian Science Park Association (ASPA) later this month.

Managers of science parks, high-tech parks, famous scientists and heads of scientific and technology organisations from around the world will gather in HCM City for the 21st annual conference of the Asian Science Park Association (ASPA) later this month.

Many foreign technology giants call the Sài Gòn Hi-Tech Park home. — Photo shtp.hochiminhcity.gov.vn.

“Around 400 foreign and local delegates from 20 countries and territories will take part in ASPA 21 from October 19 to 21,” Dr Lê Hoài Quốc, head of the Sài Gòn High-tech Park management board and head of the organising committee, said.

“The conference is one of the most prominent events of ASPA. It will discuss various models [of science parks] and showcase to the international community HCM City’s efforts to develop science and technology to improve the quality of national growth and competitiveness for creating an industrialised, modern, knowledge-based economy.

“It will also promote the development and application of technology.”

The three-day conference, called “Science Parks in Empowering Growth Quality and Competitiveness of National Economy”, will discuss five topics: science parks in life sciences and technology development towards better quality of life; Asian science parks: opportunities for development co-operation; venture capital for start-ups in science parks; Internet of Things in science parks: a new smart city model; and usage of renewable energy for sustainable development and environmental protection.

There will be 28 presentations by Vietnamese and foreign speakers.

There will be 90 foreign participants from countries and territories like Japan, Korea, Iran, Turkey, US, Russia, Bhutan, Taiwan, and Singapore.

At the conference, HCM City enterprises and members of the ASPA will also promote their products to the international high-tech community. A trip to some companies at the Sài Gòn Hi-tech Park and a city tour will be organised for participants.

ASPA is an international non-governmental organisation established in Japan in 1997 for the purpose of joint development in Asia in areas like science and technology, industry and the economy.

It has 138 members, including three from Việt Nam: the Sài Gòn Hi-Tech Park, Đà Nẵng Hi-Tech Park and Hòa Lạc Hi-Tech Park.

HCM City hosted the 16th ASPA annual conference in 2012.

More information about the ASPA conference is available at www.aspa2017-hcmc.vn.