![[UEH CONFERENCE 50] RTD 2026 – Futurescape: A Technology and Design Vision for a Sustainable Future](/images/upload/img_background/ueh-background-639219546473484111.png)
[UEH CONFERENCE 50] RTD 2026 – Futurescape: A Technology and Design Vision for a Sustainable Future
30 Jul, 2026
Over 06 days, from 15 to 20/7/2026, the 3rd International Scientific Conference on Resilience by Technology and Design (RTD 2026) was successfully held in Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta (Vinh Long, Can Tho), and Khanh Hoa. Themed “FutureScape”, the conference was co-organized by UEH College of Technology and Design (CTD), UEH Mekong, and UEH Nexus Nha Trang together with international partners, marking a milestone celebration of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City.
Memorable moments from the 6-day RTD 2026 journey
15 standout highlights and 03 distinctive meanings of the RTD 2026 international conference
15 standout figures from RTD 2026
Sharing on the significance of RTD 2026, Assoc.Prof. Bui Quang Hung - President of UEH stated: First, this is one of the key events in the series of activities marking UEH's 50th founding anniversary, while also affirming the university's role as a connecting hub within the innovation ecosystem, linking government, businesses, the community, and stakeholders in the shared pursuit of sustainable development.
Second, the cross-regional nature of the conference: RTD 2026 was held in Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, and Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa) – three areas with distinct development characteristics and challenges, ranging from a major metropolis, climate change, and the natural environment to marine technology and the ocean economy. This connectivity enabled domestic and international scientists to approach contemporary issues from multidisciplinary, cross-sector perspectives.
Third, the growing participation of international experts and organizations has helped transform RTD from an annual academic event into an international connectivity platform, accompanying UEH and other domestic universities in seeking solutions to development challenges, particularly within the context of Vietnam.
Assoc.Prof. Bui Quang Hung - President of UEH delivers the opening remarks of the conference
Prof. Elena Marchigiani - Vice Director, Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste (Italy), one of the conference's keynote speakers, shared: “What always draws me back to the RTD Conference is the opportunity to meet and connect with experts and researchers from many different countries and fields. The conference is not only a place for academic exchange but also helps keep me updated on the latest research trends and professional practices in Southeast Asia. As someone who works in urban planning and comes from Europe, I particularly appreciate the diverse perspectives that an international conference brings. That is why the RTD International Conference is a truly worthwhile experience to be part of.”
Delegates and experts from participating countries at the RTD 2026 conference
More than 2,260 registrations for a series of nearly 140 academic, applied, exhibition, and networking activities
Leg 1 - Ho Chi Minh City (Glocal Technology & Sustainability Hub): A hub bringing together technology, design, and innovation, connecting the global research network
Over the two days of 15-16/7/2026, RTD 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City attracted more than 1,195 registrations. The series of academic and practical sharing sessions comprised 05 Keynote Speeches, 11 Special Sessions, and 20 Parallel Oral Sessions. Discussions focused on prominent themes such as University Living Labs, smart cities, data and robotics, art - media - technology, together with the role of culture in driving sustainable development.
Prof. Utz Dornberger - Director of the SEPT Competence Center, Leipzig University, Germany, delivers the keynote “Unlocking Business Potential Through University Living Labs”
Assoc.Prof. Trinh Tu Anh - Director of the Institute of Smart City and Management (ISCM), UEH College of Technology and Design, delivers the keynote “The FutureScape of Smart City: Unlocking the Prospects and Trends for Developing Cities”
Prof. Bor-Jiunn Wen - Dean of the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, National Taiwan Ocean University, delivers the keynote “AI-Powered Marine Robots for Smart Coastal Cities: From Underwater Sensing to Global Resilience”
Prof. Haipeng Mi - Academy of Arts and Design, Tsinghua University, China, delivers the keynote “Art, Media and Technology in Sustainable Future”
Ms. Carolina Tinangon - Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Ho Chi Minh City, delivers the keynote “Culture as a Catalyst Sustainable Development” (Indonesia's experience in promoting creativity, innovation, and digital transformation)
Experts present at the Special Session: “Creative Industries and Culture-Led Innovation: Empowering the Next Generation”
In addition, the CTD Glocal Summit opened up a space for dialogue among scholars, experts, and international partners, aimed at proposing directions for research cooperation, knowledge transfer, and the development of interdisciplinary initiatives in the field of technology and design.
Experts exchange views on new research directions at the CTD Glocal Summit
Notably, at the RTD 2026 opening session, UEH's Journal of Technology and Design (JTD) was widely introduced to the academic community. JTD is positioned to become a forum connecting research, innovation, and practical application in the multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary field of technology and design. The journal is published periodically in Vietnamese and English, focusing on digital technology and intelligent systems; human-centered design; interactive experience; along with integrated design and application systems (Website: https://jtd.ueh.edu.vn/).
Launch of the Journal of Technology and Design (JTD)
Alongside the discussion sessions and workshops, RTD 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City also left a strong impression with the FutureScape Showcase exhibition space, introducing technology solutions, applied research, digital maps, and sustainable development initiatives through the booths of HPT, UOB, WATA Software, Leonix Vietnam, Cloudmap, Wuxi University, UEH Sustainability, Hologram Walk, and an oil painting exhibition.
Alongside this, the Living Symbiosis: ArtTech Experience space offered an immersive experience with AR, VR, animation, 3D mapping, and Hologram Walk, connecting art, technology, and innovation.
An immersive Virtual Reality (VR) experience at the exhibition
The exhibition space at the Immersive Room
Read more about the RTD 2026 opening activities in Ho Chi Minh City here
Leg 2: Mekong - Climate adaptation & communities (Local impact, global relevance)
Continuing the journey, over the two days of 17-18/7/2026, at UEH Mekong (Vinh Long) and Can Tho, RTD 2026 in the Mekong Delta, themed "FutureScape: Adaptation and Social Innovation", brought together scholars, experts, administrators, businesses, and students to discuss and propose solutions for climate change adaptation and sustainable development for the Mekong Delta.
At UEH Mekong Campus (Vinh Long), the program included 3 Keynote Speeches, 3 Special Sessions, and 4 Parallel Oral Sessions, along with 1 Conference in Can Tho, focusing on rethinking waterways and transportation across the delta, and green infrastructure and blue carbon for climate adaptation.
Representatives of local leadership and management agencies shared numerous practical challenges concerning the transformation of agricultural value chains, coastal ecological restoration, and regional linkages. Through this, RTD 2026 further affirmed UEH Mekong's role in connecting global knowledge with local development needs, driving innovation, and co-creating a sustainable future for the Mekong Delta.
Mr. Lu Cong Tao - Deputy Secretary of the Vinh Long Provincial People's Committee Party Committee, delivers welcome remarks
Delegates and experts from 18 countries attend the RTD 2026 conference
Prof. Elena Marchigiani - Vice Director, Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Italy, delivers the keynote "A View from the Sea: Rethinking Water Mobilities for Climate Adaptation"
Prof. Bruno De Meulder and Prof. Kelly Shannon, Global Expert at the Institute of Smart City and Management, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), delivers the keynote "From Water to Asphalt and Back: Envisioning Future Mobility for the Mekong and Saigon-Dong Nai Deltas"
Dr. Hoang Phi Long - Lecturer at the Institute of Smart City and Management (ISCM), University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), delivers the keynote "Regional collaborations for a prosperous and sustainable Mekong Delta. Insights from research-for-development projects on green infrastructure, mobile technology and blue carbon"
Experts present at the Special Session “Delta FutureScape: Systemic Climate Adaptation and Community Design”
In Can Tho, the conference focused on in-depth dialogue around two critical issues for the region: optimizing Cold Chain Logistics to enhance the value of agricultural exports, and the sustainable governance of water resources in the lower Mekong basin. The connections forged among international experts, policy makers, and the local business community in Can Tho not only helped resolve bottlenecks in transport and distribution infrastructure but also laid the groundwork for flexible regional linkage models. This is a crucial piece in translating planning ideas into concrete action programs, contributing to building a Mekong Delta that actively adapts and rises sustainably.
Experts and speakers attend the conference session in Can Tho
The OCOP Exhibition Space: Honoring the Identity and Value of Local Agricultural Products
Alongside the in-depth discussion sessions, the exhibition space for cooperative (Coop) products and OCOP products characteristic of the Mekong Delta became a vibrant cultural-economic highlight of the conference. The exhibition was not merely a place to display exquisite OCOP-certified agricultural and handicraft products from Vinh Long, Can Tho, Ca Mau, and other localities, but also concrete evidence of the delta residents' journey from "pure production" toward "creating integrated value." Here, scientists, international experts, and delegates had the opportunity to directly experience and assess commercialization potential, while also proposing solutions involving technology application, green packaging design, and digital traceability. This convergence opened opportunities to bring local products further afield, both preserving the cultural identity of the river region and creating momentum for sustainable economic development for the local community.
Experts and scientists experience local OCOP products
Field trip in Vinh Long
Following the academic activities, on 18/7/2026, delegates and speakers attending the conference took a field trip and working visit to Phuoc Thanh IV Co., Ltd.; and visited Vinh Long Port and An Binh Islet, Vinh Long Province. The program helped connect academic knowledge with practice, while broadening perspectives on the sustainable development potential of the Mekong Delta region.
Experts and scientists on a field trip in Vinh Long
Read more details about RTD 2026 activities in the Mekong Delta here
Leg 3: Nha Trang - Oceans & blue economy (Global convergence, local resilience)
From 19-20/7, the sub-theme "FutureScape: Ocean, Knowledge and Convergence" of the 2026 International Conference on Resilience by Technology and Design (RTD 2026) took place successfully in Khanh Hoa.
The program featured 02 Keynote Speeches on AI applications, Large Language Models (LLMs), smart urban planning, and Net Zero; 02 "Blue FutureScape" Special Sessions focused on the blue ocean economy, ocean technology, biodiversity conservation, marine tourism development, and innovation; along with 03 Parallel Oral Sessions on AI, big data, robotics, digital transformation, maritime logistics, and ocean governance.
Domestic and international speakers shared numerous solutions to promote digital transformation, innovation, marine ecosystem conservation, and strengthened international cooperation. Notably, UEH and the Research Institute for Aquaculture (Vietnam) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), helping expand the research network and affirming the role of UEH Nexus Campus Nha Trang in connecting knowledge, technology, and sustainable ocean economic development.
Prof. Kim Yong-Guk - Department of Computer Engineering, Sejong University, South Korea, delivers the keynote "LLM-based 3D Scene Generation and Interaction for Immersive Experiences"
Prof. Soolyeon Cho - Director of the Building Energy Technology Laboratory, North Carolina State University, USA, delivers the keynote "AI, Integrated Urban Design, and the Net-Zero City"
Experts exchange views at the Special Session "Blue FutureScape: Nature, Identity, and the Blue Economy in Coastal Development"
Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between UEH and the Research Institute for Aquaculture (Vietnam)
Delegates and experts pose for a commemorative photo
In addition, the RTD 2026 Organizing Committee also honored 03 outstanding research works with Best Paper awards, recognizing the notable contributions of international research teams. Specifically, the award was given to the paper "Climate Finance and Biodiversity: International Evidence" by the author team Lieu Thi Thy Nguyen, Long Hoang Nguyen, Quyen Thi Thao Tran, Vi Le Bui, and Bao Cong Nguyen To (UEH Mekong, Vietnam); the paper "Interaction Design for Color Vision Deficiency in Intelligent Vehicle Center Consoles" by authors Carlos Sena Caires, Chan Kai, and Zhang Xu (University of Saint Joseph, Macao); and the paper "Design and Performance Analysis of Antenna Substrates to Mechanical Impact for Underwater Applications" by Han-Yi Hsiao and Bor-Jiunn Wen (National Taiwan Ocean University, Taiwan). The honored works not only affirmed the quality of scientific research but also helped spread technology and design solutions oriented toward sustainable development in a global context.
Field trip in Nha Trang - Khanh Hoa
After concluding the in-depth discussion sessions, international delegates had the opportunity to enjoy a field trip in Nha Trang, a coastal city renowned for its long stretches of white sand and clear blue waters along the South Central Coast. The delegation visited Truong Son Craft Village, home to long-standing traditional crafts such as bamboo and rattan weaving, mat weaving, conical hat making, and pottery, and had the chance to experience these crafts firsthand alongside local artisans in a rustic village setting. The delegation then visited Ponagar Cham Towers, an ancient Cham architectural complex built between the 8th and 13th centuries, carrying profound historical and cultural value for the Cham community. The trip was not only a field research and survey opportunity but also a valuable chance for international experts to experience the depth of local culture, promoting multinational cultural exchange in keeping with the sustainable development spirit of RTD 2026.
Experts and scientists on a field trip in Nha Trang
Read more details about RTD 2026 activities in Khanh Hoa here
RTD - A journey that continues
RTD is an international academic conference held biennially by the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), in cooperation with leading universities and research institutes worldwide. From RTD 2022, themed “Smart Living” in Ho Chi Minh City, to RTD 2024, themed “Fostering sustainability” in Ho Chi Minh City and Vinh Long, the conference has continuously expanded in scale, raised its academic quality, and increased its influence with each edition, gradually establishing itself as one of the region's leading forums in the field of technology and design.
RTD 2026 has taken this journey to a new milestone in the conference's development history, with a 6-day series spanning Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, and Nha Trang. For the first time, a large-scale international academic conference was held simultaneously across three strategic hubs – Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta (Vinh Long and Can Tho), and Nha Trang – forming a multi-hub model built around a “Local & Global Network.”
Going beyond the framework of a traditional academic conference, RTD 2026 brought together 10 Keynote Speeches and 17 Special Sessions delivered by leading professors and experts from around the world, focusing on the most prominent technological issues of our time. The content ranged from AI-powered marine robots trained on more than 6,500 pairs of underwater images achieving 90.4% object-recognition accuracy, to cross-sector Net-Zero transformation strategies linking technology, energy, and policy, as well as the ability to create and interact with 3D spaces through Large Language Models (LLMs), opening up fresh immersive experiences within an academic setting.
Three key milestones converged at RTD 2026. The first was the official launch of the Journal of Technology and Design (JTD), marking a new step forward in building a multidisciplinary academic forum with a bilingual Vietnamese-English publication direction. The second was the first-ever CTD Summit, which transformed RTD from a space for sharing knowledge into an environment for co-creation, where research ideas and collaborative projects took shape right in the course of discussion. At the same time, the FutureScape Showcase offered an experiential space where technology products, digital maps, Digital Twin models, and innovation initiatives were not only introduced but also directly interacted with and explored through multisensory ArtTech activities.
Beyond the conference sessions themselves, RTD 2026 was also marked by the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between UEH and the Research Institute for Aquaculture (Vietnam), along with a series of field trips in Vinh Long and Nha Trang. These activities helped carry academic knowledge beyond the conference hall, connecting it more closely with local and community development in practice.
All of these milestones have helped make RTD 2026 a landmark conference, affirming a comprehensive breakthrough in organizational scale, academic depth, and far-reaching impact, marking a leap forward in the journey of building and positioning RTD's international standing.
RTD 2026 would like to extend its sincere gratitude to the organizations that sponsored, accompanied, and actively contributed to the success of the program: Penguin Research and Development Services Co., Ltd. (Gold Sponsor); LV Business Incubation Co., Ltd. Branch - Incubation Center for Technology and Innovation in Ho Chi Minh City (ISC) (Silver Sponsor); Academy of Technology and Design (ATD) Training Center (Bronze Sponsor); HPT Vietnam Corporation (Accompanying Partner); United Overseas Bank (Vietnam) Limited (Accompanying Partner); WATA Software (Accompanying Partner); Leonix Vietnam Co., Ltd. (Accompanying Partner).
With a vision toward 2030 of becoming a multidisciplinary university with academic prestige and sustainability in the Asian region, RTD stands as one of the activities demonstrating UEH's deep commitment to shaping and co-creating a sustainable future.
News, photos: RTD 2026 Organizing Committee, Department of Communications and Partnerships
![[UEH CONFERENCE 50] RTD 2026 – Futurescape: A Technology and Design Vision for a Sustainable Future](/images/upload/thumbnail/ueh-thumbnail-639219546473452708.png)
