Nha Trang University receives a commission to solve a problem related to the marine economy.

On the morning of October 3rd, Nha Trang University launched the Marine Economy Forum (MEF) and held its first Steering Committee meeting. This is one of the activities commemorating the 50th anniversary of Nha Trang University.

Approximately 250 delegates from government agencies, local authorities, businesses, associations, research institutes, universities, and international organizations participated in the forum.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Quach Hoai Nam, Rector of Nha Trang University, stated that the university initiated MEF "not to have another conference, but to form a mechanism for regular, open, and flexible cooperation." According to him, this is where practical issues are connected to the right capabilities. Knowledge, data, technology, and resources from all parties converge to create specific cooperation programs, tasks, and products.

PHOTO: BA DUY

"This is not solely the work of Nha Trang University; MEF cannot succeed with the university's resources alone," Mr. Nam emphasized. The university plays the role of initiator, coordinator, and connector. The agencies, localities, businesses, institutes, and schools present at the ceremony are the founding partners of the forum.

From practical problem to product

At MEF, local authorities, businesses, associations, and organizations present practical problems related to the marine economy. Nha Trang University, along with its network of partners, connects experts, research groups, laboratories, and appropriate technologies to find solutions.

Each request submitted to the forum is received, clarified, and categorized by the Secretariat. The University's Department of External Cooperation serves as the permanent point of contact for the Secretariat. Subsequently, the parties agree on the tasks, timelines, and resources before implementation and evaluation of results. This mechanism aims to overcome the situation where proposals submitted after a conference lack a designated point of contact or are not followed up on.

PHOTO: BA DUY

The forum focuses on Khanh Hoa and the South Central Coast - Central Highlands region. Six priority areas are identified: high-tech aquaculture and seafood processing, protection of aquatic resources, logistics, seaports, and maritime technology. The remaining areas include sustainable marine tourism linked to community livelihoods, marine environment and marine biotechnology, offshore renewable energy, digital transformation , and marine human resources.

The forum's original members included the Fisheries and Fisheries Inspection Department and the People's Committees of the three provinces of Khanh Hoa, Dak Lak, and Lam Dong. The research and education sector included the Vietnam Academy of Fisheries Science, Can Tho University, Vietnam Maritime University, Hanoi University of Mining and Geology, and the Vietnam Academy of Agriculture .

The business and association sector includes the Vietnam Green Transformation Association, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Processing and Export (VASEP), the Vietnam Fisheries Association, Vinpearl, Australis Aquaculture Vietnam, and the Vietnam-Australia Seafood Group.

Measure effectiveness with concrete results.

According to the Rector of Nha Trang University, the effectiveness of MEF "must be seen through valuable recommendations; programs and projects that are developed; and solutions that are tested, applied, and transferred."

PHOTO: BA DUY

During the period 2026-2030, the forum aims to have approximately 20-25 partners, including 5-7 core partners. From 2027 onwards, the forum will receive and process at least 5 requests for collaboration, research, consulting, or training each year. The forum will also publish at least one thematic report annually.

By 2030, MEF aims to connect and transfer at least 5 scientific and technological solutions and models. The forum also supports the development of 5-7 program and project proposals, of which at least 2 are approved, funded, or implemented.

Following the launch ceremony, the partners signed cooperation agreements. The first meeting of the Steering Committee took place immediately afterward to discuss the operating regulations, the plan for the fourth quarter of 2026, and the tasks for 2027.

"Today is not the end of the preparation process, but the beginning of a long-term, substantive, and responsible cooperation mechanism," emphasized Dr. Quach Hoai Nam.