AUN-HPN Secretariat, ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University, Conducts a Study Visit to Can Tho University, Can Tho City, Socialist Republic of Vietnam

20 November 2025

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On 20 November 2025, the Secretariat of the ASEAN University Network – Health Promotion Network (AUN-HPN), ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thunwadee Suksaroj, Director of ASEAN Institute for Health Development and Executive Director of AUN-HPN, conducted a study visit to Can Tho University in Can Tho City, Vietnam. This study visit reflects AUN-HPN’s mission to advance regional collaboration in health promotion and strengthen the capacity of higher education personnel in the ASEAN region through the exchange of research knowledge, innovation development, and academic networking towards sustainable well-being. The study visit covered three key clusters: 1. Cluster 1: Sustainable Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Food Security Discussions focused on transboundary aquaculture systems, climate-smart rice production, and food safety and nutrition in the Mekong region, in collaboration with JICA (Japan), Thailand, Indonesia, and KOICA (Republic of Korea). 2. Cluster 2: Climate Change, Water Resources, and Environmental Sustainability Topics included early warning systems for floods and droughts, nature-based solutions for environmental challenges, biodiversity conservation, and policy coordination for the ASEAN+3 environmental agenda, with collaborations from China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. 3. Cluster 3: Smart Systems, Digital Tools, and Innovation for Development This cluster highlighted the use of drones for precision agriculture, smart sensors and artificial intelligence for community development, as well as the promotion of student and digital entrepreneurship start-ups, in collaboration with partners from the Republic of Korea, Japan, and Singapore (EdTech and Digital Innovation).