VKIT international conference presents sustainable solutions for community development and digital transformation
27/10/2025
With the theme “Digital Technology, Transforming Communities, Multiculturalism, and Business Efficiency,” the International Scientific Conference organized by the Vietnam-Korea Institute of Technology (VKIT), Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HUTECH), on October 24 attracted more than 150 delegates from universities and research institutions in Vietnam and abroad to join the discussions.
In his opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Dinh Nguyen, Vice President of HUTECH, emphasized, “Digital technology is reshaping the way businesses operate, how communities develop, and how cultures interact. In a multicultural and interconnected world, innovation and inclusiveness are the two key factors for sustainable development.” He expressed his hope that the conference would open new research directions and strengthen academic cooperation, especially between Vietnamese and Korean universities.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Dinh Nguyen expressed his expectation for enhanced academic cooperation between Vietnamese and Korean universities
Prof. Lee Min-won, Honorary Professor at Gwangju University and Chairman of the National Balanced Development Committee under the Office of the President of Korea, stated, “While Korea is facing an aging population and rural decline, Vietnam is experiencing rapid urbanization and regional disparities. Therefore, each country can benefit from the other’s strengths, with Korea’s experience in regional revitalization and Vietnam’s youthful, forward-looking approach.”
Prof. Lee Min-won emphasized the mutual exchange of experiences between Vietnam and Korea
The plenary session featured three main presentations: “Rethinking International Labor Migration and the Skills Ecosystem - Focusing on Overseas Chinese Communities in Southeast Asia” (Prof. Kim Jae-hoon, Daegu University, Korea); “A Qualitative Study on the Use of AI Chatbots in Supporting Personalized Learning of Argumentative Essay Writing for Non-English Majors” (Mr. Vu Nguyen Dinh Nghia, HUTECH); and “Misconceptions and Prejudices about Foreign Communities” (Prof. Oh Seong-sik, Ton Duc Thang University). The presentations offered a comprehensive view of contemporary social and educational issues in the context of globalization and digital transformation, highlighting changes in approaches to multicultural communities.
The plenary presentations explored global and digital transformation-related issues
After the plenary session, three thematic sub-sessions took place simultaneously, with nearly 30 in-depth presentations delivered by Vietnamese and Korean scholars. Under Theme 1 - Communities and Generations, researchers discussed sustainable collaboration models between universities and communities, the impact of artificial intelligence and smart technologies on higher education management, the influence of digital technology on business performance, and smart tourism behaviors. The presentations revealed that technology is not merely a supporting tool but also a driving force for restructuring modern society and consumer behavior.
Under Theme 2 - Community Social Culture, reports delved into socio-cultural aspects, including the role of rural women in caregiving work, the impact of community support systems on youth career development, and the differences between migrant and local women in preparing for retirement. One study also analyzed the impact of digital transformation on the operational efficiency of Vietnamese commercial banks, opening a new direction for financial management research in the technological era.
The sub-sessions focused on three main themes: Communities and Generations, Community Social Culture, and Community Policies
Under Theme 3 - Community Policies, presentations analyzed factors affecting the well-being of the elderly in Korea, the development of character education programs for preschool and primary school children, and recent trends in innovation policies in the age of AI. Several reports also emphasized the importance of volunteerism and social participation as key drivers for sustainable development in the context of an aging population.
The sub-session presentations were not only academic but also offered practical recommendations for policymaking, community governance, and the application of technology in social development. Delegates agreed that interdisciplinary collaboration between universities and businesses is essential to transform research findings into practical applications that serve communities.
HUTECH and the Korean Association for Regional Studies sign MoU
As part of the conference, HUTECH and the Korean Association for Regional Studies signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), laying the foundation for future joint research projects, joint educational initiatives, and international academic exchange.
Prof. Dr. Park Hyun-sik remarked that the conference served as a forum for discussing sustainable development solutions
Prof. Dr. Park Hyun-sik, President of the Korean Association for Community Sociology, remarked, “We are living in an era where artificial intelligence, globalization, and social changes are redefining the concept of ‘local community.’ This conference is not only a platform for knowledge exchange but also an opportunity to identify practical solutions that enable local and global communities to grow in harmony.”
News: Mỹ Lam
Photo: Công Định
Communication Center