International Academic Seminar: Restructuring Southern Urban Regions – Toward Integrated and Sustainable Megacities

Organizing Committee, Distinguished Delegates and Guests,

On the afternoon of May 23, 2025, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University – Ho Chi Minh City (USSH-VNU-HCM) hosted an international academic seminar titled:
“Restructuring Southern Urban Regions: Toward Integrated and Sustainable Megacities.”

The event was co-organized by the Institute for Social Sciences and Humanities (ISSH), the Center for Vietnamese and Southeast Asian Studies, the Faculty of Urban Studies, and both domestic and international partners.

In her opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thị Hồng Xuân, Director of ISSH and the Center for Vietnamese and Southeast Asian Studies, delivered a powerful message emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary and interregional cooperation in forming a long-term vision for the southern urban region, particularly in the context of globalization and climate change.
She stated:

“We need an integrated development model – where communities, technology, and identity are equally empowered.”

Photo: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thị Hồng Xuân delivering opening remarks.

Following the opening, Mr. Firdauz Othman, Consul General of Malaysia in Ho Chi Minh City – the current ASEAN 2025 Chair – extended congratulations to the organizers and attendees. He commended the initiative, noting that the academic event significantly contributes to the region’s sustainable development strategy.

Photo: Mr. Firdauz Othman, Consul General of Malaysia in Ho Chi Minh City, congratulating the event.

In the keynote presentation, Dr. Lê Thanh Hòa, Dean of the Faculty of Urban Studies, highlighted the central role of education and research in developing future urban leadership with integrated thinking, technological literacy, and sustainable development vision. He presented the Integrated Green Infrastructure Model of Thủ Thiêm as a notable example.

Photo: Dr. Lê Thanh Hòa presenting his keynote.

In the international presentation session, Architect Michael Ling Tiing Soon, MSc, delivered an insightful talk on:
“Lessons from Global Integrated Urban Models: Solutions for Southern Urban Regions.”
With over 25 years of experience in design and urban planning across Asia, he shared practical case studies on green infrastructure, smart governance, and the private sector's role in integrating living–working–innovation spaces.

Photo: Architect Michael Ling presenting his talk.

The subsequent panel discussion featured in-depth contributions from various experts:

• Dr. Nguyễn Minh Nhựt, Vice Head of the Socio-Cultural Committee of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Council, emphasized the importance of "transformational governance" and the need for a responsive policy framework to support regional linkages and empower grassroots leadership.

• Mr. Steven Lu, Co-founder of Vietnam Proud Construction Networking, proposed public–private partnerships and digital technology adoption in construction supply chains to promote creative urban development.

Photos: Dr. Nguyễn Minh Nhựt and Mr. Steven Lu delivering remarks.

• Mr. Trần Quốc Duy, Vice Director of the Institute for Market and International Communication Research (IMRIC), noted that urban communication must become a strategic tool for promoting integrated megacity models, fostering public consensus and community action.

• Mr. Nguyễn Hữu Nhơn, Senior Policy Advisor and Head of the Southern Office of the Vietnam Association for Learning Promotion, analyzed the potential of forming an “Innovation Corridor” linking Ho Chi Minh City – Binh Duong – Vung Tau, suggesting institutional frameworks for adaptive governance.

Photos: Mr. Trần Quốc Duy and Mr. Nguyễn Hữu Nhơn speaking at the seminar.

The seminar concluded with a gift presentation and commemorative photo session involving speakers, guests, and supporting sponsors:

• Mr. Lê Vinh Thao, Founder of Anchay.TV

• Mr. Phạm Hồng Sơn, Co-founder of Scobylee Vietnam

• Mr. Nguyễn Văn Sang, Vegan Chef – Bếp chay Tâm An

Photo: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thị Hồng Xuân presenting gifts and certificates of appreciation to speakers and sponsors.

The Organizing Committee deeply appreciates the attention and support of individuals and organizations that contributed to the success of this academic event.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thị Hồng Xuân presents commemorative gifts to distinguished guests

Delegates actively engaged with student questions and reflections during the discussions