09/12/2025
In this year’s RMIT Sustainability Week 2025, SSET hosted the panel discussion on the opening day. The panel discussion was led by Dr Hoang Phan, Lecturer, Food Technology & Nutrition, School of Science, Engineering & Technology, RMIT Vietnam.
At a panel discussion titled “How STEM Sparks Sustainable Solutions”, experts from academia, research, and industry came together to discuss how innovation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) can drive Vietnam’s progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and support its transition to clean energy and digital transformation.
Speakers agreed that scientific thinking and technological innovation are central to achieving clean water, renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, and inclusive growth both in Vietnam and globally. STEM, they noted, is the catalyst for innovation and cross-sector collaboration, unlocking new opportunities to advance sustainability across education, business, and the wider community.
Representing the corporate sector, Mr. D**g Mai Lam, Cluster President for Schneider Electric Vietnam and Cambodia, emphasized that sustainability and efficiency are no longer trade-offs but complementary goals.
“Many still think sustainable investment is costly, but with today’s technologies, the return on investment is much faster. Businesses can start small and scale up as they see tangible results.” he said.
Mr. Lam noted that businesses must look beyond immediate financial returns. “A green building may cost 3–5% more in upfront capital, but its long-term value is much higher. Certified green projects attract better tenants and higher valuations. Beyond profit, companies must also embrace their environmental and social responsibility,” he said.
From the perspective of water management, Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Hoang, South Corporate Affairs Manager, La Vie LLC (Nestlé Waters Vietnam), shared how the company has embedded water stewardship into its operations for over three decades, earning international certification for sustainable water management. “Sustainability means partnership. Protecting water resources requires collaboration with government, communities – like minded partners & internal cross-functional team, especially factory & supply chain,” she said.
From academia, Dr. Nguyen Thanh Dien, Head of Research Administration and International Relation Office at Tan Tao University underscored the need for stronger industry–university collaboration. “We need more industry-defined problems. Instead of academics pushing theoretical technology to industry, we need industry pulling solutions from academia by co-funding applied research that addresses specific, real-world operational challenges.
“Universities must evolve their metrics for success. Patents, successful pilot projects, and technology transfer outcomes should be valued alongside high-impact journal publications. When faculty are rewarded for creating profitable, scalable solutions, natural alignment between academia and industry will follow.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Phan Cong Hoang, Lecturer in Food Technology and Nutrition Program at RMIT University Vietnam underscored the role of STEM education in cultivating critical thinking and problem-solving skills, equipping students to become future leaders in sustainable development. With multi-sector collaborations, STEM is a catalyst and the backbone for innovation to unlock new possibilities and opportunities.
The discussion also addressed renewable energy adoption, particularly rooftop solar. Lam noted that interest in solar energy is growing rapidly in Vietnam, driven by improved regulatory frameworks and increasing awareness of sustainability.
“The benefits of solar power are clear. Technology is enabling a future where energy is more distributed and accessible. When regulation, mindset, and community motivation align, rooftop solar will become a familiar sight across Vietnam,” he said.
Panelists also explored AI and smart energy systems, highlighting both their potential and the challenges of resource-intensive data centers. Lam explained that AI can optimize energy use, predict equipment failures, and enhance operational efficiency — but must be deployed responsibly.
Thank you panelists and guest speakers for the fruitful discussion and ideas! We are excited already for the next season of Sustainability Week.
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