On the morning of 25 June 2026, Tay Bac University (TBU) received and held an official working session with a delegation of experts from NPO-IFPaT (Japan). The meeting marked an important step in implementing the pilot projects approved by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and in carefully preparing for the field project in Son La Province, opening up space for large-scale academic cooperation and technology transfer.
NPO-IFPaT was represented by Mr. Sakurai Hai, Director General. Tay Bac University was represented by Dr. Nguyen Van Dinh, Party Secretary and Rector; Dr. Do Hong Duc, Vice Rector; leaders of the Office of Science, Technology and International Cooperation; the leadership of the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry and the Faculty of Economics; and key staff and lecturers.
Opening the session, Rector Dr. Nguyen Van Dinh warmly welcomed Mr. Sakurai Hai and the delegation. He emphasised that partnerships with Japanese non-governmental organisations and businesses are always valued and given priority by the University, and expressed high expectations for comprehensive bilateral cooperation programmes – not only in pure research but also in the effective joint implementation of practical projects that directly affect the livelihoods of local people.
Photo 1: Dr. Nguyen Van Dinh, Party Secretary and Rector, speaks at the working session
The session focused on evaluating the results of the pilot project approved by JICA and agreeing on a detailed action plan for implementation in Son La Province. Dr. Tong Thanh Binh, Deputy Head of the Office of Science, Technology and International Cooperation, presented a general report on the initial results of the pilot project. Preliminary survey data have been standardised, providing a solid theoretical foundation for the next experimental phase.
Photo 2: Dr. Tong Thanh Binh, Deputy Head of the Office of Science, Technology and International Cooperation, reports at the session
Mr. Sakurai Hai presented the project’s work plan and the coordination roadmap among stakeholders in Son La Province. He highly appreciated the academic capacity and proactive spirit of Tay Bac University’s experts. On behalf of the implementing unit, Dr. Hoang Van Thanh, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, reported in detail on the preparation of personnel, technical equipment and approaches to the survey sites in Son La, ensuring the project runs on schedule when it enters the field phase.
Photo 3: Mr. Sakurai Hai presents the coordination plan for the project in Son La Province
The session deepened with frank discussions between TBU lecturers and scientists and the Japanese expert on how to operate the model, how to localise the technology and how to engage the community. Answering questions, Director General Sakurai Hai pointed out feasible solutions close to local realities, stressing: “The most important thing is not to bring a prototype technology from Japan as it is, but to activate and make full use of the potential and inner strengths of Tay Bac University itself. Lecturers who understand the culture, language and farming practices of local people are the project’s greatest asset.”
Photo 4: Dr. Hoang Van Thanh, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, reports on preparations for the project
Concluding the session, Dr. Nguyen Van Dinh stressed the strategic importance of research and international cooperation: “Scientific research and international cooperation are among the most important and meaningful activities for Tay Bac University. Especially in the current context, the University is actively promoting research, technology transfer and connections with international partners to strengthen the capacity of its staff and attract resources for its development… Efforts to connect and cooperate with international organisations and businesses will help the University move towards becoming a university that fully combines research, application and technology transfer.”
The session closed in an atmosphere of friendship and mutual trust. Strategic handshakes and souvenir photos testified to the shared commitment, promising breakthrough results and taking the Tay Bac University brand further on the map of international cooperation.
Photo 5: The NPO-IFPaT expert delegation poses with the Board of Rectors, staff and lecturers of Tay Bac University
