Specialized Conference at VLU: "How to Make Ho Chi Minh City a Livable Urban Area?"

On February 2, 2023, Van Lang University, in collaboration with expert researcher Dr. Nguyen Duc Hiep from the New South Wales Department of Planning and Environment (Australia), organized a conference entitled 'How to Make Ho Chi Minh City a Livable Urban Area?'

The conference brought together leaders and faculty members from various departments of Van Lang University, including the Faculty of Environment, Faculty of Architecture, Faculty of Construction, Faculty of Theater and Film Arts, Faculty of Applied Arts, Faculty of Fine Arts and Design, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, as well as the Institute of Computational Science and Artificial Intelligence, among others.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thi My Dieu, the President of Van Lang University, delivered the opening speech at the conference and shared the following: "In recent years, Van Lang University has invested in scientific research projects and community activities aimed at contributing to the improvement of the living environment not only within Van Lang but also in the districts where the university's facilities are located. It is hoped that the small contributions from the Van Lang community will, to some extent, help in the ongoing endeavor to make Ho Chi Minh City a livable urban area."

With extensive research experience in various fields related to air pollution, climate change, cultural heritage, and the history of Saigon, Dr. Nguyen Duc Hiep, a scientist, shared with the faculty members of Van Lang University important insights into the concept of a 'happy city' globally and specifically in Ho Chi Minh City.

Dr. Nguyen Duc Hiep discussed the concept of a 'Happy City' through evaluations based on international standards, including social order and stability, community healthcare, education, and the environment. This analysis highlighted that Ho Chi Minh City is highly rated in terms of social order, community healthcare, and education. However, international standards also identify areas of concern that require significant improvement, particularly environmental issues such as transportation, air quality, and waste management. Ho Chi Minh City currently faces similar challenges to other developing urban areas, such as rapid population and economic growth outpacing low infrastructure development, congested transportation systems, limited and inconvenient public transportation, and a low cost of living. Therefore, it is necessary to clearly identify the urban factors that need improvement, and it is the responsibility of the citizens to recognize and make changes in order to contribute to the construction of a desirable and livable city as envisioned.

Furthermore, Dr. Nguyen Duc Hiep shared an interesting fact about the contribution of art and culture to urban development. He expressed his perspective and admiration for the art and cultural heritage of Vietnam in general and Ho Chi Minh City in particular. In terms of its people, the city is known for its kindness and hospitality, contributing to the creation of a harmonious community and a happy city that anyone would desire to visit. Regarding art, the creative works of the artistic community have inspired and served as an important indicator for the development of a happy urban environment.

In conclusion, at the event, Dr. Nguyen Duc Hiep stated, "Ho Chi Minh City needs significant improvements in its transportation system and environment to progress towards becoming a happy and livable city for residents. The open-mindedness and acceptance of diverse residents, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or social background, are the pride and success of this city."

The conference "How to Make Ho Chi Minh City a Livable Urban Area?" is one of the opportunities for knowledge and experience exchange among faculty members and researchers at Van Lang University. It aims to connect the Van Lang community to a closer relationship with international academic institutions, as well as to foster collaborations with reputable scientists, thereby stimulating various innovative research directions.

News: Gia Nhu 
Images: Gia Vy