International experts discuss emerging trends in healthcare, education, sustainability, and IT

International experts discuss emerging trends in healthcare, education, sustainability, and IT

The 2017 Innovation Forum hosted by RMIT University Vietnam, in conjunction with the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, and Pharma Group, and supported by the Australian Government, examined pressing issues and innovative initiatives that are shaping growth in Vietnam, and around the world.

The event was also intended to contribute to the discussions within APEC over the next few months.

The one-day forum on 22 August at RMIT Vietnam’s Saigon South campus featured expert presentations and panel discussions on trends in healthcare, major issues shaping education, the business of sustainability and climate change, and disruptive innovation in IT.

In the first session, participants explored how innovation is changing the lives of patients, the way the pharmaceutical industry is operating as well as the associated opportunities and challenges. The second session featured prominent educators – including RMIT Vietnam President Professor Gael McDonald – discussing issues such as inclusion, STEM education in Vietnam, and alternatives to traditional education. 

The organising teamThe organising team

Energy consumption and sustainability were the main themes of the third panel discussion, while the final session of the day featured a robust discussion on how technological innovations can disrupt traditional businesses such as recruitment and fashion.

In the opening remarks at the event, Professor McDonald said she was thrilled to be involved with a day filled with inspiring, challenging and engaging discussions and debates.

RMIT Vietnam President Professor Gael McDonald delivers the welcome speech.RMIT Vietnam President Professor Gael McDonald delivers the welcome speech.

“While there are examples of innovation all around us and in everything we do, we’ll focus on a few key areas: healthcare, IT, sustainable energy, and of course, education,” Professor McDonald said.

“We’re passionate about being innovative in what we do here [at RMIT Vietnam], and that’s why we’re so thrilled to host this event.  

“It’s not just about the expert speakers we have for the day who will guide us through the topics. This room is filled brilliant minds, and we’re all from a range of backgrounds – whether it’s industry, government or academia. Coming together like this is a great way to spark even more new ideas and approaches too.”

Associate Professor Tran Hung, Dean of Pharmacy and Vice-President of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, also commented: “The forum will be a bridge to connect the participants and speakers in exchanging their innovative ideas.”

Panel discussion on Shaping Education.Panel discussion on Shaping Education.

Jan Rask Christensen, Senior Director of Pharma Group, added that with the current regulatory framework development, Vietnam has a great opportunity to improve patient access to quality healthcare and innovative medicines, to create predictable and transparent investment environment, which enable the innovative pharmaceutical industry to continue pushing the healthcare frontier.  In order to achieve this, multi-stakeholder engagement and dialogue is required; including Government, NGOs and the pharmaceutical industry. Pharma Group and its members remain committed to partnering with the Government of Vietnam.

Panel discussion on healthcare.Panel discussion on healthcare.

About RMIT Vietnam

RMIT University Vietnam is the Asian campus of Melbourne-based RMIT University. Starting with just over 30 students in 2001 in Ho Chi Minh City, and then in Hanoi in 2004, RMIT Vietnam now boasts a dynamic student body of over 6,500 in both campuses.  RMIT Vietnam offers programs in the business, technology, and creative areas, and boasts an impressive range of extra-curricular activities that encourage students to break new ground in their areas of interest.

About Pharma Group

Pharma Group - the Pharmaceutical Sector Committee of EuroCham - represents the voice of the international research-based pharmaceutical industry in Vietnam. Pharma Group currently has 26 members who all share the vision of creating sustainable access to high quality, safe and innovative medicines for Vietnamese patients.

About University of Medicine and Pharmacy at HCMC

University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City (UMP) is one of the biggest Centers for training Medicine, Pharmacy and Odonto- Stomatology in the South of Viet Nam. With the mission of Educating and Training healthcare professionals, the University is working as the provider for training of trainer to supply the most effective quality of healthcare service, and to promote development of health sciences. There are not only seven Faculties including Medicine, Pharmacy, Odonto – Stomatology, Public Health, Traditional Medicine, Nursing and Medical Technologies, and Fundamental Sciences with 99 Departments in total, but also having four Hospitals named University Medical Center.

  • Industry
  • International
  • Sustainability
  • Community
23 August 2017

Share

Engage

Related news

Heavy traffic congestion with dozens of motorcyclists and two buses crowded on a narrow urban street in Vietnam during daytime.

Can AI explain traffic jams?
Icon / Small / CalendarCreated with Sketch. 02 Oct 2026

Dr Pham Viet Hung, an RMIT Vietnam researcher specialising in electronic computer systems and robotics and mechatronics, found that understanding why traffic congestion happens may be just as important as predicting where it will occur.

Fruits and vegetable scraps being discarded

How food waste became a question of shame
Icon / Small / CalendarCreated with Sketch. 29 Sep 2026

From lavish feasts to family kitchens, an RMIT University study reveals how Vietnamese media turns food waste into a story about shame and social judgement.

Hot sun in a city

Identifying the communities most vulnerable to extreme heat
Icon / Small / CalendarCreated with Sketch. 15 Sep 2026

As periods of extreme heat are becoming more frequent, RMIT Vietnam’s research shows how heat affects different communities and how governments can respond more effectively.

Five students at their showcase booth

Sustainability Impact Challenge 2026 nurtures a sustainable future
Icon / Small / CalendarCreated with Sketch. 14 Sep 2026

On 12 September 2026, RMIT hosted the Demo Day of the Sustainability Impact Challenge 2026, marking a significant milestone in the journey to nurture a new generation of young sustainability changemakers in Vietnam.

Load more +