Vietnam hosts int’l genomics conference for first time
Vietnam is the first stop in a global PRISM conference series, with upcoming events scheduled for Athens (Greece), San Francisco, and Boston (the US). This also marks the second time the event has taken place in Southeast Asia.
Da Nang (VNA)ജ – The 2025 PRISM Genomics Conference officially opened in Da Nang on April 15, marking the first time the international scientific event has been held in Vietnam.
Co-organised by life sciences technology firm PacBio and market expansion services provider DKSH, the two-day conference has drawn more than 200 delegates, including leading domestic and international scientists and experts.
Vietnam is the first stop in a global PRISM conference series, with upcoming events scheduled for Athens (Greece), San Francisco, and Boston (the US). This also marks the second time the event has taken place in Southeast Asia.
The programme features keynote presentations from prominent genomics researchers, in-depth seminars, and an exhibition of PacBio’s latest gene sequencing technologies. The conference also provides a valuable platform for Vietnamese scientists to engage with international peers, access cutting-edge sequencing tools, and explore advanced genomic research and global expertise.
Vietnam’s genomics sector has experienced robust growth, with a compound annual growth rate of 21–22% between 2019 and 2023. PacBio has worked with local research institutes to address regional challenges in infectious diseases and sustainable agriculture.
With expanding infrastructure and strong government support for biotechnology, Vietnam is increasingly seen as a hub for sharing diverse scientific perspectives from across the Asia-Pacific region./.
Hung said the event was also an important opportunity for Da Nang to promote itself as an ideal destination for international investors, including ASEAN countries and partners.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet affirmed the long-standing and resilient ties between ASEAN and New Zealand, built on mutual trust, respect, and shared values of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region. Over the past five decades, their relationship has expanded comprehensively and inclusively across multiple sectors under the four cooperation pillars of peace, prosperity, people, and planet.
That includes ten racks for cloud computing services, AI applications, cyber security, with a total investment in the first phase of 800 billion VND (32 million USD).
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ANTARA and VNA can design global-scale cooperation programmes or joint media campaigns, demonstrating the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Indonesia, as well as the cooperation between the two national news agencies.
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Since 2022, more than 500 Vietnamese startups have engaged in Google’s Startup Academy, Google for Startups Accelerator, and Google Startup Masterclass. Nearly 100 of these firms received support to develop and improve their products, benefiting more than 300,000 customers and creating over 300 new jobs through successful fundraising and team expansion amidst Vietnam’s competitive economy.
Over the past three decades, Binh Duong has cemented its status as one of Vietnam’s most dynamic industrial hubs, building a robust foundation in manufacturing, exports, and investment. The province now has 30 operational industrial parks spanning over 13,000 hectares, with an occupancy rate exceeding 90%.
The diplomat emphasised that Vietnam places the highest priority on the development of science, technology, and innovation, viewing them as critical drivers for the country’s advancement in the new development era.
The PM revealed Vietnam’s plan to develop nuclear power in the near future, and called on the Swedish side to assist Vietnam in developing and refining legal and policy frameworks for the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes; training and developing human resources; ensuring nuclear safety; and conducting training and drills to improve incident management capabilities.
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The new centre, staffed by a team of scientists, researchers, and AI specialists working in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, forms part of Qualcomm’s global AI research group.
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The organisers hope the competition will help shape a generation of exceptional engineers who will make significant contributions to Vietnam’s scientific and technological progress in this era of transformation.
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Ambassador Nguyen Minh Vu laid stress on the significance of the Hanoi Convention, particularly to the Asia – Pacific, to handling legal gaps in international cooperation against rapidly increasing global cybercrime.
