In the progress of the ODA Project USD 7.7 million funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), on December 19, 2022, Vietnam – Korea University of Information and Communication Technology (VKU), the University of Da Nang in conjunction with KOICA to organize the opening ceremony of the Research, Innovation Space and Digital Science & Technology Institute (eSTI). This is VKU’ important imprint in getting ready to receive ODA project items in the period 2022-2027 in order to contribute to the achievement of the project objectives, adding more strength, improving education capacity and training, management and research of the University in the coming time.

Delegates cut the inaugurating ribbon the Research, Innovation Space and Digital Science & Technology Institute (eSTI)

At the event, there was Mrs. Yeom Ji Yeon – Vice consul of the Republic of Korea Consulate in Vietnam; Mr. Cho Han Deo-Director of KOICA in Vietnam; Mr. Kwak Jae Sung – PMC Project Management Consultant Director; Assoc. Prof. Ph.D. Nguyen Ngoc Vu- Commissioner, Director of the University of Da Nang; Mrs. Le Thi Bich Thuan-Director of Department of Education and Training; Mr. Le Duc Vien-Director of Department of Science and Technology of Da Nang City; Mr. Tran Ngoc Thach- Vice Director of Department of Information and Communications; Assoc. Prof. Ph.D. Huynh Cong Phap – VKU’ Principal; Assoc. Prof. Ph.D. Nguyen Thanh Binh – Chairman of VKU University Council; Dr. Tran The Son – VKU’ Vice Principal; Representatives of the University of Da Nang’ office and functional departments leaders; Korea enterprises and ICT Viet Nam enterprises; with University’ staff, lecturers, students.

Assoc. Prof. Ph.D. Huynh Cong Phap – VKU’ Principal spoke at the opening ceremony of the Research, Innovation Space and Digital Science & Technology Institute (eSTI)

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Ph.D. Dr. Huynh Cong Phap – Principal of the University affirmed: The establishment of research and innovation space as well as the Digital Science and Technology Institute will comprehensively promote scientific research activities, technology transfer and innovation, start-up in the University; closely linked goals and development directions of the University with the socio-economic development of the local, national and international. Concurrently, this research space will be the place to receive the investment items of the ODA project in the period 2022-2027 is about to be implemented.

 At the VKU’ Research and Innovation Space, this will include: the Digital Science and Technology Institute (eSTI) work area, the Department of Science and Technology, International Cooperation, Research Space, Maker Space, Library and Self-Study Space, Smart Classrooms, Studios for Digital Media Production, Virtual Reality Labs and Virtual Reality Enhancement (VR&AR), and the Google Developer Student Club in charge of VKU students (year 4) accredited by Google.

Figure layout at VKU’ research, innovation space: Conference Room, Connective HUB Room 1, Connective HUB Room 2, Hybird Classroom

In addition, VKU has established the Digital Science and Technology Institute (eSTI) with the aim of creating a cohesive environment for cooperation, research exchange, technology transfer between the University and scientists at home and abroad, managers – policy makers – and business leaders from many different fields to maximize the quality of scientific research works as well as promote the application of science and technology in practice, commercialize the University’s scientific, technological and creative products, create a sustainable development of the University with the ambition to reach the international level.

Figure layout at VKU research, innovation space: IOT Maker Space, Smart Classroom, Smart Classroom2, Smart Technology Lab

eSTI with the current organizational structure includes 01 Director, 01 Deputy Director, administrative office and more than 15 researchers who are VKU lecturers. eSTI also has the honor to welcome senior experts to participate in consulting including Prof. D.S Nguyen Ngoc Thanh – Professor of the Polish State, Professional Council Chairman of IEEE SMC on Group Intellectual Calculation; Prof. Ph.D. Nguyen Thanh Thuy – Vietnam National University, Hanoi; Assoc. Prof. Ph.D. Le Minh Hoa – Northumbria University, UK.

 Since inception date, eSTI has built up seven major research groups: Artificial Intelligence in Natural Language Processing; New Generation Communication Technology; New Technologies in Medicine; Advanced Materials; Artificial Intelligence and IoT; Intelligent Systems; Artificial Intelligence in the Digital Economy. And so far, eSTI has proposed and is implementing 3 research projects such as:

– Optimize object coverage to ensure connectivity and extend the life of the wireless sensor network in the implementation of IoT systems (Project Manager: Assoc. Prof. Ph.D. Huynh Cong Pháp).

– Develop smart tourism based on metaverse and artificial intelligence (Project Manager: Assoc. Prof. Ph.D. Nguyen Thanh Binh).

– NeralMed – Technology and Medical intersection (Project manager: Dr. Nguyen Quang Vu).

Although establishing in a short time, eSTI has received the enterprises’ interest in cooperating to implement specific projects such as:

– Building research departments and research projects on artificial intelligence and new technologies (cooperation between eSTI and NalSolution, Nix and Necscat Companies).

– Building research departments and research projects on digital technology and communication (cooperation between eSTI and VNPT in Da Nang).

– Building research departments and research projects on high technology (cooperation between eSTI and Enouvo IT Solutions).

– The IT Learning HUB project (cooperation between eSTI and TechTown).

Image of Digital Science and Technology Institute (eSTI)

With the position and role of an unique university in the Central – Central Highlands, in-depth training in the field of information technology, communication and digital economy, international training orientation, VKU defines mission of creating a high quality human resource with skills, mastery of innovation and creating excellent products from the moment still in the University. VKU has pioneered the bridge between scientists, entrepreneurs and managers to form a series of events of Vietnamese Intelligence – Global Aspirations. Thereby, VKU has coordinated and organized 3 events with the following topics: Core technology training and production; Technology start-up; Artificial intelligence – the key to the future; and organize periodically annually to inspire and promote the passion and desire for research of students.

 From the initial results and objectives, VKU hopes that the Research, Innovation Space and the Digital Science and Technology Institute will be the best environment, a convergence of research, training, development of solutions, application, implementation, transfer and advising policies in all production lines in the field of information technology, communication and digital economy, contributing to accelerate the digital transformation in the Central – Central Highlands in particular and the whole country in general.

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