50 years Vietnam - Germany Alumni - Workshop: Journey from Pioneering to Sustainable Development in the Digital Age

The event took place from 14-16 November 2025 at VGU, with the support of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). The conference gathered dozens of Vietnamese alumni who studied in Germany, along with representatives from universities, research institutes, and international cooperation organizations. A notable highlight of the program was the official launch of the VADA network, which aims to strengthen connections among generations of Vietnam-Germany alumni and promote collaboration in education, research, and sustainable development between the two countries.

As part of the program, Dr. Nguyễn Phương Nam - CEO of KLINOVA and a former DAAD scholarship recipient - participated as a keynote speaker. His presentation, titled “Green Transition in Vietnam: Opportunities or Challenges to Innovative Startups?””, highlighted the current climate context and the major challenges Vietnam is facing. He also provided an in-depth analysis of the country’s green transition roadmap and how this process is shaping the startup ecosystem—from compliance pressures and emerging standards to new opportunities in green and climate technology.

Concluding his talk, Dr. Nguyễn Phương Nam offered strategic recommendations to help Vietnamese enterprises and startups better prepare for the next phase of sustainable development. His contribution broadened the conference’s perspective on the role of innovation in green transition and underscored the potential for enhanced Vietnam-Germany cooperation in this field.

The conference was not only a reunion for the Vietnam-Germany alumni community but also carried special significance in the context of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. It provided a platform for generations of Vietnamese scholars trained in Germany to share experiences, exchange expertise, and discuss key topics such as green transition, the digital economy, and sustainable development. The program reaffirmed the vital role of alumni networks in contributing knowledge, strengthening academic and scientific cooperation, and supporting Vietnam’s international integration in the years ahead.