Research and Academic Exchange

UEF Attends the 27th Anniversary of Phu An Bamboo Village: A Green Journey & Sustainable Development

16/05/2026

MAY 15, Phu An Bamboo Village solemnly celebrated its 27th anniversary (1999 – 2026). The event brought together many senior leaders, experts, scientists, and both domestic and international partners. Representatives from Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics and Finance (UEF) attended to congratulate the village on this meaningful milestone, opening up connecting perspectives on research and sustainable development.

Images of the 27th Anniversary of Phu An Bamboo Village (1999 – 2026)

The UEF representative delegation attending the ceremony included: Prof. Dr. Eric Jose Olmedo Panal – Director of the Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, Director of the UEF International Institute, and Dean of the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Luan – Deputy Head of the Department of Science, Technology and International Projects; and Dr. Phan Thi Nha Truc – Deputy Head of the Department of Science, Technology and International Projects.

Prof. Dr. Eric Jose Olmedo Panal was an honored guest of the program

An Event Connecting Leading Figures and Industry Experts

The anniversary ceremony was deeply honored to welcome Mr. Nguyen Minh Triet – Former Member of the Politburo and Former President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Huynh Thanh Dat – Former Minister of Science and Technology; alongside representatives from the French Embassy in Vietnam, local government leaders, universities, research institutes, and international organizations.

Mr. Eric Soulier – Cultural Attaché of the French Embassy and Director of the French Institute in Vietnam delivers his speech

Founded in 1999 by Dr. Diep Thi My Hanh and her colleagues, Phu An Bamboo Village is the outstanding result of an international cooperation program between the Rhône-Alpes region, the Pilat Natural Regional Park (France), Binh Duong province, and the University of Science, VNU-HCM. Over the past 27 years, the project has successfully realized the aspiration of transforming the former "iron triangle" region into a "green triangle" of the bamboo ecosystem, promoting nature conservation and sustainable development.

Dr. Diep Thi My Hanh, the founder of the Phu An Bamboo Village project

Spreading the Green Living Spirit to the Younger Generation

Speaking at the program, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Le Quan – President of the University of Science, VNU-HCM, emphasized the vital role of Phu An Bamboo Village in conserving Vietnamese bamboo genetic resources, researching eco-friendly materials, and providing ecological education. The university committed to continuing its companionship with the Bamboo Village in conservation projects aligned with national green development orientations and the Net Zero strategy.

Images of the 27th Anniversary of Phu An Bamboo Village (1999 – 2026)

Not only known as the largest bamboo conservation center in Southeast Asia, this venue also serves as an academic and cultural space, having provided life skills education and nurtured a love for nature for over 60,000 children. These landmark achievements earned Phu An Bamboo Village the prestigious Equator Prize from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 2010.

Images of the 27th Anniversary of Phu An Bamboo Village (1999 – 2026)

Exchange Opportunities and Future Directions for UEF

The presence of key members from the UEF Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation and the UEF Department of Science, Technology and International Projects at the event affirmed the University's profound commitment to sustainable development trends. This offered a valuable opportunity for UEF to engage in academic exchanges with international experts and partners, thereby expanding interdisciplinary research directions and integrating sustainable ecological values into training programs and future international projects.

Images of the 27th Anniversary of Phu An Bamboo Village (1999 – 2026)

The nearly three-decade journey of innovation at Phu An Bamboo Village serves as a powerful inspiration for the younger generation of UEFers to continue promoting social responsibility towards a green and sustainable future.

Department of Science, Technology and International Projects