On 19 September 2026, the workshop “Opportunities and Challenges for Women in the Era of Green Transition” was held at the Information and Library Centre of Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade (HUIT).

The event was jointly organised by BioWraps Solutions Joint Stock Company, the Vietnam Institute for Digital Economy Development, the HUIT Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and the Faculty of Chemical Engineering, HUIT, with support from UNDP Asia-Pacific and Biji-biji Initiative, and the partnership of SunWah Inno. The workshop brought together experts, lecturers and students with shared interests in science, technology, innovation and sustainable development. 

Delegates, invited guests and students attending the workshop.

The workshop offered a range of perspectives on green jobs, women’s roles in science and technology, circular innovation, and solutions for sustainable business development.

In her opening remarks, Ms Hoang Thi Thoa, Director of the HUIT Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, highlighted the importance of strengthening connections between universities, businesses and the wider innovation ecosystem. She also emphasised the increasingly important role of women in science, technology, entrepreneurship and the green transition.

Ms Hoang Thi Thoa delivering the opening remarks.

The first presentation was delivered online by Ms Maanchi Shih, Youth Skills Development Associate, UNDP Asia, on “Green Jobs and SDG13: Climate Action”. Her presentation focused on emerging trends in green employment, the skills young people will need in a changing labour market, and the role of the younger generation in climate action.

Ms Maanchi Shih delivering her presentation online.

The second presentation, “The Role of Women in Science and Technology”, was delivered by Dr Huynh Van Tien, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Chemical Engineering, HUIT. His talk highlighted the contributions of women to scientific research, engineering, technology and innovation.

Dr Huynh Van Tien speaking at the workshop.

In the third presentation, “Women Engineers Driving Circular Innovation: From Agro-industrial Waste to Sustainable Products”, Assoc. Prof. Dr Nguyen Thi Hong Anh, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, HUIT, discussed the role of women engineers in advancing circular innovation. Particular attention was given to the utilisation and value enhancement of agro-industrial by-products to develop greener and more sustainable products.

Assoc. Prof. Dr Nguyen Thi Hong Anh sharing insights on circular innovation.

The fourth presentation, “From Green Ideas to Sustainable Growth: Financial Solutions for Women-led Businesses”, was delivered by Ms Helen Nguyen from the Vietnam Institute for Digital Economy Development. Her talk provided a financial perspective on how women can turn green ideas into viable projects and develop businesses in a more sustainable direction. 

Ms Helen Nguyen delivering her presentation at the workshop.

Another highlight of the programme was the green project pitching session and the presentation of the “Circular Future – Creating Value for a Sustainable Environment” award. Projects were selected on the basis of criteria including women’s leadership, commitment to green transition and sustainable development, and potential for practical application or commercialisation.

Among the selected projects, METALEAF, developed by a team of female students from the Faculty of Chemical Engineering, HUIT, took part in the pitching session and received a cash prize and trophy. The team will also be supported in accessing innovation competitions and programmes at the Asian level. 

The METALEAF student team receiving their award at the workshop: Nguyen Ngoc Minh Trang (14DHHH05), Chen Gia Quan (14DHHH05), and Giang Nha Thy (15DHHH01)

The workshop helped strengthen connections among international organisations, universities, businesses and the innovation ecosystem, while promoting greater recognition of women’s contributions to science, technology, engineering and the green transition. It also encouraged female students to become more actively involved in scientific research, innovation and the development of solutions that can create lasting value for society and the environment.