On March 16, 2024, a seminar was held at the Institute of Water Resources Planning (IWRP) with the aim of exchanging technical and technological knowledge related to the scientific research tasks outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding between Japan, Indonesia, and Vietnam titled "Development of machine learning and remote sensing-based water management platform for sustainable agriculture in Asian deltas".

In attendance from Vietnam were Mr. Do Van Thanh - Director and Mr. Thai Gia Khanh - Deputy Director of the IWRP; Mr. Ha Thanh Lan, project leader from Vietnam; Ms. Hoang Minh Hang, Ministry of Science and Technology representative; and a representative from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. From international partners, there were: Prof. Natsuki Yoshikawa, project leader from Niigata University, Japan; Prof. Takanori Nagano from Kobe University, Japan; Assoc. Prof. Masaomi Kimura from Kindai University, Japan; Mr. Haruo Takeda from the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST); and Prof. Budi Indra Setiawan from Bogor Agricultural University, Indonesia. The seminar also welcomed experts and scientists from Japan, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

During the seminar, the research team, led by Prof. Natsuki Yoshikawa, provided an overview and summary of the project's main activities and results. Subsequently, speakers presented reports on "Machine Learning Models for Saltwater Intrusion"; "Numerical Simulation and Results of Flood Modeling based on Machine Learning"; "Application of numerical simulation (creating detailed terrain data) and machine learning for developing countries and achieved results of the project"; and "Analysis results using remote sensing technology", and also put forward suggestions for potential collaboration in the future.

Speaking at the seminar, Mr. Do Van Thanh, Director of the IWRP, highly praised the objectives and results achieved by the project up to the present time. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the project team had made efforts to successfully complete their tasks, contributing to fostering a strong cooperative relationship between Vietnam, Japan, and Indonesia. Mr. Do Van Thanh also conveyed encouragement and congratulations to the project team for their accomplishments.

Mr. Haruo Takeda, representing the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), appreciated Vietnam's cooperation in all areas, with the project being implemented by the IWRP serving as an exemplary case. He also expressed hope that the cooperative relationship between the two countries would continue to develop steadily and effectively in the future.

Ms. Hoang Minh Hang from the Ministry of Science and Technology regarded the project's achievements as a positive indication, affirming Vietnam's position in water management and in establishing the trilateral relationship between Vietnam, Japan, and Indonesia. Successfully fulfilling the project's objectives would contribute to advancing Vietnam's cooperation activities with Japan and Indonesia in the future.

Furthermore, the seminar received numerous contributions and discussions from experts and guests. Suggestions mainly focused on developing and applying the project's results to existing tools at the IWRP, while also applying the project's results to address saltwater intrusion issues, providing recommendations for the ministry's leadership. Particularly, experts shared Vietnam's practical experiences regarding the aforementioned issue and proposed new research directions and cooperation.

In conclusion, Prof. Takanori Nagano from Kobe University and Mr. Do Van Thanh, Director of the IWRP, extended heartfelt thanks to all the delegates for their participation in the seminar. The seminar served as a foundation for parties to develop more specific cooperation directions and proposals in the future, further enhancing the friendship between Vietnam, Japan, and Indonesia.

Mr. Do Van Thanh, Director of the Institute of Water Resources Planning (IWRP), delivered the opening speech at the seminar.

Ms. Hoang Minh Hang from the Ministry of Science and Technology delivered a speech at the seminar.

Professor Natsuki Yoshikawa from Niigata University provided an introduction, outlining the main activities, as well as summarizing the outcomes of the project

Mr. Haruo Takeda, representative of the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), expressed high appreciation for the research tasks carried out by the Institute of Water Resources Planning.

Mr. Do Van Thanh and Prof. Natsuki Yoshikawa coordinated the Q&A session

Q&A session

A group photo of delegates attended the seminar.