A new era of smart technology-based urban planning is becoming a reality. Through the International Scientific Conference on Resilience through Technology and Design (RTD 2026) titled "FutureScape," the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), together with global partners, formulated a roadmap for sustainable smart city development so that it is no longer merely an academic discussion in laboratories.
The event, which took place in mid-July, represents a concrete implementation of strategic commitment to positioning STI (science, technology, and innovation) as a pillar of national progress. The forum was held simultaneously in three strategic regions—Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, and Nha Trang—to build a collaborative network between academia, industry players, and the community.
One of the most striking breakthroughs at the conference was an artificial intelligence (AI)-based marine robot specifically designed for coastal areas. Developed using thousands of underwater images, the system is capable of reconstructing three-dimensional space with an accuracy rate of 90.4 percent. The technology is projected to monitor marine ecosystems, oversee coastal infrastructure, and provide natural disaster early warning systems for coastal residents.
In addition to physical technology, the utilization of Large Language Models (LLMs) was also showcased to create immersive digital spaces applicable to the education and creative industry sectors. More than 80 experts from around the world also formulated cross-sectoral green transition strategies to align government policies with the implementation of environmentally friendly technologies.
UEH Director, Associate Professor Bui Quang Hung, emphasized that the conference serves as an essential bridge connecting scientific theory with real-world practice. According to him, interdisciplinary collaboration between researchers, government, and business leaders is crucial to generating innovative solutions with a direct impact on real life.
The general public also had the opportunity to directly experience the integration between digital art and modern science through the interactive exhibition space "FutureScape Showcase." Through these concrete initiatives, the vision of building future cities that are livable and disaster-resilient is gradually transforming from an abstract concept into reality.
