On May 29, 2026, Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade (HUIT) hosted the co-creation workshop entitled “Forest2Cities Value Loop – Wellness Food Reproduction: From Clean Soil to a Living Value System”, combined with a strategic partnership signing ceremony with partner organizations. The event aimed to promote a sustainable food ecosystem, community innovation, and the development of a wellness economy model in Vietnam.
The program was attended by Dr. Thai Doan Thanh, Vice President of the University; leaders of faculties and centers; lecturers of Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade; representatives of the Ho Chi Minh City Farmers’ Association; the Design Thinking Community – Techfest Vietnam; as well as experts, businesses, scientists, and community members interested in agriculture, wellness food, and innovation.
Dr. Thai Doan Thanh, Vice President of the University, delivers the opening remarks
In his opening speech, Dr. Thai Doan Thanh emphasized the role of universities within the food system, particularly in connecting knowledge and science and technology with real-life applications, thereby contributing to the development of a safe, sustainable food ecosystem and creating greater value for the community.
Experts and scientists share models for developing a sustainable food ecosystem
During the workshop, experts, scientists, and community representatives shared diverse perspectives on redesigning food systems toward sustainability, from supply chains to value loops. Discussions focused on the role of farmers in building green, clean, and sustainable food systems; the potential for regenerating value from natural agriculture to wellness cosmetics; and the role of university laboratories as “factories” for value regeneration within local innovation ecosystems. Presentations also introduced practical models from Xuan Phu Commune (Dong Nai Province), providing insights into the potential implementation of living labs and wellness economy models at the local level.
A highlight of the event was the strategic partnership signing ceremony between Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade, the Ho Chi Minh City Farmers’ Association, and the Design Thinking Community – Techfest Vietnam. The partnership aims to promote research and development of wellness products, strengthen innovation ecosystem connectivity, implement pilot models, support training and community activities, and develop the “Powerful Consumer” program to encourage responsible consumption and create sustainable value for society.
Strategic partnership signing ceremony between Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade, the Ho Chi Minh City Farmers’ Association, and the Design Thinking Community – Techfest Vietnam
In addition, Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade signed a cooperation agreement with the Innovation Coordination Board of Xuan Phu Commune and the Design Thinking Community – Techfest Vietnam to promote the Living Lab model and support the development of the Forest2Cities Value Loop and Wellness Economy ecosystem at the local level, contributing to the connection of natural agriculture, community innovation, and sustainable development.
The program also featured the official launch of F2C Lab – Forest2Cities Innovation & Reproduction Lab, marking the establishment of a research, experimentation, and co-creation space dedicated to developing wellness products, promoting value regeneration, connecting the Farm–Lab–Market–Consumer model, and supporting community innovation. In addition, the “Powerful Consumer” Program and the Powerful Consumer Club were introduced to foster a community of informed consumers who care about health, the environment, and responsible consumption, thereby promoting the wellness economy mindset within society.
HUIT promotes the connection of knowledge, community, and innovation for sustainable development
Through the workshop and strategic cooperation activities, Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade continues to affirm its role as a bridge connecting the University, businesses, scientists, communities, and localities in promoting innovation, sustainable development, and the application of science and technology to serve society.
TT TS & TT