Introduction
UEH launched a mission to expand its multidisciplinary academic and research network in the Netherlands, focusing on circular economy, healthcare economics, and marine innovation. As part of this trip, they engaged with key Dutch partners including Utrecht University, the high-tech Pot Fishing Agency, the Catch Welfare Platform, and the Blue Food Centre. These institutions are working at the intersection of marine technology, sustainable seafood systems, and eco-innovation, offering UEH strong potential for long-term research and co-creation.
My Roles
Mekong Link Ams acted as a coordinator and facilitator for UEH during their delegation trip in the Netherlands, ensuring smooth and effective engagement with local partners.
Meeting Coordination with Utrecht University
Organized and scheduled the engagement between UEH leaders and Utrecht University to explore research collaboration on climate adaptation, water management, and delta development.
Engagement with Pot Fishing Agency
Coordinated the meeting with Pot Fishing Agency, a company specialized in marine technology and sustainable fishing methods, to discuss technology transfer and research cooperation.
Collaboration with Catch Welfare Platform
Facilitated discussions with the Catch Welfare Platform, which focuses on bio-welfare in seafood harvesting, to explore joint initiatives in ethical and sustainable fishing practices.
Visit to the Blue Food Centre “Living Lab”
Arranged for the UEH delegation to visit the Blue Food Centre living lab in Wieringen, enabling exploration of co-creation models in blue economy, fisheries, and marine innovation.
How I Supported and Solved Problems
Exchange Program Management
For four consecutive years, I co-managed the logistics, academic alignment, and intercultural training for bilateral student visits. I ensured seamless travel planning, coordinated with both universities on curriculum matching, and created cultural immersion activities to enrich the learning experience
Crisis Adaptation
When the exchange program was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2022), I helped maintain the international partnerships through online academic forums and virtual collaboration, keeping momentum for future resumption.
International Conference Coordination
I played a key role in organizing and moderating international academic conferences—handling speaker invitations, agenda design, and logistical setup. These events fostered dialogue on pressing topics such as sustainable development, education innovation, and rural transformation.
Field-Based Learning & Applied Research
From 2019 to 2023, I organized and facilitated thematic field trips across rural Vietnam, helping students engage with real-world sustainability practices, agricultural tourism models, and community-based environmental efforts. These experiences often fed into research projects and policy discussions.
This long-term engagement led to
Proceeds from product sales contribute to planting and maintaining mangrove and nipa palm forests, boosting coastal protection against climate change.
Developing Future-Ready, Socially-Conscious Global Citizens
Over 50 women and vulnerable individuals have gained stable jobs, skills, and increased income.
Driving Collaborative Impact Through Knowledge Exchange
Cù Lao Dung’s eco-friendly products now have a platform to reach conscious consumers across Europe, creating a model for other marginalized communities.
Positioning Institutions as Global Leaders in Applied Education
Enhanced reputation of the host institutions as leaders in applied international education and research.
“We wouldn’t have gotten to where we are today without Mekong Link Amsterdam. The Mekong Link Amsterdam spent time with us to better understand our processes and where our bottlenecks were.”
