Introduction
The Viet Nam – Netherlands Business Event on Circular Economy & Green Innovation brought together policymakers, industry experts, and leading organizations to discuss opportunities for a more sustainable future. Hosted in The Hague, the event highlighted key initiatives, collaborative projects, and forward-thinking models in circular economy and green innovation. With participation from both countries’ embassies, UNDP, and RVO, the event served as a platform to strengthen bilateral cooperation and actionable solutions.
My Roles
As a member of the organizing committee and an academic program coordinator, my responsibilities included:
Simultaneous Interpretation for Main Program
Provided real-time interpreting during the plenary sessions, including opening remarks, panel discussions, Q&A segments, and the presentation of key sustainability initiatives.
Interpretation for Matchmaking Sessions
Supported multiple 20-minute matchmaking meetings across sectors such as plastics, chemicals, wastewater management, and digital innovation, enabling effective dialogue between companies and institutions.
Facilitating Communication Between Delegates
Ensured smooth multilingual communication between representatives from embassies, UNDP, MOIT, Dutch agencies, and participating businesses.
Supporting Event Flow and Coordination
Collaborated closely with the event moderators and organizers to maintain timing, clarity, and consistency throughout the interpretation process.
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.”
