From 19 - 23 December 2025, the Mekong Leadership Training Program (Mekong LEAD) was successfully held in the Republic of Korea (ROK). The program was co-organized by the Department of Economic Diplomacy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam, in collaboration with the Mekong Institute, Can Tho University, and Daejin University (Republic of Korea), within the framework of the project “Mekong Leadership Training Program and Capacity-Building Activities,” funded by the Mekong - Korea Cooperation Fund.
Mekong LEAD brought together more than 23 delegates from ministries, government agencies, research institutes, international organizations, and local authorities of four countries: Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Viet Nam. Through five in - depth thematic sessions, the program focused on strengthening leadership capacity, promoting policy dialogue, and fostering a shared vision to address transboundary challenges in the Mekong sub - region amid climate change, growing socio-economic pressures, and technological transformation, with the active participation of leading national and international experts.
Day 1: Overview of the Mekong and Mekong - ROK Cooperation
On 19 December 2025, the Mekong Leadership Training Program 2025 was officially launched, reaffirming the role of Mekong - ROK cooperation in strengthening regional leadership capacity. The program focuses on enhancing understanding of policy-making, water resource management, climate change, and sustainable development, while promoting dialogue and the exchange of experiences among participating countries. This opening session laid a solid foundation for subsequent academic activities, case-based discussions, and field-based learning throughout the program.
|
Opening Session The Opening Remarks featured remarks by HE. Ms. Nguyen Minh Hang, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Van Pham Dang Tri, Director of the Mekong Institute, Can Tho University, Viet Nam; and Prof. Dr. Kang Boosik, Dankook University, Republic of Korea. |
|
 |
The Opening Session commenced with a keynote address by H.E. Ms. Nguyen Minh Hang, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam, who extended a warm welcome to all delegates, including representatives of Vietnamese and Korean experts participating in the program. In her remarks, she underscored the objective of cultivating a new generation of regional leaders equipped with strong policy-making capabilities and a commitment to multilateral cooperation. The Opening Session was attended by H.E. Mr. Vu Ho, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Viet Nam to the Republic of Korea; representatives of the leadership of faculties and administrative departments of Daejin University, Republic of Korea; senior officials from ministries and agencies of Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Myanmar; as well as representatives from Vietnamese ministries, agencies, and local authorities. |
| Assoc. Prof. Dr. Van Pham Dang Tri, Director of Mekong Institute, Can Tho University, Viet Nam, emphasized that the program would generate benefits not only for Viet Nam but also for the entire region, while further strengthening the Viet Nam - Mekong - Korea partnership. He expressed his hope that participants would actively engage and contribute throughout the program and continue to offer their long-term support to consolidate and further develop the cooperation network established through this initiative. |  |
 |
Prof. Dr. Kang Boosik, Dankook University, Republic of Korea, expressed his honor in hosting the delegates of the Mekong Leadership Training Program 2025 in the Republic of Korea. He highly appreciated the strong support and close coordination of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam, the Mekong Institute, Can Tho University, and partner institutions through the Mekong - Korea Cooperation Fund (MKCF) in the successful implementation of the program. He further noted that while the Mekong sub-region is endowed with significant potential, it is simultaneously confronted with numerous shared challenges, necessitating enhanced cooperation and a long-term, strategic vision. In this regard, Mekong - ROK cooperation plays a pivotal role by combining the proactive engagement of Mekong countries with the development experience and expertise of the Republic of Korea. Prof. Dr. Kang Boosik expressed his confidence that the program would promote meaningful dialogue, mutual learning, and the formulation of new cooperative initiatives. |
|
An overview of the Mekong and Mekong - ROK Cooperation Presented by Prof. Dr. Kang Boosik, Dankook University, Republic of Korea |
|
| Prof. Dr. Kang Boosik presented an overview of the geographical, socio-economic, and environmental context of the Mekong River Basin, highlighting the complexity of its hydrological system and the growing risks of saline intrusion, land subsidence, and sediment depletion in the Mekong Delta. He noted that rapid economic transformation, urbanization, and increasing demand for water, energy, and infrastructure are placing additional pressures on the basin, while policy divergences among riparian countries continue to complicate transboundary cooperation. He further identified key challenges, including water allocation, the impacts of hydropower development, heightened risks of floods and droughts exacerbated by climate change, and limitations in data sharing. In this context, the Mekong - Republic of Korea (Mekong - ROK) cooperation framework, supported by the Mekong - Korea Cooperation Fund (MKCF), has been implemented through a range of initiatives focusing on water resource management, digital transformation, and climate change adaptation. In conclusion, Prof. Dr. Kang Boosik underscored the pivotal role of cooperation, innovation, and human capacity development in advancing sustainable development and ensuring long-term security across the Mekong River Basin |  |
 |
Lecture 1: Transboundary development and connection of the Mekong River Basin and Challenges, opportunities and key achievements of the Mekong-ROK cooperation |
|
Lecture 1: Transboundary development and connection of the Mekong River Basin and Challenges, opportunities and key achievements of the Mekong-ROK cooperation |
 |
|
|
Case Study and Discussion 1: Current Challenges in Transboundary Connections and Collaborations Presented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Anh Tuan, Can Tho University, Viet Nam; Prof. Dr. Kwun Kee Chan and Dr. Park Kyong Chan, Daegu Haany University, Republic of Korea Prof. Dr. Kwun Kee Chan emphasized that the forthcoming master plan, expected to commence next year, must clearly define the project portfolio and its prioritization. The top priority should be disaster risk reduction to safeguard human lives, followed by access to clean water and sanitation, and finally, the provision of ecosystem services. Dr. Park Kyong Chan highlighted that the Mekong River Basin is a critical area for food security and agriculture. He noted that the climate crisis is not only an environmental issue but also an industrial structural challenge. Priority solutions include developing smart agriculture integrated with food processing and preservation industries; promoting energy transition and establishing industrial zones powered by renewable energy; building low-emission, green logistics systems leveraging the Mekong’s waterways; and developing human resources through inter-university cooperation and technology transfer. Furthermore, multilateral cooperation through the Mekong - Korea Cooperation Fund (MKCF) was identified as a key instrument for establishing a sustainable industrial ecosystem. |
|
Daejin University On the afternoon of 19 December, the delegation of experts and participants visited Daejin University for an academic exchange, engaging in discussions on training and research cooperation between Viet Nam and the Republic of Korea, particularly between Can Tho University and Daejin University. The visit contributed to enhancing mutual understanding and expanding opportunities for bilateral collaboration. During the visit, the delegation explored the university’s modern laboratory facilities for soil and water analysis, pollution assessment, and food quality inspection. In addition, Daejin University showcased research spaces dedicated to the design, fabrication, and operation of drones for agricultural applications. These facilities reflect the university’s strong research and applied capabilities in science, technology, and smart agriculture. The visit and academic exchanges opened prospects for advancing joint research, academic collaboration, and the application of advanced technologies, particularly drones, in sustainable agriculture. |
||
 |
 |
 |
Day 2: Economic, Social and Transboundary Developments
On 20 December, the program focused on topics related to comprehensive economic, social and transboundary developments, and technological solutions to support sustainable development in the Mekong River Basin.
 |
Lecture 2: Economic and social inclusiveness, equity and equality towards the integrated transboundary development Presented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Huynh Van Da, Can Tho University, Viet Nam Assoc. Prof. Dr. Huynh Van Da analyzed the disparities in development and support needs among countries in the lower Mekong region. He identified key barriers to inclusive development, including climate change, sea-level rise, saline intrusion, sediment depletion, and declining fisheries due to upstream hydropower dams, as well as the lack of coordinated transboundary water resource management. Priority directions highlighted in the presentation included promoting climate-smart agriculture, strengthening community-based resource management, improving cross-border data sharing, and supporting livelihoods for women and other vulnerable groups. These measures aim to ensure that no one is left behind in the pursuit of sustainable development across the region. |
|
Lecture 3: Key needs for logistics, infrastructure development and economic connectivity in the transboundary basin |
 |
|
Biovan Company On the afternoon of 20 December, during a visit to Biovan Company, Dr. Kim Jun Hong introduced water pollution treatment technology based on environmentally friendly microbial formulations, aimed at restoring ecological balance and promoting a circular economy. The technology utilizes the SUBION microbial complex, which effectively removes total nitrogen (T-N) and total phosphorus (T-P). The solution focuses on restoring the natural self-purification capacity of rivers and lakes without dredging sediments. Its applications span rivers, reservoirs, aquaculture, livestock farming, and wastewater treatment. The biological method helps control harmful algae, unpleasant odors, and mass fish mortality, all while maintaining low operational costs. Dr. Kim Jun Hong emphasized that this sustainable solution has proven effective in the Republic of Korea and holds significant potential for application across the Mekong River Basin. |
||
 |
 |
 |
Day 3: Digital Connectivity
On 21 December, the program focused on key sectors within the Mekong River Basin, including Digital Twin technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and the utilization of spatial data for decision-making, as well as promoting regional cooperation based on shared data.
 |
Case Study 1: Digital twins, AI and advance technologies for dominant industries in Mekong – ROK collaboration context Presented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Kieu Diem, Can Tho University, Viet Nam Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Kieu Diem emphasized the critical role of geospatial technologies, including remote sensing and GIS, in monitoring environmental challenges across the Mekong River Basin. These technologies provide clear insights into land-use changes, land subsidence, sediment depletion, and alterations in flood regimes, particularly in the lower Mekong region. Geospatial technology is regarded as a foundation for data-driven governance, helping to build trust and promote transboundary cooperation. She proposed the establishment of a Regional GeoHub and the development of Digital Twin models to support forecasting, planning, and collaborative decision-making across the entire Mekong River Basin. |
|
Case Study 2: Digital twins, AI and advance technologies for dominant industries in Mekong – ROK collaboration context Presented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Truong Minh Thai, Can Tho University, Viet Nam Assoc. Prof. Dr. Truong Minh Thai outlined the core challenges facing the Mekong agricultural ecosystem, highlighting the need for solutions that enhance the resilience of the food system. Digital Twins were introduced as tools to simulate farms, crops, and aquaculture systems using real-time data. Practical applications of AI and big data include disease diagnosis in rice and shrimp, fertilizer demand assessment, intelligent aquaculture management, and electronic logging systems that enable farmers to monitor and adjust cultivation processes. Additionally, blockchain technology was proposed to enhance transparency, traceability, and food safety across agricultural supply chains. |
 |
 |
Case Study 3: Digital twins, AI and advance technologies for dominant industries in Mekong Presented by Dr. Kang Tae-wook, Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology Dr. Kang Tae-wook presented emerging trends in the artificial intelligence revolution (AX), emphasizing the shift from traditional AI to Large Language Models (LLMs) and AI Agents capable of reasoning, tool utilization, and multimodal operations. The presentation focused on smart construction, where Digital Twins are developed using Building Information Modeling (BIM), IoT sensors, and real-time data to simulate, optimize, and manage the entire lifecycle of infrastructure projects. AI and robotics assist in reducing risks, lowering costs, and enhancing safety on construction sites. Dr. Kang also highlighted the potential of domain-specific LLMs to support standard referencing, document management, and decision-making in construction, while noting challenges including system interoperability, inconsistent data quality, high investment costs, and a shortage of skilled personnel. |
|
Case Study 4: Advance technologies, techniques and new materials towards circular economy Presented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Van Pham Dan Thuy, Can Tho University, Viet Nam Assoc. Prof. Dr. Van Pham Dan Thuy introduced a circular economy model that transforms agricultural by-products into nanocellulose, a high-value green material. Nanocellulose is extracted from sugarcane bagasse, rice husks, and straw, and can be effectively applied in environmental treatment, particularly for the adsorption of heavy metals and dyes. The material also holds potential as a green catalyst in PET plastic recycling and applications in packaging and composite materials. This solution contributes to pollution reduction, adds value to waste, and promotes a sustainable circular economy in the Mekong region. |
 |
|
Group Discussion: Key Achievements and Insights from Previous Sessions The session synthesized knowledge from the program, focusing on transboundary challenges such as water and sediment management, fish migration, hydropower conflicts, agriculture, and fisheries. Participants reached a consensus on the critical importance of data sharing, knowledge connectivity, policy alignment, and practical implementation, and proposed the establishment of a Mekong Knowledge Hub to enhance capacity building and conduct cost-benefit analyses to improve the feasibility of solutions. Conclusion: Technology, innovation, and knowledge-based cooperation are pivotal drivers for the sustainable and inclusive development of the Mekong River Basin within the framework of Mekong - Korea cooperation. |
|
 |
Group 1 The group discussed common challenges in the Mekong River Basin, including saline intrusion, dry-season water shortages, wet-season water surplus, and the impacts of upstream hydropower on downstream ecosystems and livelihoods. They emphasized the importance of transboundary connectivity, particularly through fish migration, and considered mitigation measures as well as the specific role of Lao PDR in regional cooperation. Conclusion: Strengthened cooperation and shared responsibility between upstream and downstream countries are essential. |
|
Group 2 The group discussed the importance of data sharing across the entire Mekong River Basin and the existing gap between research and technology versus practical implementation. They proposed the establishment of a Mekong Knowledge Hub, a network of experts, enhanced capacity-building initiatives, and the inclusion of cost - benefit analyses (CBA). Conclusion: Policy recommendations and support from the Government of the Republic of Korea are needed to strengthen the linkage between science, policy, and practice. |
 |
 |
Group 3
|
Day 4: Development and Environment
Visit and Briefing: K-Water Water Management Center
 |
 |
 |
On 22 December, the delegation conducted a field visit to the K-Water Water Management Center in Daejeon, Republic of Korea. The visit provided in-depth insights into the application of Industry 4.0 technologies in water resource management. The center utilizes a Digital Twin platform integrated with WebGIS, real-time data, hydrological-hydraulic modeling, AI, and 3D simulations to monitor, forecast, and support decision-making for floods, droughts, dam safety, and reservoir operations. K-Water has achieved Level 3 on the Digital Twin development roadmap (from monitoring to automation), and some components have reached Level 5 through AI applications. Key functions of the integrated system include real-time water level monitoring, storm tracking, flood mapping, AI-based urban inundation simulations, cross-section analysis, dam operation impact assessments, and early-warning systems for communities (e.g., downstream camping safety).
 |
 |
 |
 |
Discussion Session 4:
Korea - Mekong Cooperation in the Water Sector at K-Water
During the fourth discussion session, delegates were introduced to the vision and technologies of K-Water, a leading Korean corporation with nearly 60 years of experience in water resource management. K-Water focuses on advanced technologies, including Digital Twin water management that integrates 3D modeling, real-time data, and hydrological-hydraulic simulations to forecast floods, manage assets, and mitigate disaster risks; AI-enabled water treatment plants, which allow automated operations, enhanced treatment efficiency, improved water safety monitoring, and reduced labor requirements; and smart water distribution network management, utilizing AI and flow analysis to detect leaks and optimize pipeline operations.
K-Water has been implementing cooperative projects in Viet Nam, including in Dong Nai, Ba Ria - Vung Tau, and Long An provinces, and has proposed pre-feasibility studies (Pre-F/S) for wastewater projects in Ho Chi Minh City. In addition, K-Water collaborates with SAWACO to apply AI in urban water plant operations, aiming to enhance efficiency and ensure safe urban water supply.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Day 5: Strengthening and Sustaining Mekong–Korea Cooperation
Sharing Session: Sustainable and secured environmental management in the Mekong River Basin and resilience to climate change impacts in a transboundary context
Presented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Van Pham Dang Tri, Director of the Mekong Institute, Can Tho University, Viet Nam
 |
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Van Pham Dang Tri emphasized the goal of transforming dialogue into tangible cooperation within the framework of Mekong - Korea collaboration, viewing the Mekong River Basin and the Mekong Delta as a “source-to-sea” system with closely linked challenges that reflect systemic imbalances. He noted that the greatest current bottleneck lies in fragmented governance, with limited data sharing and insufficient inter-country and cross-sectoral coordination. The session highlighted the necessity of an integrated, multidisciplinary, and multi-stakeholder approach, while calling for enhanced capacity building alongside technology transfer. |
Sharing Session: Networks and Initiatives to promote the Mekong-ROK Cooperation and Public-Private partnership in developing the Mekong region
The session featured group discussions and a roundtable with representatives from Mekong countries, moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Van Pham Dang Tri (Can Tho University). The discussions focused on identifying priority actions and cooperation mechanisms to advance sustainable development in the Mekong region within a transboundary context.
|
Group 1 Group 1 reached a significant consensus that the challenges facing the Mekong region cannot be addressed by individual countries alone but require a collective, transboundary strategy. Accordingly, the group proposed a multi-dimensional, cross-sectoral approach to bridge development gaps, while prioritizing diplomatic measures and integrated dialogue in water resource management. Looking forward, action plans will focus strongly on education and community capacity building, the establishment of joint project platforms, and the mobilization of sustainable financing for region-wide initiatives. |
 |
 |
Group 2 Group 2 identified five priority pillars to advance Mekong cooperation in a more substantive and effective manner. Among these, political commitment was considered the foundational prerequisite for unlocking financing and enabling transparent data-sharing mechanisms. A key highlight of the discussion was the potential to leverage young human resources and technology to accelerate the region’s development trajectory from 50 years to just 5 - 10 years. To realize this vision, the group proposed specific measures:
|
|
Group 3 Group 3 summarized key foundational directions for sustainable development:
|
 |
Summary and Closing Ceremony
The summary and future directions of the program were highlighted during the closing remarks by Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy and the sharing session and discussion moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Van Pham Dang Tri. The discussions emphasized investment in human resources, strengthening Mekong - Korea cooperation, promoting shared action commitments, realizing common objectives, and fostering substantive, long-term public - private partnerships.
| In her closing remarks, Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy affirmed that the greatest value of the five-day training program extends beyond data sharing, emphasizing that its core lies in investment in human resources. She highlighted the strategic importance of Mekong countries acting not in isolation but in partnership with Korea. This pioneering program sends Mekong officials to the partner country to both strengthen intra-regional links and enhance the subregion’s standing on the international stage. She expressed confidence that the course serves as a foundational building block for long-term trust, which is essential for future breakthroughs in regional cooperation. |  |
 |
Following the closing message, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Van Pham Dang Tri encapsulated the spirit of the entire program with a powerful observation: “Breakthroughs cannot be achieved without working together.” He emphasized that the value of the training should not be limited to short-term experiences but must be nurtured into substantive and sustainable cooperative relationships. With Korea having already established supportive mechanisms, he called for strong commitment from the Mekong network to jointly seize opportunities and realize shared objectives. |
 |
|