On the afternoon of September 15, 2026, the Mekong Institute held an academic sharing session on "Smart Technology for Sustainable Agriculture in the Mekong Delta: From AI and IoT to Data-Driven Solutions," delivered by Prof. Mizoguchi Masaru from the University of Tokyo, Japan, as part of his working visit to the Mekong Institute.

Overview of the session at Hall 2, Mekong Institute.

Assoc. Prof. Van Pham Dang Tri, Director of the Mekong Institute, delivered welcoming remarks, expressing his appreciation for the Professor's contributions to agricultural research and water resource management. He emphasized that the topic of the session holds practical significance for the Mekong Delta, a region facing numerous challenges from climate change and requiring new research approaches that combine modern technology with practical knowledge from the field. He also expressed his hope that the session would open opportunities for academic exchange between students and researchers from both sides, further strengthening the long-term research cooperation between the Mekong Institute and the University of Tokyo.

Assoc. Prof. Van Pham Dang Tri, Director of the Mekong Institute, delivering the opening remarks.

In his presentation, Prof. Mizoguchi Masaru introduced how artificial intelligence (AI) is expanding capabilities in search, translation, computation, and content generation in scientific research, while also pointing out the limitations of this technology through his own hands-on experience in the rice fields of Fukushima. The Professor discussed the potential of applying AI, the Internet of Things (IoT), and data-driven solutions to the specific context of the Mekong Delta, a region facing significant challenges from climate change and the need to shift toward more sustainable production models. He emphasized that asking the right questions, exercising judgment, and taking responsibility for research outcomes remain, and must remain, the responsibility of humans.

Prof. Mizoguchi Masaru, University of Tokyo, Japan, presenting on the application of AI, IoT, and data-driven solutions in agriculture.

The program continued with a lively exchange and discussion between the Professor and participants, centered on the potential for applying technology to local agricultural production practices, as well as opportunities for research cooperation between the Mekong Institute and the University of Tokyo going forward.

Delegates and participants exchanging views on the potential applications of technology in local agricultural production.

Group representatives presenting their discussion outcomes.

The session not only offered fresh perspectives on emerging technology trends in agriculture, but also opened opportunities for connection and research collaboration between scientists at home and abroad, contributing to the advancement of sustainable agriculture in the Mekong Delta.

Delegates taking a commemorative photo, marking an opportunity for connection and research collaboration in the fields of technology and sustainable agriculture.

Delegates taking a commemorative photo, marking an opportunity for connection and research collaboration in the fields of technology and sustainable agriculture.