Indonesian Ambassador to Vietnam Adam M. Tugio paid a two-day visit to Lao Cai Province on November 11 and 12 to strengthen cooperation in higher education, technological innovation, and economic connectivity within the framework of the Indonesia-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The Ambassador of Indonesia made a courtesy call on Duong Quoc Huy, who is a member of the Party Central Committee and Secretary of the Lao Cai Provincial Party Committee. The meeting focused on turning the Indonesia-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership into tangible actions through the 2026-2030 Action Program, aligning with both nations' mutual goal of achieving developed, high-income status by 2045.
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During the meeting, both parties talked about various priority areas of collaboration that would benefit them and help in executing the comprehensive strategic partnership. In light of the increasing interest from Indonesian travelers in the mountainous area of Sa Pa, the ambassador praised the region's amenities tailored for Muslim tourists.
The ambassador additionally suggested collaboratively hosting seminars on Halal certification and sustainable tourism management in villages, thus enhancing the active involvement of local ethnic minority groups, such as the Mong, Dao, and Tay communities.
While visiting, the Indonesian Ambassador to Vietnam also accepted an invitation to speak at the inaugural ceremony of the first International Strategic Dialogue and Academic Exchange 2026 (ISDAE 2026) — an international scientific conference hosted by the International School of Thai Nguyen University (ISTNU) focused on the theme “Sustainability Without Borders: Regional Cooperation, Education, and Innovation for the Future.”
Speaking to university leaders, academics, government agency representatives, and regional business leaders, the ambassador stressed that knowledge, innovation, data, and talent are the key assets in today’s globalized world.
Amid global transformations and the swift advancement of AI, higher education institutions must evolve into centers that tackle real-world issues and cultivate leaders who can manage technology effectively.
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The ambassador presented Indonesia's education reform initiative utilizing a deep learning approach to teaching and learning, alongside the early enhancement of digital skills, programming abilities, and STEM knowledge. Proficiency in these technologies should be coupled with enhanced character education, ensuring that progress in innovation aligns with ethics and social accountability.
Indonesia has conveyed successful experiences in enhancing its innovation ecosystem using the Triple Helix model, which fosters collaboration among the government, academic institutions, and the private sector.
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To achieve the ASEAN Vision 2045, the ambassador urged Indonesia and Vietnam to reinforce collaboration across four main areas: increasing cooperation in science, technology, and innovation; bolstering human resource networks and improving connectivity among universities, researchers, and entrepreneurs within ASEAN; establishing regional digital governance and AI governance frameworks; and improving coordination among stakeholders to convert research results into practical applications that provide real advantages to communities.
Through these diplomatic efforts in Lao Cai Province, the Indonesian Embassy in Ha Noi reiterated its dedication to enhancing practical cooperation initiatives and linking educational and research entities, business sectors, and governments of both nations, aiming to cultivate a resilient, innovative, and sustainably developing ASEAN region.