From March 18 to 20, 2025, the 6th International Conference on Research, Development, and Extension (RDE) Management took place successfully, with the Saigon Business School (SBS) playing a pivotal role as an organizer and co-host. This prestigious regional event aimed to enhance RDE management capabilities across ASEAN while establishing a solid foundation for fostering research, innovation, and international collaboration.
This year’s conference was proudly organized and co-hosted by:
- The Philippine Association of Research Managers (PHILARM)
- The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD)
- The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA)
- Marinduque State University (MarSU)
- Philippine School of Business Administration (PSBA)
Despite its brief three-day duration, the conference delivered a wealth of insightful discussions and meaningful experiences for attendees. Beyond reinforcing academic and professional networks, the event unlocked promising opportunities for future collaborations between SBS and its partners from the Philippines and the broader ASEAN region.
Let’s take a closer look at the conference highlights!
A Premier ASEAN Forum Uniting Leading Experts
The conference welcomed over 100 distinguished delegates from universities, research institutions, government agencies, and private enterprises across the ASEAN region. Among the prominent participants were:
- Researchers and experts in RDE management
- University faculty members and academic administrators
- Leaders of educational and research organizations
- Representatives from businesses and government agencies
The collective contributions from the organizing institutions provided a robust platform for knowledge exchange, professional networking, and capacity-building for RDE professionals.
This year’s international conference emphasized enhancing the capabilities of RDE managers in driving innovation, contributing to a globally integrated economy through research and development. Additionally, the event played a crucial role in strengthening RDE management capacities among PHILARM members and ASEAN research organizations.
Key Focus Areas of the Conference
Under the central theme, “Research & Development Management: The Gateway to International Integration,” the conference covered a diverse range of critical topics, including:
- R&D Management
- Agriculture, Fisheries & Environment
- Education & Social Sciences
- Natural Resources
- Information Technology & Technological Innovation
- Business & Economics
These topics represent key drivers of socio-economic development in ASEAN, especially amid rapid digital transformation and regional integration.
In-Depth Discussions and Outstanding Research Recognition
The conference sessions and discussions, hosted at the SBS campus, fostered an engaging academic exchange among top-tier experts.
One of the event’s major highlights was the recognition of Dr. Moises Glenn G. Tangalin for his outstanding research paper “Advancing Sustainability and Innovation in Research, Development, and Extension Management: A Focus on Agriculture, Fisheries, and Natural Resources at J.H. Cerilles State College.” His exceptional contributions earned him the Best RDE Management Paper Award.
Inspirational Insights from SBS Leadership & Special Guests
During the conference, SBS leadership shared their vision and commitment to international collaboration:
Mr. Hoang Van Cuong, CEO of Saigon Business School (SBS), emphasized the crucial role of global partnerships in elevating the quality of research and education.
Ms. Mai Vinh Trinh, Deputy Director of SBS, expressed her optimism for long-term collaboration programs between SBS and its partners.
Mr. Hieu Dinh, CEO & Founder of NUOA.IO, delivered an insightful presentation on the application of technology in carbon emission management, an essential field in sustainable R&D, drawing strong interest from conference attendees.
Industry Visits: Gaining Real-World Business Insights in Vietnam
Another standout feature of the conference was the corporate site visits, designed to provide practical perspectives on Vietnam’s economic landscape. Delegates had the opportunity to visit:
- Manulife Vietnam – The largest foreign-invested life insurance company in Vietnam.
- NUOA.IO – A pioneering tech company helping businesses achieve net-zero emissions.
- Citek Technology Corporation – A leading SAP and Oracle solutions provider with over 15 years of expertise in Vietnam and the region.
SBS & PHILARM Sign MOU to Expand ASEAN Research & Technology Cooperation
During the 6th International Conference on RDE Management, SBS and PHILARM officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking a significant milestone in strengthening scientific research collaboration, technology transfer, and innovation between Vietnam and the Philippines. This agreement reaffirms SBS’s strategic role within ASEAN’s academic and research ecosystem.
PHILARM, a leading research management organization in the Philippines, unites research experts and administrators to enhance the efficiency of scientific research and its practical applications.
The partnership between SBS and PHILARM will foster joint research initiatives, faculty development programs, experimental projects, specialized workshops, and expanded international academic networks.
This MOU demonstrates the commitment of both institutions to advancing collaborative initiatives, expert exchange programs, and innovative training curricula, ultimately contributing to the development of high-caliber human resources. This agreement not only enhances SBS’s strategic positioning in regional scientific cooperation but also facilitates greater connectivity among scholars, researchers, and enterprises in RDE.
Expanding Collaboration with 11 Leading Philippine Universities & Research Institutions
In addition to the agreement with PHILARM, SBS has also signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with more than 10 leading universities and research institutions in the Philippines, including:
- Cavite State University (CvSU) – One of the Philippines’ top public universities, renowned for its excellence in agriculture, engineering, and education.
- Marinduque State University (MarSU) – A public university in Marinduque province, specializing in education, research, and community development.
- Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) – A Southeast Asian research and graduate training center in agriculture, operating under SEAMEO.
- Romblon State University (RSU) – A public university in Romblon province, focusing on science, technology, and higher education.
- Southern Philippines Agribusiness and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST) – A specialized institution in agribusiness, agriculture, and marine technology in Southern Philippines.
- State University of Northern Negros – A public university in Negros, dedicated to scientific research and technology.
- Cebu Technological University (CTU) – One of the largest public universities in the Philippines, specializing in science, technology, and engineering.
- JH Cerilles State College – A public university in Zamboanga del Sur, offering programs in science, engineering, and education.
- DOST XI (Department of Science and Technology – Region XI) – The regional office of the Philippine Department of Science and Technology, supporting scientific research and innovation.
- Philippine School of Business Administration (PSBA) – A prestigious institution specializing in business education in the Philippines.
The successful organization of the 6th International Conference on RDE Management has opened new doors for future collaborations, reinforcing SBS’s role in connecting, fostering, and promoting knowledge exchange across ASEAN and the global academic community. Beyond its expertise in event organization, SBS serves as a key bridge linking researchers, businesses, and academic institutions both locally and internationally, working towards sustainable growth and innovation.
