On September 5, 2024, a delegation from Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN) visited Can Tho University in Vietnam, marking a significant milestone in the strengthening of academic collaboration between the two institutions. The delegation includes Dr. Rey Y. Capangpangan, Director for International Affairs and Linkages, Dr. Anabelle Dece A. Espadero, Secretary of the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension, and Mr. Victor Navarro, Director of the Center for Aquaculture Research, Enterprise & Services. The visit, which was organized by the College of Aquaculture and Fisheries (CAF) at Can Tho University, aimed to explore and foster collaboration opportunities in the fields of aquaculture and fisheries research, academic collaboration, and student exchange programs.

A highlight of the visit was the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between MSUN and Can Tho University. The MOU solidifies the academic partnership between the two institutions, opening up new opportunities for collaborative research projects, faculty and student exchange programs, and joint academic activities. The agreement is expected to benefit the faculties, staff, and students of both universities, providing avenues for professional growth, research development, and international exposure. Additionally, the MOU focuses on fostering mutual growth and innovation, particularly in the fields of aquaculture and fisheries, areas in which both universities have established expertise.

The MSUN delegates were also given the opportunity to tour Can Tho University’s hatchery facilities, where they benchmarked best practices in aquaculture. This hands-on experience provided valuable insights into the operational and research methodologies employed by Can Tho University, which could potentially be adapted and applied to enhance MSUN’s own research and extension services. The tour reinforced the commitment of both universities to shared learning and continuous improvement in aquaculture technologies.

With both universities eager to nurture this collaboration, more joint initiatives are expected in the future, including student exchanges, collaborative conferences, joint publications, and cooperative research projects. The partnership between MSUN and Can Tho University represents a step forward in building strong academic networks that will contribute to the global development of sustainable aquaculture and fisheries practices.

On September 7, 2024, Saturday, a delegation from Mindanao State University at Naawan visited the Research Institute of Aquaculture 2 (RIA2), Thu Duc Center in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The same  delegation included Dr. Rey Y. Capangpangan, Director for International Affairs and Linkages, Dr. Anabelle Dece A. Espadero, Secretary of the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension, and Mr. Victor Navarro, Director of the Center for Aquaculture Research, Enterprise & Services.

RIA2 is a prominent institution for aquaculture research and development in southern Vietnam. It has established productive collaborations with numerous international organizations, including the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), a partner in the Sandfish Project. During the visit, the MSUN delegation was given a tour of one RIA2’s center, Thu Duc Center, by Director Le Ngoc Hanh.

The MSUN delegation’s visit aimed to gain valuable insights into best practices in aquaculture, with a specific focus on hatchery facilities and protocols. This visit builds on MSUN’s ongoing efforts to innovate and excel in aquaculture, following their previous visit to the hatchery at Can Tho University. The university is committed to advancing sustainable aquaculture and fisheries on its campus, ensuring the provision of exceptional services and contributing to the broader goals of environmental stewardship and food security.