Professor Ali Abbas: Connecting global intelligence to drive technological innovation in Vietnam
Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City, July 2025 – In his first official visit to Vietnam, Professor Ali Abbas, Associate Dean of Research at the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Engineering, joined Professor Thu-Anh Nguyen, Director of the University of Sydney Vietnam Institute (SVI), for a series of strategic meetings with government agencies, research institutes, universities, and technology enterprises. The visit aimed to catalyze impactful collaborations in engineering and innovation, aligning with Vietnam’s national priorities.
Professor Ali Abbas, Faculty of Engineering
From the lab to real-world impact
Professor Ali Abbas exemplifies a new generation of scientists who go beyond laboratories and academic publications to translate knowledge into practical, real-world solutions. Professor Abbas is an expert in Process Systems Engineering, specializing in the modeling and optimization of complex industrial systems and bioengineering. His research focuses on low-carbon technologies, carbon capture, circular economy solutions, and biotech. He integrates AI and digital tools to develop scalable, real-world solutions, and leads initiatives like the Waste Transformation Research Hub. His interdisciplinary work bridges engineering, sustainability, and innovation, making significant contributions to both academia and industry
Strategic engagement in Ho Chi Minh City
Meeting with Department of Science and Technology of Ho Chi Minh City
In Ho Chi Minh City, Professor Abbas held productive discussions with the Department of Science and Technology, exploring collaborative pathways to support the city’s ambition of becoming a regional technology hub. The Vietnamese government’s 11 priority technology sectors closely align with the University of Sydney’s engineering research strengths, laying a strong foundation for future partnerships and capacity-building initiatives.
Strengthening academic networks across Vietnam
Throughout the visit, Professor Abbas met with leading universities and research institutions in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, including:
- Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST)
- University of Engineering and Technology – Vietnam National University (UET – VNU Hanoi)
- Institute of Energy and Environmental Science and Technology (ISTEE – VAST)
- Fulbright University Vietnam
- Phenikaa University
- Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education (HCMUTE)
Discussions focused on emerging themes such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, clean energy, biomedical engineering, engineering education, and innovation. Several institutions expressed interest in co-hosting academic workshops and initiating joint research projects focused on strategic technologies of mutual interest to both countries.
Accelerating innovation through industry partnerships
Beyond academia, Professor Abbas also engaged with pioneering Vietnamese tech companies and startups, including:
- Genestory
- Buyo Bioplastics
- LuvaPay
- MeteoViet
- FPT Software
These meetings explored the application of AI in healthcare, gene data analysis, biotechnology, and blockchain technologies. The upcoming workshops co-organized by SVI and FPT Software will further identify shared interests and collaboration opportunities in healthcare and life sciences.
A vision for sustainable and inclusive innovation
Professor Ali Abbas with the University of Sydney Vietnam Institute team.
Professor Abbas’s visit was more than an academic exchange—it was a powerful affirmation of a shared commitment to turning knowledge into meaningful action and fostering collaboration for mutual progress. These engagements also reflect the Faculty’s new 2025–2028 research strategy, which champions innovation and real-world research collaboration.
SVI stands as the University of Sydney’s first and only research institute in Vietnam plays a pivotal role in bridging research and innovation between Australia and Vietnam. Powered by a dedicated team of experts and a clear mission, we transform ideas into impact through strategic partnerships and locally grounded collaboration.
The University of Sydney and SVI are proud to be part of Vietnam’s innovation journey. Together, we are helping shape a dynamic, inclusive, and globally connected science and technology ecosystem.