Keynote Speakers at the International Scientific Conference “Resilience by Technology and Design”

The 2nd International Scientific Conference “Resilience by Technology and Design” (RTD 2024) is a significant academic event in the fields of technology and design tied to sustainable development. The conference is co-organized by the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) along with 12 prestigious international universities from countries such as Italy, Australia, South Korea, Macau, Taiwan, Singapore, and Japan.

RTD 2024 will take place over four days, from July 15 to July 18, 2024, at two locations: Ho Chi Minh City (UEH – Campus B, 279 Nguyen Tri Phuong Street) and the Mekong Delta region (specific locations will be announced later).

This year’s conference is expected to bring together leading experts, researchers, and practitioners in technology and design from all over the world. With the theme “Resilience by Technology and Design,” the event aims to address the role of technology and innovative design in promoting resilience and sustainability in the face of global challenges such as climate change, urbanization, and resource depletion.

The conference agenda includes a wide range of activities, such as keynote speeches, academic presentations, panel discussions, and workshops. These sessions will highlight the latest research findings, innovative solutions, and interdisciplinary collaborations in technology and design to support sustainable development.

1. Dr. Sangwoo Park – Minister of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport of South Korea

Dr. Sangwoo Park, born in 1961 in Busan, South Korea, is currently the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport. He holds a PhD in Urban Planning from Gachon University. With extensive experience in urban planning and development, he has contributed to shaping numerous key policies and strategies for South Korea. At the RTD 2024 Conference, Dr. Sangwoo Park will deliver a keynote speech titled “Smart City Strategy of Korea.” His presentation will provide fresh perspectives on smart city development, highlighting innovative initiatives in urban transportation infrastructure.

2. Professor Alvaro Manuel Mendes Barbosa – University of Saint Joseph, Macao

Alvaro Barbosa is the Vice-Rector and Professor at the University of Saint Joseph, Macao. With over 20 years of experience, he has a strong academic background spanning Engineering, Arts, and Computer Science. Notably, he achieved significant breakthroughs in the fields of Music Network Experimentation and Interactive Sound System Design during his postdoctoral research at Stanford University (USA) in 2010. At RTD 2024, Professor Alvaro Barbosa will present on the topic “Benchmarking Sustainability: Neurosciences and AI Tech Research in Macau.” His keynote will offer groundbreaking insights into the application of neuroscience and AI technology in sustainable development.

3. Professor Wei-Chih Lin – National Sun Yat-sen University, Taiwan

RTD 2024 is honored to welcome Professor Wei-Chih Lin from National Sun Yat-sen University, Taiwan, a leading expert in mechanical and mechatronic engineering. He holds a PhD from the Department of Engineering at the University of Cambridge. With more than thirty patents and over fifty published scientific papers, his research focuses on mechatronic design, human-machine systems, assistive devices, sensors, and biomedical engineering.

In his keynote speech at RTD 2024, Professor Wei-Chih Lin will present on “Smart Agricultural Robots Transforming the Current and Future of Farming.”

4. Professor Wim Vanhaverbeke – University of Antwerp, Belgium

Professor Wim Vanhaverbeke currently serves as the Academic Director of the Master’s in Management program at Antwerp Management School, Belgium. With an illustrious career in technology management and innovation, he was recognized as one of the top 50 researchers by the International Association for Management of Technology (IAMOT) between 2008-2012. From April 2018 to March 2021, he was also a member of the Advisory Board of the Technology Innovation Research Center at Tsinghua University.

At the RTD 2024 Conference, Professor Vanhaverbeke will present on “The Lack of Understanding of Innovation Ecosystems is Slowing the Adoption of Digital Technology Applications: Cases from Digital Healthcare and Precision Agriculture.”

5. Professors Kelly Shannon & Bruno De Meulder – KU Leuven, Belgium

Professors Kelly Shannon and Bruno De Meulder from KU Leuven, Belgium, will be among the keynote speakers at RTD 2024. Professor Shannon currently serves as the Director of the Master’s Program in Human Settlements and the Master’s in Urbanism, Landscape, and Planning. Meanwhile, Professor De Meulder is the Coordinator of the Master’s in Human Settlements and the Master’s in Urbanism, Landscape, and Planning.

Their presentation, titled “A Socio-Ecological Turn for the Mekong Delta: Accentuating Indigenous Logics,” will explore how ecological and social principles can be applied to sustainable development in the Mekong Delta, emphasizing the role of indigenous logics in urban and landscape design.

6. Professor Karen Tagulao – University of Saint Joseph, Macao

Professor Karen Araño Tagulao is the Coordinator of the Master’s Program in Environmental Science and Management at the University of Saint Joseph, Macao, and the Chairperson of the USJ Green Committee. She will be presenting at RTD 2024 on “Nature-based Solutions for a Sustainable Coastal City: Macao as a Case Study.” Her talk will highlight nature-based solutions for sustainable coastal city development, using Macao as an illustrative example of ecological science and environmental technology.

7. Professor Lesly Goh – World Bank

Lesly Goh is a renowned international policy advisor, working to advance data and technology innovation in emerging markets across FinTech, AgTech, Climate, and Digital Government Transformation. She is a Senior Technology Advisor and former Chief Technology Officer of the World Bank Group. Additionally, she is a Fulbright Specialist and a Senior Fellow at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore. She also serves on the Board of GovTech Singapore and advises the Harvard Project for Asian and International Relations.

At RTD 2024, Professor Lesly Goh will present on “Sowing the Seeds for a More Sustainable Food System,” exploring strategies and solutions for building a more sustainable global food system.

8. Professor Javed I. Khan – Kent State University, USA

Dr. Javed I. Khan, Professor and Chair of the Department of Computer Science at Kent State University, is a leading expert in network infrastructure. With over two decades of experience, he has designed high-speed national networks such as BdREN and NgREN for Bangladesh and Nigeria. At RTD 2024, he will deliver a presentation on “Research in Programmable Networking,” exploring cutting-edge advancements in programmable networks.

In addition to keynote speeches, the conference will feature several special discussion sessions on the following topics:

(i) Digital Twin and Smart City;
(ii) City Image and City Branding;
(iii) Nature-Based Solutions for Smart City Development;
(iv) Deep Tech: Innovations and Startups;
(v) Advanced Control Robotics;
(vi) Big Data, AI, ML, DL, and Cloud Computing in Sustainable Practices;
(vii) Art Tech;
(viii) Sustainability;
(ix) Systematic Creativity Towards Sustainability;
(x) Sustainable Energy;
(xi) Innovation Ecosystem in the Mekong Delta.

In addition to keynote sessions and special discussions, the RTD 2024 Conference will also host parallel sessions where researchers and experts from around the world will present their latest studies in technology and design. These parallel discussions not only help attendees expand their professional knowledge but also provide opportunities to share real-world experiences, network, collaborate, and build relationships with experts who share the same passion and interests, ultimately fostering sustainable development in their respective fields.

The RTD 2024 – Fostering Sustainability Conference is not just an important academic event but also a valuable opportunity for scholars and experts from different countries to connect, collaborate, and explore innovative solutions for a more sustainable world. Attendees will have access to cutting-edge research, share ideas, and establish meaningful partnerships in technology and design.

The RTD 2024 Organizing Committee cordially invites researchers, scholars, professionals, lecturers, and students to register and participate in this international scientific conference with new and exciting topics.

For more information about the conference, please visit http://rtdconference.info/.

— RTD 2024 Organizing Committee