From September 17 to 19, 2026, a delegation from Thuyloi University participated in the 2026 Lancang-Mekong Symposium in Zhengzhou, Henan, China, making significant academic contributions to the event. The symposium brought together a large number of international experts and researchers to address pressing challenges related to climate change and water security.
The opening session of the 2026 Lancang-Mekong Symposium in Zhengzhou, China.
The 2026 Lancang-Mekong Symposium brought together experts and researchers from various countries to exchange views on pressing challenges related to climate change, water security, and sustainable development in the Lancang-Mekong Basin.
The symposium was hosted by Chinese Hydraulic Engineering Society and organized by North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, with the participation and support of international organizations including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the UNESCO Programme on Ecosystem Restoration of River Basins.
During the opening session and plenary presentations, speakers shared research findings and scientific perspectives on regional water resource transitions, basin ecosystem management, and the Water–Food–Energy nexus.
Junguo Liu, President of the North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, presented on regional water resource transitions and introduced the Lancang-Mekong River Basin Ecosystem Assessment, published by UNEP in 2025. Meanwhile, Prof. Linxiu Zhang, Director of UNEP-IEMP, focused on an ecosystem-based approach to the Water–Food–Energy nexus, with a view to developing resource management and sustainable development solutions in the context of climate change.
Thuyloi University delegation at the symposium and a presentation of a commemorative gift to the organizing committee. The delegation was led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Thang, Dean of Faculty of Civil Engineering.
Thuyloi University was represented by a five-member delegation, which actively participated in discussion sessions and presented research findings in the fields of water resources, modeling, and forecasting technologies.
At Technical Session 1, Dr. Truong Hong Son from Faculty of Civil Engineering presented a study entitled “A Multi-Scale Digital Modeling Chain from Regional Scale to the Mangrove Edge.” The research focused on assessing the spatial and temporal linkages among water resources, food security, and energy in the Mekong Delta under climate change and extreme weather conditions.
A notable aspect of the research was the flexible development and application of open-source software and next-generation simulation tools to improve computational performance, interpretability, and the connection between theoretical and engineering problems and practical issues related to policy, livelihoods, and local production.
Dr. Truong Hong Son presenting his research at the symposium
At Technical Session 2, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Kim Chau from the Faculty of Water Resources Engineering presented a paper entitled “Real-Time Forecasting and Monitoring Technology for Surface Water Resources – A Case Study in Dak Nong.”
The study introduced a fully automated four-step workflow for data processing and decision support without manual intervention. The workflow includes automated collection of satellite and rainfall data; streamflow calculation using the HEC-HMS model; flow propagation simulation using the HEC-RAS model; and visualization of water levels and flow velocities through a WebGIS platform.
The research presented at the symposium highlighted Thuyloi University’s research capacity, technological applications and practical experience in water resources management and climate change adaptation.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Kim Chau presenting her research at the symposium.
In addition to scientific presentations and discussions, the symposium provided opportunities for delegates to exchange views on regional water data platforms, sustainable agriculture, and solutions to drought response.
The delegation participating in a field trip to the South-to-North Water Transfer Project in the Yellow River area.
As part of the program, the Thuyloi University delegation participated in a field trip to the South-to-North Water Transfer Project across the Yellow River. The field trip provided delegates with an opportunity to gain first-hand insights into the technologies, management approaches, and operation of large-scale water infrastructure.
The Thuyloi University delegation also held a meeting with the Chinese research team responsible for the Protocol Project to discuss the research content and implementation plan. From Thuyloi University, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Kim Chau serves as the Principal Investigator of the project.
Participation in the 2026 Lancang-Mekong Symposium contributed to expanding academic connections between Thuyloi University and research institutions, universities, and international organizations. It also created further opportunities for professional exchange, data sharing, and the development of collaborative research activities in water resources, climate change, and sustainable river basin development.
Article and photos: TLU Delegation / Website Editorial Board
