Exploring Vietnam’s Innovation Ecosystem Through the Deep Tech Tour Vietnam 2026
Cyberjaya, Malaysia – In conjunction with the Tech Planter Vietnam Demo Day 2026, Leave a Nest Malaysia organized the Deep Tech Tour Vietnam 2026, bringing together delegates from the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) and Eartheories Sdn. Bhd. to explore Vietnam's innovation ecosystem and identify opportunities for regional collaboration. The delegation comprised Ms. Nur Hartini Mardan, Manager, Research & Product Development Department; Dr. Christine Jamie, Senior Executive, Tech & Talent Transfer, Research & Product Development Department; and Ms. Lai Siaw Feng, Senior Executive, Research & Product Development Department, representing SDEC, alongside Mr. Ammar Danial, Director of Eartheories Sdn. Bhd.
The three-day programme provided delegates with direct engagement opportunities with universities, innovation ecosystem builders, corporates, and industry representatives, while also immersing them in one of Vietnam's leading deep-tech startup platforms. The programme aimed to strengthen regional networks, facilitate knowledge exchange, and explore opportunities for collaboration in technology, entrepreneurship, talent development, market expansion, and cross-border business development.
On 9 July 2026, the delegation visited PetroVietnam University (PVU), where they met with representatives from the External Relations and Science & Technology Division to learn about the university's research capabilities, talent development initiatives, and industry collaborations. The delegation then visited NAROMA, where they gained first-hand experience in the company's perfume-making process and explored its approach to fragrance formulation, product development, and brand innovation. The visit provided valuable insights into Vietnam's growing fragrance industry while opening discussions on potential collaboration in product development and manufacturing.
The programme continued on 10 July 2026 with visits to key universities and innovation ecosystem builders. At Nguyen Tat Thanh University, the delegates met with the Global Engagement Office to exchange perspectives on international collaboration, research commercialization, and entrepreneurship. They then visited New Energy Nexus Vietnam, engaging with the Communication and Marketing team to gain insights into Vietnam's startup ecosystem, climate-tech initiatives, and innovation support programmes. The delegation also visited Van Lang University, where they were hosted by the Corporate Relations Office to learn about the university's innovation ecosystem, industry partnerships, and talent development initiatives. The final visit of the day was to Hoa Sen University, where discussions centred on entrepreneurship education, student innovation, experiential learning, and university-industry collaboration.
The programme culminated on 11 July 2026 with the delegates participating in the Tech Planter Vietnam Demo Day 2026. The event brought together researchers, startups, universities, corporates, investors, and ecosystem partners from across Vietnam and the region to showcase deep-tech innovations and explore opportunities for research commercialization and cross-border collaboration. Through the Demo Day, the delegates had the opportunity to engage directly with startup founders, witness innovative technology pitches, exchange ideas with ecosystem stakeholders, and expand their professional networks for future collaborations.
Reflecting on the programme, the delegates gained a comprehensive understanding of Vietnam's innovation ecosystem from university-driven research and talent development to startup acceleration, entrepreneurship, and industry collaboration. The direct engagements also enabled meaningful discussions on manufacturing partnerships, technology commercialization, market expansion, and potential collaborations between Malaysian and Vietnamese organizations.
The Deep Tech Tour Vietnam 2026 demonstrated Leave a Nest Malaysia's continued commitment to connecting knowledge, technology, and people across Southeast Asia. By combining institutional visits with participation in the Tech Planter Vietnam Demo Day, the programme provided delegates with a holistic perspective of Vietnam's innovation landscape while fostering meaningful partnerships that contribute to the sustainable growth of the regional innovation ecosystem.
We would like to express our sincere appreciation to all our hosts and partners for their warm hospitality, valuable insights, and generous support throughout the Deep Tech Tour Vietnam 2026.
Your willingness to share your experiences, expertise, and perspectives has provided our delegates with a deeper understanding of Vietnam's innovation ecosystem and created meaningful opportunities for future collaboration.
Our heartfelt thanks to:
- PetroVietnam University (PVU)
- NAROMA Vietnam
- Nguyen Tat Thanh University
- New Energy Nexus Vietnam
- Van Lang University
- Hoa Sen University
Thank you for welcoming delegates from Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) and Eartheories Sdn. Bhd. We truly appreciate the engaging discussions, knowledge sharing, and connections established throughout the programme.
We look forward to strengthening our partnerships and creating more opportunities for collaboration between Vietnam, Malaysia, Japan, and the wider Southeast Asian innovation ecosystem.
Together, let's continue connecting knowledge, technology, and people for Global Happiness.