On March 24, 2024, the Institute of Smart City and Management (ISCM), the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH - ISCM) had the opportunity to have a discussion with professors from Portland State University (USA) at StudioLab, UEH V campus – which is regarded as a space for intellectual exchange between Vietnam and the world.

Participating in the meeting, from ISCM, was Dr. Trinh Tu Anh (Director of the Institute of Smart City and Management), M.Sc. Pham Nguyen Hoai (ISCM Lecturer), and Mr. Le Phan Truong An (ISCM Specialist).

Representing Portland State University (USA) were Dr. Marie Lo (Professor & Chair of English - Liberty Ar Science), Dr. Betty Izumi (Professor, Interim Associate Dean For Student And Alumni Affairs), Mr. Hau Hagedorn (Community Investment Manager, Metro), Dr. Alma Trinidad (Professor, BSW Program Director/Chair), Prof. Bishuapal Limbu (Professor - English, Liberty Ar Science), Ms. Kathleen Holt (ED of APANO), and Ms. Nhu To-Haynes (Public Health Advisor, NTH Consulting LLC).

Throughout the meeting, the team of experts from Portland State University expressed their interest in the development and conservation of landscapes within the heart of Saigon, the role of education in increasing knowledge, shaping the mindset, and behavior of citizens, as well as affirming the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to drive smart urban development and sustainable growth. The meeting opened up opportunities for exchange and collaboration between ISCM and Portland State University to realize the goal of creating carbon-neutral, smart, and sustainable urban areas.