'R&D - the key for Vietnamese agriculture to build its position'

On March 25, TTC AgriS (Thanh Thanh Cong - Bien Hoa Joint Stock Company) signed a memorandum of understanding with Nanyang Technological University (NTU) to become a member of Singapore Agri-Food Innovation Lab (SAIL).

The signing of the cooperation agreement between TTC AgriS and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) took place under the witness of senior leaders of the two countries - Photo DNCC

Ms. Dang Huynh Uc My - Chairwoman of TTC AgriS Board of Directors - had a talk with the press on this event.

* Madam, why does TTC AgriS cooperate with NTU in the field of R&D?

- To go far, we must accompany the best people!

Ranked among the top universities of technology and innovation in the world, NTU is home to the Singapore Agri-Food Innovation Lab (SAIL), a hub for the dynamic food and agriculture ecosystem. SAIL focuses on areas such as sustainability, automation, digitalisation, and agricultural input and downstream research & development.

Being a member of SAIL helps us quickly master the most advanced technologies in smart agriculture and sustainable food, thereby optimizing the agricultural value chain and participating deeply in the global FBMC (Food - Beverage - Milk - Confectionery) market.

Above all, this cooperation contributes to the implementation of Resolution 57-NQ/TW of the Vietnamese Government on innovation in agriculture.

* It is known that the R&D center in Singapore is expected to operate from June 2025. What are the outstanding activities of the center?

- We focus on plant-based foods and beverages, applying technologies such as protein fermentation, HPP, UHT, innovative packaging and developing specific nutritional formulas.

This is an important link to commercialize deeply processed products with clear traceability, meeting the international market and affirming TTC AgriS's position in the trend of sustainable consumption.

* Is it difficult to become a partner of NTU - one of the largest universities in the world, madam?

- SAIL operates through Enterprise Singapore - an agency under the Ministry of Trade and Industry of Singapore.

Present in Singapore since 2017, TTC AgriS has worked hard to build its reputation and leave its mark through many positive activities. Thanks to that, we received the support of Enterprise Singapore and opened the way to NTU.

Through this cooperation, TTC AgriS affirms its commitment to sustainable development, aiming to become a symbol of innovation in the region's agricultural sector.

Leaders of TTC AgriS and Singapore Agri-Food Innovation Lab (SAIL) at the signing ceremony - Photo DNCC

* What does this cooperation mean to NTU and TTC AgriS?

- R&D is always the driving factor of TTC AgriS's activities, helping us continuously expand the exploitation and deep processing of many other agricultural products such as sugarcane, coconut, banana, rice... with an increasingly diverse product portfolio and optimizing the value of crops.

Therefore, the cooperation with NTU will connect TTC AgriS with the global innovation ecosystem, quickly commercializing research results. When participating in the ecosystem, we are also willing to share the AgriS Circular Commercial Value Chain solution - a circular commercial value chain that is effective on a multinational scale.

This is a solid agricultural business platform for all parties in the supply chain to exchange, share, add value and promote sustainable agricultural development.

Therefore, I believe that combining innovative technology at SAIL with the capacity and experience of TTC AgriS will create new breakthroughs for TTC AgriS and Southeast Asian agriculture.

* Does the company pay much attention to cooperation with schools and research institutes?

- All TTC AgriS R&D centers are closely linked with leading universities, research institutes and organizations.

In Vietnam, TTC AGRI Research Institute is working with Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry. Director - Dr. Tran Tan Viet is the former head of the Faculty of Agronomy of the University of Agriculture and Forestry and an expert of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The late Professor, Dr. Vo Tong Xuan - a scientist who has made many important contributions to Vietnam's and the world's agriculture is also a former member of the Board of Directors of AgriS.

Two R&D centers in Australia are working with the University of Queensland to create a widely applicable model for more than 90,000 hectares of TTC AgriS's multinational raw material areas.

Ms. Dang Huynh Uc My attended a State-level meeting and sharing session within the framework of the Singaporean Prime Minister's visit to Vietnam - Photo DNCC

* TTC AgriS has a multinational R&D system in Vietnam, Australia, Singapore and soon Indonesia. Do these centers operate similarly, madam?

- Basically, R&D centers all focus on optimizing processes, production methods and exploiting the potential of crops through deep processing products. But depending on the characteristics of each country, I orient specific roles for the centers to suit local potential.

Vietnam, Australia and Indonesia are strong in agricultural production, so R&D in Australia will focus on in-depth agronomy, while Vietnam and Indonesia will research and optimize production processes and technology.

As a global trading hub, Singapore is well-suited for innovative research, technology exchange and international cooperation. Therefore, R&D here will focus on developing high-tech products and promoting commercialization.

I determined that TTC AgriS must be a high-tech agricultural solution provider based on sustainable development. To achieve that, R&D is the compass, leading to the optimization of the sustainable commercial value chain, from Digital Agriculture (Agtech) to Food Technology (Foodtech).

Thanks to strong investment in R&D, we have successfully built the AgriS Circular Commercial Value Chain model and deeply participated in the FBMC market. TTC AgriS currently not only provides products but also creates a comprehensive service ecosystem, meeting the ever-changing needs of the market.

I believe that only through continuous innovation can TTC AgriS lead and bring sustainable value, and R&D is the key for Vietnamese agriculture to build a position globally.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/rd-chia-khoa-de-nong-nghiep-viet-xay-dung-vi-the-20250329165957697.htm