To promote innovation and science and technology

In order to power the construction and development of a green and sustainable ecosystem, Binh Duong has constantly innovated science and technology to promote the development of high-tech industry.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, leaders of ministries, branches and Binh Duong provincial leaders press the groundbreaking button to start construction of VSIP III Industrial Park. Photo: Quoc Chien

Training and attracting high-quality human resources

In order to make breakthrough in economic development, and keep up with the 4^th industrial revolution 4.0, Binh Duong has realized the specific action programs and projects of the smart city project, which always puts people at the center and takes connection and cooperation as the driving force for development in a completely consistent trend of globalization and international integration when the economy is mainly based on knowledge, human resources, especially high-quality human resources, and increasingly decisive role.

Therefore, in order to catch up with new trends, innovation becomes a new mindset in the management and operation of the economy, society and businesses. Over the past time, Binh Duong has formed ‘incubators’ such as the Center for Community Initiatives and Support for Start-ups of Eastern International University with the goal of connecting the components of the ecosystem of entrepreneurship and innovation in the province. A number of research centers have been established by enterprises, typically the Research and Development Institute under Becamex IDC and a joint research and development department under VNTT and Wustech. In addition, a key project on building a startup ecosystem to bridge business development in Vietnam is BLOCK71 in cooperation with the National University of Singapore in Ho Chi Minh city for Binh Duong to connect resources with Ho Chi Minh city and integrate into the global startup chain in the first step for other exciting activities to develop the startup and innovation ecosystem in Binh Duong.

To realize the long-term goal of turning Binh Duong into a globally competitive locality in terms of attracting and retaining scientific and technical talents to promote innovation, researches and development, Binh Duong needs to set up a solid knowledge base that can serve many advanced manufacturing companies. In February, Becamex IDC together with Sembcorp Group and Vietnam - Singapore Industrial Park  Company Limited (VSIP) announced the cooperation to promote innovation, the 4^th industrial revolution, sustainable development, and new growth platforms. The parties agreed to establish the Vietnam - Singapore Industry Innovation Center (VSIIC) at Eastern International University (EIU) in partnership with Singapore Polytechnic International and the Smart Transformation Alliance i4.0 of Singapore.

The establishment of the center demonstrated the commitment of Becamex IDC, VSIP and EIU in accompanying businesses on the way of the 4^th industrial transformation. The center was established with the vision to accelerate the application of technology and enhance the competitiveness of Vietnam as a manufacturing hub in Asia. VSIIC would play an important role in the industrial production ecosystem to train the workforce and to be ready for the future, and promote the transformation and continuous upgrade of manufacturing enterprises with comprehensive activities of education - training, research and development, technology introduction, readiness assessment and consulting to help businesses apply the right technology solutions to improve productivity and business management processes . In addition, EIU and Sembcorp signed a cooperation with the goal of promoting sustainable development solutions to support the transition to clean energy in Vietnam and develop human resources.

Mr. Nguyen Van Hung, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Becamex IDC, said: “The cooperation will create an opportunity for the parties to embark on research projects related to the industry and commercial deployment of technology. The activities will help raise awareness about the application of technology and innovation for sustainable development in businesses.” Mr. Wong Kim Yin, CEO of Sembcorp Group, said: “In the coming time, Sembcrop, VSIP, and Becamex IDC will mobilize investment capital in green fields, technology, and next-generation manufacturers of newer, greener, and more sustainable approach to the 4^th industrial revlution technology at EIU. Every year, EIU will train highly qualified human resources to meet enterprise requirements and participate in the production of smart factories. Besides, VSIIC will be a source of personnel for VSIP and Becamex IDC industrial parks, whic his also a renewable source for Binh Duong.”

Building green industrial infrastructure

In order to become a green and smart production area that is competitive and attracts foreign high-tech industrial investors, Binh Duong has been and continues to build a good business environment with green industrial park infrastructures. Besides, leading enterprises such as Becamex IDC has helped the province build a global marketing network to expand to external cooperation relations, and buid a smart city project; thereby, enhancing the image and brand of Binh Duong in the international arena, and creating favorable conditions to attract enterprises to invest in clean industry and high-tech to become a good destination for investors.

Mr. Carsten Rasmussen, Operations Director of Lego Group from Denmark, said: “The decision to choose Binh Duong as the investment and construction site for a new factory has been carefully considered and is part of the development strategy of the group. The project will bring new and interesting playing experiences for children, and at the same time, meet safety standards of protecting the green and clean environment.

Mr. Vo Van Minh, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the provincial People's Committee, said: “Lego Group has signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate with VSIP to invest more than USD 1 billion in building a production factory in Binh Duong as the largest high-tech project since the COVID-19 pandemic ever invested in the province. The project uses renewable and solar energy with emissions of international standards to make a very positive impact on the environment and ecosystem. This also confirms the investment potentials and advantages of Binh Duong. The provincial authority will always accompany to remove obstacles, accelerate the construction of the factory, and it is believed that Lego will invest in efficient production and expand its scale.

Keeping on to be a destination to attract investors in high-tech manufacturing, Pandora Group from Denmark has recently decided to invest in a project of a total capital of USD 100 million to realize a manufacturing facility of new world-class jewelry making at VSIP III. The manufacturing facility is built according to LEED Gold standards - a leading certification for green building and uses 100% renewable energy. The project is expected to start construction in early 2023 and start production by the end of 2024. Mr. Jeerasage Puranasamriddhi, Supply Chain Director of Pandora Group, said: “We have conducted a survey to evaluate and have carefully studied all provinces and cities and chose Binh Duong for 3 reasons of the availability of skilled labor, good infrastructure and proximity to the international airports let alone the enthusiasm, strong support and commitment of the provincial authority.”

Reported by Phuong Le – Quang Tri – Translated by Vi Bao