From October 23–26, 2025, Phan Chau Trinh University (PCTU) participated in the 15th International Conference on Public Health among Greater Mekong Sub-region Countries (ICPH-GMS 15), held at Kunming Medical University, China. The event brought together nearly 500 delegates from universities, research institutes, and health organizations across the GMS, including Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, and China.

With the theme “Building a Regional Health Community: Challenges and Innovations in Public Health,” this year’s conference served as an important regional platform where experts discussed collaborative and innovative solutions to emerging public health challenges.

PCTU sent a delegation of three representatives:

• PhD. Nguyen Xuan Huong – Head of the Department of Public Health; Head of the Division of Science, Technology, and Clinical Research
• Dr. Do Hoang Minh Thu – Lecturer, Department of Public Health
• Student Le Dang Khoa – Class 21YK1

This marks the first time that PCTU has participated as a presenting institution at ICPH-GMS, demonstrating the university’s growing capacity and commitment to research, particularly in community-oriented public health.

PCTU’s Scientific Contributions at the Conference

At the scientific sessions, the PCTU team delivered two research presentations that received positive feedback for their practical relevance and community impact:

1. “Prevalence of Hypertension and Associated Factors in a Mountainous District in the Central of Vietnam” – A study providing essential data for non-communicable disease prevention programs.
2. “Current Status of Vaccination and Associated Factors of Children Under 12 Months Old in a Province in Mekong Delta Region, Vietnam” – A study identifying factors influencing vaccination rates in infants, contributing evidence to improve immunization strategies at the primary healthcare level.

These contributions brought valuable insights from Vietnam, enriching the regional discussion and highlighting PCTU’s efforts in implementing community-based health research.

Strengthening Institutional Visibility and Expanding Regional Collaboration

PCTU’s participation in ICPH-GMS 15 aligns with the university’s strategic goals:

• Advancing applied research for community benefit
• Expanding partnerships in education and public health research across the region
• Enhancing international academic exchange opportunities for faculty and students

Beyond presenting research, the PCTU delegation engaged in panel discussions and networking activities, establishing connections with numerous institutions in fields such as public health, epidemiology, and family medicine. These partnerships are expected to lead to future academic exchanges, joint research initiatives, and international practicum opportunities for PCTU students.

Participation in ICPH-GMS 15 marks an important milestone in PCTU’s path toward international integration. By contributing Vietnamese scientific perspectives, strengthening regional collaboration, and showcasing its growing research capacity, PCTU continues to move towards its vision of becoming a pioneering health sciences university—one that places learners and community impact at the center of its mission.