VIETNAM TO HOST PBC 2025 FOR THE FIRST TIME
On the afternoon of May 28, 2025, International University (Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City) in collaboration with the Pacific Basin Consortium for the Environment and Health (PBC) officially launched the 20th International Conference under the theme “The Bidirectional interaction between Climate and Health”, at Caravelle Hotel, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
For the first time the prestigious PBC Conference is being held in Vietnam, attracting hundreds of experts, scientists, lecturers, researchers, and students from countries including the United States, Australia, Japan, Taiwan, and other Pacific nations. The conference takes place over four days, from May 28 to May 31, 2025.
Hundreds of experts, scientists, lecturers, researchers, and students from countries such as the U.S., Australia, Japan, Taiwan, and many others in the Pacific region attend the conference.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Phương Thảo – Director of the Research Center for Infectious Diseases (RCID) – emphasized: “For decades, PBC has been an important forum for promoting dialogue and action on the links between climate and health. We are proud to bring together international researchers, experts, and students to discuss this topic. International University is honored to accompany our partners in the pursuit of sustainable solutions.”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Phương Thảo – Director of the Research Center for Infectious Diseases (RCID), International University (VNU-HCM), opened the session of the PBC 2025 Conference by emphasizing the role of the conference in promoting dialogue and action on the connection between climate and health, aiming toward sustainable solutions.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Đinh Đức Anh Vũ – Vice President of International University, also affirmed that hosting a global scientific forum like PBC 2025 is not only a valuable learning experience but also reflects the mission and identity of International University in connecting knowledge and making a mark in the scientific community.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Đinh Đức Anh Vũ – Vice President of International University – delivers remarks at the conference.
This year’s conference was successfully organized thanks to the generous sponsorship of Phu Sa Genomics JSC, Vingroup Innovation Foundation (VinIF), B.C.E Vietnam Co., Ltd., United Scientific Company International (USCI), Van Nam Integrated Science and Technology Co., Ltd., Minh Khang Technical Services & Trading Co., Ltd., and VLAB JSC. The dedication of these sponsors to the advancement of science and public health is not only a source of inspiration but also of vital significance.
Mr. Ngô Quốc Nam – Director of Phu Sa Genomics JSC, the Platinum Sponsor of PBC 2025 – expresses his gratitude to the Organizing Committee.
PBC 2025 was hosted by International University through the RCID and the School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, in collaboration with prestigious academic partners such as Louisiana State University, the University of Queensland (Australia), and the University of Texas at San Antonio (USA). The conference included 7 plenary sessions and 9 parallel sessions, focusing on urgent issues such as climate change, environmental pollution, public health, and research-driven response initiatives.
That afternoon, Plenary Session 1 featured three presentations. Among them, the first plenary talk was delivered by Dr. Tô Thanh Tâm from District 4 Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, titled “Knowledge and Practices on Medical Waste Classification and Related Factors among Healthcare Workers at District 4 Hospital.”
This report reflects the growing concern regarding medical waste management and the role of healthcare workers in environmental protection. The presentation highlighted not only the level of understanding and practical actions by medical staff in waste classification at the source, but also identified influencing factors such as professional qualifications, training exposure, leadership support, and facility infrastructure. The report also proposed practical solutions to improve medical waste management at healthcare facilities, contributing to a greener, cleaner, and safer hospital environment.
Plenary Session 1 began with a presentation titled “Knowledge and Practices on Medical Waste Classification and Related Factors among Healthcare Workers at District 4 Hospital” by Dr. Tô Thanh Tâm from District 4 Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City.
Following that, a presentation by Dr. Phạm Lê An (University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City) drew significant attention, focusing on the impact of climate change on health in low- and middle-income countries. He emphasized the role of Primary Health Care (PHC) as a key solution, highlighting the importance of strengthening early warning systems, training healthcare personnel, developing sustainable infrastructure, and raising public awareness.
Dr. Phạm Lê An from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City delivered a presentation titled “The Impact of Climate Change on Health in Low- and Middle-Income Countries, and Primary Health Care Solutions,” which captured strong interest from attending experts.
The participating speakers engaged in an active discussion, focusing on the feasibility of the recommendations and the real-world challenges faced by district-level hospitals. The dialogue was not only academically enriching but also highly practical, contributing to a vibrant and constructive atmosphere during the conference’s first working session.
The speakers engaged in lively discussion.
Day 2 of the PBC 2025 International Conference continued with vibrant energy, featuring in-depth sessions on environment and health. The agenda included 2 plenary sessions, 4 thematic sessions, and 1 student poster session, attracting a large number of experts and researchers. Plenary Session 2, titled “Low-Carbon Emission Health Systems,” was moderated by Dr. Lưu Phúc Lợi and Dr. Đặng Trịnh Minh Anh. It covered topics such as financial-environmental sustainability, soil microbiomes related to antibiotic resistance, and the use of biochar to reduce pesticide pollution.
Plenary Session 3 focused on the impact of climate change on health in the Asia–Pacific region, highlighting climate-sensitive infectious diseases and priority response strategies.
Dr. Lưu Phúc Lợi moderated Plenary Session 2 with the theme “Low-Carbon Emission Health Systems.”
Thematic Session 1 explored virology tools that accelerate antiviral drug discovery for coronaviruses, methods for detectingemerging microbial diseases, and the impact of climate change on mosquito-borne illnesses, particularly those transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. Thematic Session 2 examined the effects of high temperatures on human health, particularly during pregnancy and infancy, with case studies on heatwaves in Australia. Thematic Session 3 focused on heavy metal exposure from e-waste recycling and solutions for removing arsenic and mercury. Thematic Session 4 addressed air pollution, with a standout presentation by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pratima Singh from the Institute of Home Economics, University of Delhi, on indoor air quality in schools.
The presentation of Dr. Singh emphasized that air pollution in classrooms poses serious risks to children, because they spend 6–7 hours daily at school and have higher respiratory rates. Research in Delhi showed CO₂ and fine particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10) levels often exceed WHO safety guidelines, leading to poor concentration, drowsiness, increased respiratory risks, and absenteeism. Dr. Singh proposed sustainable, low-cost solutions to improve air quality, safeguard children’s health, and enhance learning outcomes.
The student poster session, held at Opera Room #1, featured over 30 studies from various countries on topics such as air quality, water pollution, AI in medicine, nutrition, and sustainable food systems—demonstrating the leading role of young researchers. The conference also fostered networking opportunities with sponsors such as VinIF, Phu Sa Genomics, and VLAB through dedicated booths, encouraging scientific exchange and knowledge sharing.
Student poster session and sponsor networking.
The conference also offered opportunities to connect with sponsors such as VinIF, Phu Sa Genomics, and VLAB through exhibition booths, fostering engagement and scientific knowledge exchange.
Day 2 of PBC 2025 provided not only a comprehensive overview of climate change-related health risks but also practical science and technology-based solutions to help protect public health in an increasingly challenging environment.
Day 3 – the final day of the PBC 2025 Conference – continued with enthusiasm, featuring 2 plenary sessions, 3 thematic sessions, the Phu Sa Workshop, and a student presentation session, all centered on environment and health.
Plenary Session 4, moderated by Prof. Naohiro Kato and Prof. Budi Haryanto, focused on the origins, exposure pathways, and health impacts of microplastics. Plenary Session 6, led by Prof. Moo Been Chang and Dr. Chia-Yu Huang, addressed the harms of plastics in food storage, the effects of plasticizers on asthma and allergies, and the risks of emerging chemicals in children’s health.
Thematic Session 5, titled “Global Threats to Children’s Health,” included three reports on indoor air pollution (by Prof. Dr. Peter Sly), the oxidative stress effects of flame retardants on children, and the impacts of heavy metals on fetal development. Thematic Session 6 featured four presentations on indoor air quality, protecting children from air pollution, recovery from chronic respiratory illnesses, and the FIND IT rapid detection method.
Prof. Dr. Peter Sly from the University of Queensland (Australia) presented the report: Indoor air pollution.
The Phu Sa Workshop introduced SPOTCHECK-PCR for Helicobacter pylori diagnosis and hands-on PCR practice, alongside a talk by Dr. Nguyễn Minh Nam on the application of AI in cancer diagnostics.
Thematic Session 7 featured two presentations: one on Indigenous-led revitalization efforts, and another offering an overview of climate change and health in Vietnam. The student presentation session, moderated by Prof. Stephania Cormier and Dr. Đỗ Thị Thu Hiền, showcased innovative student research on topics including pesticide treatment, antifungal resistance, AI in herbal screening, and natural skincare products, highlighting the creativity and potential of the younger generation.
Prof. Stephania Cormier moderates the session, featuring student research on pesticide treatment, antifungal resistance, AI in herbal screening, and natural skincare solutions, demonstrating the creativity of the younger generation.
Day 3 highlighted the risks posed by microplastics, air pollution, and chemical exposure, while proposing solutions to safeguard public health in the face of climate change.
The PBC 2025 Conference served not only as an international academic forum, but also as a platform for Vietnam to affirm its proactive role in the global research network and to help advance health-environment policy toward sustainable development.
With international scale , the Pacific Basin Consortium (PBC) has consistently focused on the health impacts of climate change and the need to address these issues across the Pacific region.
This year’s event proudly recognized the support of sponsors including VinIF Foundation, Phu Sa Genomics JSC, United Scientific Co. Ltd., B.C.E Vietnam Co. Ltd., Van Nam Integrated Science and Technology Co. Ltd., Minh Khang Technical Service & Trading Co. Ltd., and VLAB JSC.