On January 29, 2026, Ho Chi Minh City University of Natural Resources and Environment (HCMUNRE) formally hosted a reception and working session with a delegation from Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, including representatives of Ogawa Econos Company—a corporation specializing in waste treatment and environmental consultancy that has been actively implementing projects in Vietnam. This event marked an important international engagement activity, contributing to strengthening connections, information exchange, and promoting cooperation between the University and Japanese local authorities and enterprises in the field of environmental protection, toward sustainable development goals and the effective application of advanced technologies in practice.
Figure 1. Overview of the working session between the two parties
The meeting was conducted in a formal, professional, and academically meaningful atmosphere, with the participation of the University’s leadership, management staff, and faculty members, along with members of the Hiroshima Prefecture delegation. Representing Ho Chi Minh City University of Natural Resources and Environment were Associate Professor Dr. Le Hoang Nghiem – Vice President; Dr. Le Thi Kim Thoa – Deputy Head of the Office of Science, Technology and External Relations; Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Lu Phuong – Vice Dean of the Faculty of Environment; Associate Professor Dr. Thai Phuong Vu – Vice Dean of the Faculty of Environment; Dr. Dinh Thi Thu Ha – Lecturer, Faculty of Environment; Dr. Do Duc Thien – Lecturer, Faculty of Environment; Dr. Nguyen Thanh Ngan – Lecturer, Faculty of Environment; and Dr. Dinh Ngoc Huy – Lecturer, Faculty of Environment.
Figure 2. Representatives of Ho Chi Minh City University of Natural Resources and Environment
The delegation from Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, included Mr. Kawasaki – Head of the Environmental Division, Department of Labor and Industry of Hiroshima Prefecture; Mr. Fujimura – Representative Director of Ogawa Econos Company; Mr. Oka – Head of the Business Department, Ogawa Econos Company; Mr. Hirai – Representative Director of UEX Vietnam Company; Mr. Dang Dieu Man – Deputy Director of UEX Vietnam Company; along with accompanying interpreters.
Figure 3. Representatives of the Hiroshima Prefecture delegation and Ogawa Econos Company, Japan
During the working session, representatives of Ogawa Econos Company presented an overview of the company’s main areas of operation, including the management and operation of wastewater treatment systems; the collection, transportation, and treatment of industrial and municipal solid waste. In addition, the company places strong emphasis on occupational health improvement programs and the fulfillment of corporate social responsibility through environmental education initiatives, contributing to enhanced community awareness and the promotion of sustainable development.
A key focus of the delegation’s presentation was the solution for producing RPF (Refuse Paper & Plastic Fuel)—a type of solid fuel recycled from paper and plastic waste that can no longer be materially recycled. The RPF production process includes core stages such as shredding, blending, and pelletizing, resulting in a product with high calorific value of approximately 6,000 kcal/kg and CO₂ emissions about one-third lower than those of conventional coal. In Japan, RPF fuel is widely utilized as an alternative energy source in paper manufacturing plants, asphalt production facilities, and fiber manufacturing industries.
Furthermore, Ogawa Econos Company is oriented toward sustainable development by promoting a circular economy model in the Fukuyama region, accelerating the application of digital transformation in production management and operations, and implementing solutions to reduce marine plastic waste, including biodegradable plastic recycling processes. The use of RPF fuel not only helps reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills but also plays an important role in replacing fossil fuels, supporting greenhouse gas emission reduction pathways and sustainable energy transition in Japan.
In addition to technical discussions, representatives of Ogawa Econos Company expressed their strong interest in enhancing cooperation with Ho Chi Minh City University of Natural Resources and Environment in education and human resource development. Accordingly, the company expects to recruit graduates with strong professional qualifications in environmental disciplines to work at a system of waste treatment plants that are planned to be established and operated in Vietnam in the near future. This is regarded as a practical opportunity to align academic training with industry needs, while enabling students to access professional working environments, advanced technologies, and long-term career development orientations.
Figure 4. Commemorative photo of University leaders and the Hiroshima Prefecture delegation after the working session
Through the reception and working session with the Hiroshima Prefecture delegation and Ogawa Econos Company, Japan, Ho Chi Minh City University of Natural Resources and Environment expect to gradually concretize the discussed contents and expand cooperation opportunities in education, scientific research, and environmental technology transfer. These efforts aim to enhance training quality, promote innovation, and meet sustainable development requirements in the context of international integration.