🌿 SPACE ASEAN | Newsletter Q3 – 2025 🌏 The third quarter of 2025 marked a period of meaningful progress for SPACE ASEAN in advancing regional sustainability and cross-border collaboration across Southeast Asia. ✅ Green Transition for Dân Trí Newspaper In his recent feature on Dân Trí, Dr. Bao Hoang emphasized that green transition should not be viewed as a short-term cost but rather as a long-term investment enhancing business competitiveness and resilience. His perspective reframes sustainability as a driver of economic growth instead of a mere responsibility. ✅ Green Success Stories The Green Success Stories initiative continues to highlight transformative sustainability practices across Southeast Asia — from renewable energy in Vietnam to smart farming in Indonesia and community waste management in the Philippines. These efforts demonstrate how shared knowledge and local innovation strengthen regional resilience. ✅ Partnership with Arkansas Association of Asian Businesses (AAAB) On September 25, 2025, Dr. Bao Hoang will deliver a keynote address on “Advanced Energy and Smart Agriculture in Southeast Asia.” The event will explore new pathways for sustainable business partnerships between the United States and Southeast Asia, emphasizing clean energy and agri-tech cooperation. ✅ Formation of the Blue-Green Alliance (BGA) SPACE ASEAN, together with the Global Sustainable Futures Network and AgriTC, launched the Blue-Green Alliance in Lombok, Indonesia. The initiative promotes renewable energy, marine conservation, and sustainable tourism, fostering interconnected “Blue-Green” economies across the region. ✅ Establishment of the SPT Alliance in Myanmar The SPT Alliance, formed by SPACE ASEAN, PyJuliaR Consulting, and the TIN Association, aims to strengthen Myanmar’s sustainable rubber industry through responsible practices and inclusive growth. Its focus lies in empowering local farmers and aligning regional production with global sustainability standards. 🌏 Through these initiatives, SPACE ASEAN reaffirms its mission to serve as a regional connector linking academia, business, and civil society, positioning Southeast Asia as an active contributor to global sustainability and innovation.
US-ASEAN 100 Invitation to join
🚀 Introducing the US-ASEAN 100: Accelerating Innovation, Trade & Green Growth 🌱🌏 We’re proud to launch US-ASEAN 100, a bold initiative connecting 100 high-impact projects over 100 weeks to drive green innovation, inclusive trade, and sustainable development across the U.S. and ASEAN regions. 🌾 From empowering farmers and supporting AgTech startups, to advancing carbon credit projects, digital trade infrastructure, and cross-border policy innovation — this initiative is building a resilient, low-carbon, and equitable future. ✨ Our Vision: A digitally connected ecosystem where disadvantaged groups thrive, innovation flourishes, and trade becomes a force for good. 🔗 We’re inviting: 🌍 Innovators & AgTech startups 👩🏽🌾 Farmers & Cooperatives ♻️ Carbon Project Developers 💰 ESG Investors & Donors 🏛️ Policy & Trade Stakeholders 💡 Join us to: ✔️ Pilot sustainable projects ✔️ Integrate carbon & commodity trading ✔️ Empower farmers through digital and financial inclusion ✔️ Co-create frameworks for innovation and green trade 📢 Register your interest, collaborate on pilot projects, and join our kickoff event across the ASEAN region and the US: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdQL8ZF9Dqm6cdlL-FE8_PXr-RRD-sAjOCfl742sFNEpIGz1w/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=113031161669396073710 🌿 Let’s shape the future of impact trade together. 📩 Contact: Dr Bao Hoang – baohoang@spaceasean.com Dr Renuka Thakore – ceo@gsfn.co.uk
Join us for a hybrid seminar
Join us for a hybrid seminar: “Opportunity of Developing Carbon Credits Projects in Indonesia”! The event will be held on Saturday, June 28th 2025, from 07:30 – 12:00 WIB (UTC+7), at Universitas Islam Bandung (Unisba) and online via Zoom. Equivalent to: 01:30 – 06:00 BST | 02:30 – 07:00 CEST | 18:30 – 23:00 MDT (Canada) | 19:30 – 24:00 CDT (USA) on June 27th. Learn from industry experts on topics such as: * Vision and Mission of US-ASEAN 100 * Carbon Credit Development from Forestry Sector * Mangrove-Based Carbon Credits Project: A Nature-Based Solution * Experiences in Carbon Capture and Credit Development in Canada * Low Carbon Business Models for Farmers and MSMEs * Innovating Carbon Monitoring * University engagement in carbon credit markets and emission reduction through food waste processing innovations among SMEs Don’t miss this valuable opportunity!
Keynote Speaker: Dr. John Kent
Dr. Kent has been the Vietnam Central Government‘s Strategic Advisor. He is also a Supply Chain Diplomat for My Thuy International Port (MTIP) in the Province of Quang Tri and policies related to Free Trade Zones (FTZs). He has been well-known for his diplomacy in logistics, explicating what the U.S. and China should do to resolve the trade conflict. Dr. Kent also perceives Vietnam’s strategic role in the Global Value Chain (GVC). Dr. Kent was a Senior Fellow at the George H.W. Bush Foundation for U.S.-China Relations. He was also a Clinical Professor and Director of the Supply Chain China Initiatives and Supply Chain Management Research Centre Director at Sam M. Walton College of Business. Dr. John Kent obtained a Ph.D. in Logistics and Marketing from the University of Tennessee, an MBA in International Business from the University of Dallas, and a BS in Computer Science and Management from Henderson State University.
US-ASEAN Trade Diplomacy
Free trade among nations is widely regarded as a powerful catalyst for economic growth, peace, and improved standards of living – fostering a more prosperous and interconnected global society. Amid a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape, Southeast Asia has emerged as a region of growing strategic and economic importance to the United States. In early 2025, global markets and supply chains are weathering the shock of President Donald Trump’s reimposed trade tariffs. Southeast Asia, home to some of the world’s most export-dependent economies, is among the hardest hit, facing steep reciprocal tariffs from the U.S. This online expert panel discussion seeks to unpack how leaders across sectors are navigating this renewed phase of trade negotiations. Co-facilitated by the US-ASEAN Young Professionals Association and SPACE ASEAN, the discussion will highlight the critical role of economic diplomacy in fostering resilient, inclusive, and sustainable growth across trade actors in the U.S.-ASEAN network during this time of flux
Meeting with Delegation from Vietnam
Meeting with Delegation from Vietnam
Welcome Dr. Thuy Nguyen to SPACE ASEAN as our Senior Partner!
Dr. Nguyen is staunchly committed to advancing sustainability, circular economy principles, and net-zero emissions. She has great expertise in ecolabel criteria development, green public procurement, green credit trust fund mechanisms, and ESG. Dr. Nguyen is proficient in geospatial and hydrological modeling and automation. These quantitative skills enable her to deliver data-driven solutions for organizations. She strives to inspire innovation, advance education, and support organizations with their sustainability commitments. Dr. Nguyen obtained her Ph.D. in Civil, Sustainable, and Environmental Engineering from Arizona State University.
Welcome Ms. Julia Babcock to SPACE ASEAN’s Leadership Team as Chief Growth Officer!
Ms. Julia Babcock is currently the Founder and Principal of New Rose City Consult bringing 20 years of experience in public policy, sustainable development and project/grant management. Since 2011 she has led training and education programs for the Viet Nam Oregon Initiative Network, leveraging over $20 million from Intel, USAID, the US Embassy, the State Department and US universities. She has played a significant role in strengthening the relationship between the State of Oregon and Vietnam. Since 2015 she has served as adjunct faculty for field courses on executive leadership, community development and study abroad programs in SE Asia. Julia has a Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning from Portland State University and a Bachelor’s in English with minors in Geography and Planning from University of Florida. She has training in Basic Mediation, the Gender Advisor Program through the Department of Defense and obtained a Certificate of Completion from the Preservation Institute of Nantucket.
Turning Green: An Impact Tech Who Aspires to Transform the Packaging Landscape in Vietnam and Beyond
Turning Green includes three divisions: HRK, GPS PLAS, and PVA PRO. HRK started operating in 2019 and focuses on eco-friendly solutions for HORECA and the retail industry. GPS PLAS began operating in 2017 and specializes in biodegradable and compostable polymers. PVA PRO started operating in 2022 and focuses on developing the first water-soluble polymer. With its eco-friendly products, Turning Green aspires to provide innovative packing solutions that help industries adopt sustainable practices, reduce plastic waste, and satisfy future compliance. The bioplastic market worldwide will reach $ 60 billion by 2028. Indeed, more and more people know plastic can cause severe issues to the ecosystem and animals. It takes synthetic plastic hundreds of years to be decomposed. They tend to adopt more sustainable purchasing habits and consumptions. Perceiving this trend globally, Turning Green has developed biodegradable alternatives for packaging industries to combat this pollution. This impact tech is the leading producer of biodegradable plastics in Vietnam. The firm is a one-stop solution for customers by providing various innovative products and services related to degradable packaging for industries. The firm’s product portfolio comprises paper-based materials, natural fibres, and recycled, biodegradable, compostable and water-soluble plastics. Turn Green can supply raw materials, semi-finished goods, and finished goods to serve the different needs of businesses from various industries. Being the leading producer of biodegradable plastics in Vietnam and a passionate advocate for a more sustainable world, Turning Green has been awarded numerous recognitions, including Best Ecofriendly Packaging Supplier by APAC 2022, Winner of Shinhan Bank Start-up Program, Winner 2022 Best Sustainable SME by EUROCHARM, Top 5 Techfest in 2022 and 2023, and Top 5 Green Innovation Fellowship 2024. The exciting thing about Turning Green is that the firm takes advantage of the abundance of rice in Vietnam. Indeed, the impact tech uses Vietnamese rice stem agricultural waste to create a fully bio-based paper coating material. Seaweed-based polymers are under development and have even more potential. Turning Green’s products have reached customers in various developed countries, including the U.S. The firm’s management team believe that the more customers their products get, the more sustainable the world is. Author: Bao Hoang, Ph.D.
How Can AI Help Address the Education Gap in Poor Countries?
Quality education comes forth among the UN’s 17 SDGs. Despite its fourth position, education has a decisive impact on achieving the other 16 SDGs. Indeed, education has been considered the most effective instrument in helping people overcome poverty and inequality. However, developing countries are facing severe issues with the quality of education. Indeed, half of 1.8 billion students worldwide cannot achieve essential reading and numeracy skills. This problem is even worse in the least developed countries. 90% of 10-year-olds in Sub-Saharan Africa are illiterate. Fortunately, AI can play a significant role in mitigating the learning crisis in poor countries. Currently, 95% of the population lives in areas covered by the internet, and smartphones are more popular than ever. This raises the possibility that developing countries can utilize AI to address the learning crises among children. Indeed, some AI-empowered learning platforms, including ALEKs, can provide students with feedback and tailor the learning content according to students’ needs. More impact techs for education utilising AI to support learning should be available in poor countries. These education techs should be approachable for most children, even those who don’t have opportunities to go to school. In other words, children can use these AI-powered platforms with no costs and without too many technical difficulties. Given that AI can improve education quality in developing countries, it cannot replace qualified teachers. To solve the learning crisis, developing countries should enhance the quality of their educators by equipping them with AI skills. While some teachers are eager to learn new things, including AI and digital skills, others are unwilling to make changes. As a result, developing countries should provide the necessary resources to those teachers who want to upgrade their digital skills. For those reluctant to change, developing countries should incentivize them to get familiar with AI and digital tools that can enhance their classroom capabilities. Some AI-based platforms, including MagicSchool and Ummia, can help teachers create engaging learning materials that align with the curriculum. More impact techs like those should be more available in developing countries. Teachers can then use them in the classroom to enhance their students’ learning. In addition, new AI-based platforms should be affordable for teachers in poor countries. In addition, they should be user-friendly to avoid the technology fatigue that is quite popular among people who need to be tech-savvy and those who are not good at tech. Author: Bao Hoang, Ph.D.
