Research Retreat in Hanoi: WASP Media & Language in Vietnam
In October 2026, senior leadership and PhD students of WARA Media & Language (WARAML), together with leading researchers from Sweden’s top universities, travelled to Hanoi, Hoa Lac and Ninh Binh in Vietnam. Over one week the delegation met universities, companies and public institutions to explore collaboration in artificial intelligence, digital transformation and innovation.
WARA Media & Language is the media and language research arena of WASP – the Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program.
Date and places
17–24 October 2026 in Hanoi, Hoa Lac and Ninh Binh, Vietnam.
Topics for discussion
Artificial intelligence – joint research programmes with government, institutes, universities and corporations, opening deeper long-term collaboration in AI.
Digital transformation – AI and autonomous systems for public services, smart-city infrastructure and digital government.
Innovation – university–industry collaboration, research and demonstration centres, and the startup ecosystem.
Delegation leads
Asst. Prof. Sonny Vu (Vũ Xuân Sơn), Head of delegation, Lund University, WARAML
Prof. Konrad Tollmar, Research Director, Electronic Arts
Prof. Johanna Björklund, Director WARAML (WASP Media & Language), Advisor, Navigare Ventures
Student leads: Nithesh and Ricardo, PhD students, WARAML
Programme
All times are local (UTC+7). Sessions are for the full delegation unless marked “PhD students”.
Saturday 17 October · Arrival in Hanoi
| All day | Arrival in HanoiNoi Bai International Airport (HAN)Individual flights. |
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Sunday 18 October · Hanoi
| All day | Arrival in HanoiHanoiNo scheduled activities. |
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Monday 19 October · Hoa Lac
| 07:30–08:30 | Pick-up of the delegation from the hotels |
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| 09:00–09:45 | Visit to the National Innovation Center (NIC), Hoa Lac campusHoa Lac Hi-Tech Park, HanoiGuided tour of the NIC innovation and startup facilities. |
| 10:00–11:30 | Vietnam National University, Hanoi – Research & Poster DiscussionHoa Lac Hi-Tech Park, HanoiShort research pitches from both sides followed by poster discussion with VNU researchers. |
| 11:30–13:00 | Lunch (delegation)Hoa Lac |
| 13:00–14:00 | Transfer back to Hanoi |
| 14:00–17:00 | FPT – Research & Poster Discussion01 Pham Van Bach Street, Cau Giay District, HanoiResearch and poster session with FPT researchers and engineers. |
| 17:00 | Transfer of the delegation back to the hotels |
Tuesday 20 October · Hanoi
| 09:00–10:00 | Pick-up of students, followed by senior delegates |
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| 10:30–12:00 | VinMotionTechnopark Tower, Vinhomes Ocean Park, Gia Lâm, Hà NộiJoint session with three technology companies on AI, autonomous systems and software collaboration. |
| 12:30–13:30 | Lunch (delegation)Hanoi |
| 14:00–16:00 | Visit to VinUniversity |
Wednesday 21 October · Ninh Binh
| 06:00–08:30 | Transfer Hanoi → Ninh Binh |
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| 09:00–11:30 | Meeting with the Ninh Binh Department of Science and TechnologyNinh BinhWorking with the Department on the direction of cooperation regarding AI, digital transformation, and innovation in education. |
| 11:30–13:30 | Lunch (delegation)Ninh Binh |
| 14:00–15:30 | Company visit and meeting in Ninh BinhNinh BinhSite tour and discussion of the company’s needs in AI, automation and digital transformation. |
| 16:00–18:00 | Transfer Ninh Binh → Hanoi |
Thursday 22 October · Hanoi
| 09:00–11:00 | Dialogue: global AI trends and Vietnam–Sweden strategic cooperation01 Nguyen Huu An, Cau Giay, HanoiIntroduction to WASP and WARAML · keynotes on global AI trends by Prof. Tollmar and Prof. Björklund · AI for digital transformation · round table on strategic cooperation (joint research, PhD exchange, pilot projects, MoU). |
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| All day | Individual meetingsPhD studentsHanoiFollow-up meetings with the researchers met earlier in the week. |
Friday 23 October · Hanoi
| 09:00–11:00 | Visit and working session at Hanoi University of Science and TechnologyPhD studentsHanoi |
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| 16:00–21:00 | SotaTek Corp + dinnerPhD students |
Saturday 24 October · Departure
| All day | Flights back to SwedenNoi Bai International Airport (HAN) |
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More information
The delegation programme with practical information is available on the WASP Media & Language in Vietnam programme page.
Questions about the visit can be sent to [email protected]