Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam speaking at the conference. (Photo: VGP)
In his address, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam said that in response to security issues such as diseases, natural disasters, and cyber-crime, ASEAN must focus on boosting its members’ capacity in terms of technical infrastructure and human resources.
Engineers and technicians have made significant contributions to the region’s economy, infrastructure, and scientific and technological development in recent years.
He hoped the conference will identify solutions and make recommendations that are helpful to AFEO member organisations and the governments of ASEAN nations.
The Vietnamese Government will continue creating the most favourable conditions possible for local and regional engineers and technicians to engage in cooperation programmes and initiatives of AFEO and ASEAN member nations, the Deputy PM said.
According to Nghiem Vu Khai, Vice President of the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations and head of the conference’s organising board, the gathering aims to confirm the commitments of the AFEO in realising the ASEAN Community’s vision toward 2025 and the UN’s 2030 agenda on sustainable development, via strengthening the role of engineers in meeting sustainable development goals, initiating high-quality technical cooperation schemes, and promoting the use of digital technology in order to build a connected, fair, and prosperous ASEAN Community.
Hosted by Vietnam, the conference features workshops on topics such as transportation, environmental engineering, disaster response, the role of engineers in ASEAN’s sustainable development, and the role of ASEAN’s female engineers amid challenges brought about by COVID-19.
A ceremony was held to present titles to individuals who have shown great dedication to the engineering field and certificates to professional engineers from across the bloc.
The closing session will take place on November 26.
CAFEO is held annually by the 10 ASEAN member states on a rotating basis. Established in 1982, the federation is made up of various engineering institutions in the region.