The seminar on “The role of media in the development of science and technology in Southern Vietnam” was successfully organized by the Center for Science and Technology Communication – Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) in the series of Ba Ria – Vung Tau Techdemo 2015 events on November 6^th.

The seminar on “The role of media in the development of science and technology in Southern Vietnam” was successfully organized by the Center for Science and Technology Communication – Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) in the series of Ba Ria – Vung Tau Techdemo 2015 events on November 6^th.

The seminar saw the presence of Mr. Bui Van Quyen – Former Director General of National Office in Southern Region (MOST) and Director of the Southwest Programme, Mr. Pham Quoc Toan–Vice Chairman of Vietnam Journalists Association, Editor in Chief of Journalists Magazine, Mr. Vu Truong Son – Director of Science and Technology Management Training Institute (MOST), Mr. Nguyen Xuan Toan – Director of the Center for Science and Technology Communication (MOST),leaders of departments at MOST, leaders of provincial departments of Science and Technology and more than 80 participants working in the field of science and technology information communicationin Southern Vietnam.

The seminar was a forum for journalistsand participants in the fields of science andtechnology information and management to share professional knowledge and experiences as well asdiscuss concerns and challenges of the media’s role for science and technology development.

In recent years, science and technology communication has been particularly enhanced at both national and local levels. Press, radio, television, print media and electronic media agencies have focused on communication for science and technology and delivered a variety of practical activities such as disseminating research results and spreading science and technology knowledge to the general public. Thus they would have a better understanding of the role and impact of science and technology in socio-economic development. In additions, media agencies often provide special sections and programs related to science and technology. Besides, studies by scientists as well as innovations and solutions by non-scientists have been widely informed, thus contributing to the development of technology market.

At the seminar, Mr. Nguyen Xuan Toan – Director of the Center for Science and Technology Communication (MOST) stated that one of the most difficult obstacles in science and technology communication is human resource problem.He expected that in the future, human resources at provincial Departments of Science and Technology and at local levels are not only equipped with professional knowledge and experiences but also have high passion in communication activities. In additions, he hopes that ministries and state agencies at national and local levels focus on and invest in science and technology communication activities.

Journalist Pham Quoc Toan suggested that in order to improve the quality of information and communication on Science and Technology, MOST needs to initiate policies on journalism education and training for journalists, especially for those who engage in Science and Technology but have not been previously trained. Also, media agencies should consider supporting journalism training for scientists and managers working in science and technology field.

During the seminar, participants have been discussed in depth several topics including essential skills in science and technology communication, science and technology Communication – Responsibilities of the four Parties, the role of media in enhancing Science & Technology market, and analysis of related policies on dissemination and transfer science and technology research results in Vietnam.

*In the event series ofBa Ria – Vung Tau Techdemo 2015, the Seminar on “Financing Technology: Supporting the development of Vietnamese enterprises” had been attended by more than 60 representatives from domestic and foreign enterprises. The workshop introducedtechnologies, equipment and research results that are ready to cooperate and transfer and business supporting projects andschemes. Furthermore, consulting activities on how to finance technology research and transfer and improving capability for businesses were provided at the seminar.