Professor, Academician Châu Văn Minh, VUSTA President, Attends Opening of the 44th CAFEO

Attending the Ceremony were ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General, representatives of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO), 11 member organisations of the ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organisations (AFEO), and nearly 1000 engineers from ASEAN countries and the Republic of Korea.

VUSTA President Châu Văn Minh participating in the ASEAN Flag Parade at CAFEO 44

Leaders of AFEO member organisations performing the ASEAN Handshake Ceremony

The delegation of the Viet Nam Union of Science and Technology Associations (VUSTA) was led President, Prof. Academician Châu Văn Minh. The delegation also included representatives of VUSTA’s local science and technology associations, affiliated organisations, and leaders and engineers from EVN Ho Chi Minh.

As part of the Ceremony’s programme, leaders of AFEO member organisations participated in the ASEAN Flag Parade and the AFEO Awards Ceremony, which recognised outstanding engineers and leaders nominated by member organisations.

Participating countries presented their country reports, highlighting achievements in 2026 and proposing recommendations for cooperation with AFEO. These discussions aimed to strengthen the role and connectivity of engineers in addressing shared challenges and promoting stable development at regional and global levels. Representing VUSTA, Ms. Nguyễn Thị Thanh Huyền, Deputy Head of the Department of Science and International Cooperation, delivered Viet Nam’s country report under the authorisation of President Châu Văn Minh.

Ms Nguyễn Thị Thanh Huyền presenting VUSTA’s country report

At the Opening Ceremony, ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn delivered a message to the conference, underscoring the importance of regional engineering cooperation in realising the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. He highlighted key priorities including sustainable infrastructure, technological innovation, digital transformation, clean energy, and enhanced resilience to climate change.

The VUSTA Delegation at CAFEO 44

The ASEAN Professional Engineer (APE) Certificate Awarding Ceremony was held that afternoon, recognising engineers whose professional competence and qualifications meet regional standards. At the ceremony, Prof. Academician Châu Văn Minh, President of VUSTA, joined Mr Simon Young, Chair of the ASEAN Engineer Register Committee (AER), and Mr Ilham Akbar Habibie, President of AFEO and the Institution of Engineers Indonesia (PII), in presenting APE Certificates to 17 Vietnamese engineers attending CAFEO 44. In 2026, a total of 61 Vietnamese engineers were registered as APE. Following the Ceremony, attending engineers participated in technical sessions, exchanged professional experience and discussed shared solutions within their respective fields.

VUSTA President Châu Văn Minh, PIIPresident and Chairman of the AERCommittee presenting APECertificates

Vietnamese engineers receiving APECertificates

Recognising the importance of AFEO as a regional platform, Mr Muhammad Farhan, S.E., Mayor of Bandung, hosted a Welcome Dinner for Heads of Delegation and selected representatives of AFEO member organisations at the Public Administration Complex, where the Mayor's office is located.

Commemorativephoto ofThe Mayor of Bandung with representatives of AFEO member organisations

CAFEO 44 takes place from 20 to 22 October 2026. As an annual forum, it provides ASEAN engineering organisations such as VUSTA with a platform to exchange technical knowledge, share experience and strengthen cooperation towards inclusive and sustainable industrial development across the region.

Mr Phạm Văn Sơn, Director of the SOS Centre and an APE in environment, attending a technical session on environmental protection and natural disaster prevention