As part of the project "The Higher Education Program for Vietnam National University of Agriculture to Enhance Human Resources Specialized in Animal Husbandry of Vietnam" (KOICA–VNUA Project), a delegation comprising officials from regulatory bodies and educational institutions in the livestock sector participated in a training and field study program in South Korea from June 1 to June 7, 2026. The delegation was led by Prof. Dr. Tran Duc Vien, Chairman of the Science and Training Council at VNUA, and included relevant specialized staff.
The program aimed to enhance professional expertise and update participants on scientific and technological advancements in livestock farming. It also sought to foster the exchange of experience between Vietnam and South Korea regarding the development of a modern, efficient, and sustainable livestock industry.
To kick off the program, the delegation visited and held working sessions with Konkuk University and the Korea-Vietnam University Education Cooperation Center (KUVEC). There, delegates were briefed on the status of Vietnam-South Korea cooperation in the livestock sector and attended thematic seminars covering agricultural development, development strategies for H’Mong cattle, and the application of information technology and sensor systems in cattle herd management. The discussion sessions provided valuable practical insights into utilizing digital technology to improve livestock herd management efficiency.
    |
 |
| The delegation and Prof. Dr. Soo Ki Kim – the Korean project manager (third from the right). |
The delegation also toured Konkuk University’s research and experimental facilities, including the dairy farm, poultry housing, and automated milking systems, as well as research on livestock adaptation to heat stress. Notably, the delegates learned about the Hanwoo cattle rearing process across various production stages—from calves and replacement heifers to breeding stock—and examined mechanization and automation solutions for feed mixing, herd management, and environmental monitoring.
|
 |
| Hanwoo cattle—a source of culinary pride for South Korea and a high-value economic asset. |
At Yeungnam University, the delegation attended seminars on the Saemaul Undong movement and South Korea's experience in rural development, while also learning about the university's training, research, and international student exchange programs. The insights shared provided valuable practical perspectives for human resource development and the strengthening of international cooperation in the fields of agriculture and livestock farming.
A highlight of the program was a field visit to the Yecheon Livestock Auction Market and the Yecheon Agricultural Technology Center. The delegation studied the organizational structure, operational mechanisms, and trading methods of the centralized livestock market; toured a facility producing microbial products for livestock farming and environmental protection; and learned about the use of colostrum to enhance productivity in Hanwoo beef cattle farming. Additionally, the delegation visited a large-scale Hanwoo cattle farm featuring modern management, care, and rearing systems.
|
 |
| Yecheon Livestock Auction Market |
Through the program, delegates gained valuable practical insights into formulating Total Mixed Rations (TMR), managing breeding cattle and calves, applying mechanization and automation in livestock farming, and organizing centralized livestock trading markets. These experiences offer significant reference value for the development of Vietnam's livestock sector amidst digital transformation and international integration.
The program helped foster cooperative networks among educational institutions, research bodies, and businesses from both countries, while providing practical insights to support technological innovation and enhance the competitiveness of Vietnam's livestock industry.
This program falls under Component 3.2—short-term training for livestock sector personnel—of the project titled "The Higher Education Program for Vietnam National University of Agriculture to Enhance Human Resources Specialized in Animal Husbandry of Vietnam." Jointly implemented by Konkuk University (South Korea) and the Vietnam National University of Agriculture, the project is funded by the South Korean government through a non-refundable ODA grant. With a total budget exceeding US$13 million and a timeline extending to 2030, its overarching goal is to strengthen higher education capacity and develop high-quality human resources for Vietnam's livestock sector.