Vietnam's Ministry of Science and Technology is hosting the 90th Meeting of the ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation (COSTI-90) and related meetings in Da Nang from October 13 to 15, 2026.

The event is expected to attract around 250 delegates, including representatives of science, technology and innovation agencies from ASEAN member states, the ASEAN Secretariat, development partners, and scientists and experts from Vietnam and abroad.

COSTI serves as ASEAN's senior officials-level cooperation mechanism for science, technology and innovation, supporting the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology and Innovation (AMMSTI) in implementing regional cooperation priorities.

The meeting comes during the initial implementation phase of the ASEAN Plan of Action on Science, Technology and Innovation 2026-2035 (APASTI 2026-2035).

It offers member states an opportunity to translate regional priorities into concrete initiatives and strengthen connections among their research and innovation capabilities.

The program comprises seven official meetings: five specialized subcommittee meetings, the 21st meeting of the Advisory Board to COSTI (BAC-21) and the COSTI-90 plenary session.

This is the first gathering of the five subcommittees following the restructuring of COSTI's technical framework, which reduced the number of subcommittees from nine to five to improve coordination and cooperation.

On October 13, the five subcommittees are meeting simultaneously, covering Science, Technology and Innovation Ecosystems; Deep and Emerging Technologies; Biotechnology and Food Science; Materials and Energy Technologies; and Earth, Ocean and Space Sciences.

The BAC-21 meeting is scheduled for the morning of October 14, while the COSTI-90 plenary will begin that afternoon and continue through October 15.

Delegates are expected to review progress in implementing AMMSTI decisions and APASTI 2026-2035, examine new initiatives and priority tasks, and identify areas for future cooperation.

They will also receive updates on collaboration with ASEAN dialogue partners and international organizations.

Based on reports from the subcommittees and advisory board, COSTI will discuss and agree on priorities and activities for the coming period.

Vietnam's Minister of Science and Technology, Vu Hai Quan, is scheduled to attend and deliver welcoming remarks on the afternoon of October 14.

Vietnam aims to promote the implementation of APASTI through concrete, measurable and applicable outcomes.

Its priorities include expanding joint research, sharing research infrastructure, facilitating scientist exchanges and strengthening connections among universities, research institutes, businesses and investors.

These efforts are intended to develop a more interconnected ASEAN innovation ecosystem and bring regional scientific cooperation closer to the practical needs of citizens, businesses and researchers.

Women scientists and emerging technologies take center stage

A highlight of COSTI-90 will be the final round and awards ceremony of the 2026 UL Research Institutes-ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women, scheduled for the afternoon of October 14.

Under the theme "AI for Advancing Inclusive and Resilient Healthcare in ASEAN," the award recognizes women scientists whose research applies artificial intelligence to address healthcare challenges.

Four regional finalists will present their research and answer questions from a judging panel, which will select winners in two categories: Mid-career Scientist and Senior Scientist.

Several international workshops will also take place alongside the main meetings.

On the morning of October 14, a workshop will discuss the findings of an engineering biology survey conducted across ASEAN.

The workshop forms part of a project funded by the United Kingdom's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and led by Universiti Putra Malaysia.

Participants will discuss existing capabilities, opportunities and cooperation needs, while contributing recommendations to the development of an ASEAN engineering biology vision and draft roadmap.

On the afternoon of October 15, Vietnam's Ministry of Science and Technology and the US-based UL Research Institutes are expected to jointly organize an international workshop titled "Women Innovators for ASEAN: Shaping the Future through Science and Technology."

The event will connect women scientists, facilitate exchanges of experience in research and innovation, and encourage greater participation by women and younger generations in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Hosting COSTI-90 reflects Vietnam's active engagement in ASEAN cooperation on science, technology and innovation.

The meetings provide an opportunity to connect Vietnam's innovation ecosystem with regional and international partners, expand research collaboration and mobilize knowledge and resources for development.

They also offer a platform to introduce Vietnam, its people and the coastal city of Da Nang to international delegates.

Thai Khang