BIOTROP signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding with Nong Lam University (NLU) of Vietnam which took effect on 11 November 2016.

The collaboration will involve joint implementation of research and training activities, staff and student exchange and consultations, and information exchange on tropical biology and related topics.

As a first collaborative activity, BIOTROP and NLU agreed to conduct a training course on urban agriculture for community learning centre educators and special education teachers in Vietnam in August 2017. This activity will also be in collaboration with two other SEAMEO Centres, namely: Regional Centre for Lifelong Learning (SEAMEO CELLL) based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and Regional Centre for Special Education Needs (SEAMEO SEN) based in Malacca, Malaysia.

The MoU was signed by BIOTROP Director Dr. Irdika Mansur and NLU President Prof. Dr. Nguyen Hay. BIOTROP Deputy Director for Program Dr. Jess C. Fernandez and NLU International Cooperation Office Head Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Thuy served as witnesses.