8 January 2026

Edinburgh Napier University Strengthens UK–Vietnam Collaboration through HACPS Workshop

Researchers from Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) joined colleagues from Vietnam and across the UK for the international workshop “Human Adaptive Cyber-Physical Systems (HACPS): Advancing Smart and Sustainable Technologies,” held on 8–9 January 2026 at Duy Tan University (DTU), Da Nang, Vietnam.

The hybrid workshop was jointly organised by Edinburgh Napier University and Duy Tan University as part of the wider UK–Vietnam collaboration on Human Adaptive Cyber-Physical Systems. The event brought together scientists, experts, and representatives from universities in the United Kingdom and Vietnam and was supported by the British Council and the Vietnamese Ministry of Science & Technology.

According to the original Duy Tan University news report, the two-day programme focused on three strategic areas:

  • Digital Health & Artificial Intelligence
  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Artificial Intelligence & Smart Transportation

Edinburgh Napier University Leadership

Prof. Hongnian Yu of Edinburgh Napier University played a central role in the HACPS initiative and in shaping discussions around international collaboration in human-adaptive cyber-physical systems.

At the workshop, Prof. Hongnian Yu and Dr Hong Soon-goo of Duy Tan University co-chaired the Strategic Planning Session, which focused on developing a HACPS Cooperation Roadmap for 2026–2028, a UK–Vietnam Joint Position Paper, and future collaborative proposals under the UK–Vietnam iTechPath programme.

Joining Prof. Yu from Edinburgh Napier University was Dr Keng Goh, who contributed to the workshop as an invited speaker and session chair.

Together, the Edinburgh Napier team contributed expertise in areas including artificial intelligence, cyber-physical systems, intelligent manufacturing, robotics, human-centred technologies, and Industry 5.0.

International Expertise across Three Strategic Areas

In the Digital Health & AI session, Dr Nguyen Van Tuan from Duy Tan University’s College of Medicine & Pharmacy discussed applications of artificial intelligence in medical imaging diagnosis, telemedicine, and clinical decision support.

The session also considered challenges associated with healthcare AI, including legal and regulatory frameworks, ethics, data security, and investment in digital infrastructure.

The Advanced Manufacturing session included a keynote presentation by Prof. Anand Nayyar, Vice Chairman for Research and Director of Duy Tan University’s IoT & Intelligent Systems Laboratory.

Discussions highlighted the growing role of intelligent systems, robotics, and AI in improving manufacturing efficiency and sustainability while retaining a strong emphasis on the human role within Industry 5.0.

The event was also addressed by Prof. Dr Lim Sang-taek, Vice Provost of Duy Tan University, who highlighted the importance of international cooperation and sustainable UK–Vietnam academic partnerships.

The third theme, AI & Smart Transportation, explored the use of adaptive AI, cyber-physical systems, and intelligent transportation technologies to develop safer, more efficient, and more sustainable transportation systems.

Building a Long-Term UK–Vietnam HACPS Network

Beyond the technical sessions, a major objective of the workshop was to strengthen long-term cooperation between researchers and institutions in the United Kingdom and Vietnam.

The Strategic Planning Session helped establish directions for the HACPS Cooperation Roadmap for 2026–2028, future joint research, education and training activities, and potential follow-on international funding proposals.

Another important academic output was the development of a HACPS virtual classroom. Recorded lectures from the project are intended to support teaching, training, and capacity building for learners and researchers in Vietnam, the UK, and international partner institutions.

The workshop demonstrated the growing collaboration between Edinburgh Napier University and Duy Tan University, while creating wider opportunities for joint research in artificial intelligence, robotics, digital health, advanced manufacturing, cyber-physical systems, and smart transportation.

Key People

Edinburgh Napier University

  • Prof. Hongnian Yu — HACPS project leadership and co-chair of the Strategic Planning Session
  • Dr Keng Goh — Invited Speaker and Session Chair

Duy Tan University

  • Prof. Dr Lim Sang-taek — Vice Provost
  • Prof. Anand Nayyar — Vice Chairman for Research and Director, IoT & Intelligent Systems Laboratory
  • Dr Nguyen Van Tuan — College of Medicine & Pharmacy
  • Dr Hong Soon-goo — Co-chair of the Strategic Planning Session

Event Information

Event: Human Adaptive Cyber-Physical Systems (HACPS): Advancing Smart and Sustainable Technologies
Date: 8–9 January 2026
Location: Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam
Organisers: Duy Tan University and Edinburgh Napier University

Further Information