Dr. Trân Phi Vu: Leveraging Drone Technology to Advance Sustainable Agriculture in Vietnam
Hanoi – Dr. Trân Phi Vu, an aeronautical engineer with eight years of experience in Australia, is channeling his expertise into promoting sustainable agriculture in Vietnam through the innovative use of drone technology. As the President of the Vietnam-Australia Innovation Network, a lecturer at the University of New South Wales, and Chief Scientist at JWC Lab Inc., Dr. Vu is at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technology into Vietnam’s agricultural sector.
Dr. Vu has praised Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW issued by the Politburo, which focuses on breakthroughs in scientific and technological development, innovation, and digital transformation. He described the resolution as a positive step forward, removing barriers that previously hindered both domestic and international tech talents from contributing to Vietnam’s growth.
Having witnessed the success of advanced agriculture in Australia, Dr. Vu emphasized the potential of drone technology to revolutionize farming practices in Vietnam. By adopting drones, farmers can protect their health, save time, and improve crop management efficiency. In 2018, Dr. Vu and the R&D team at JWC Lab Inc. collaborated with experts from Australia, France, and the United States to develop agricultural drones capable of diagnosing crop diseases and applying treatments. These drones, standing at 0.54 meters tall and equipped with six rotors, capture high-resolution images to generate the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), which measures vegetation health and density.
The drones are 28 times faster than manual spraying methods, covering two hectares in just 10 minutes while reducing fertilizer use by 15% and water consumption by 60-70%. Their compact and lightweight design, combined with their versatility, allows them to operate efficiently across diverse terrains. Powered by artificial intelligence (AI), the drones can quickly identify diseases and recommend appropriate spraying methods and treatments to farmers. Dr. Vu explained that healthy plants, which have higher chlorophyll content, appear greener, while weaker plants show reduced chlorophyll levels, enabling farmers to detect and isolate diseased crops.
Recognizing that not all farmers can operate drones themselves, Dr. Vu and his team developed a Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS™) platform. This allows farmers to schedule sprayings through a simple mobile application, paying only for the services they use. This innovative approach ensures accessibility and affordability for farmers of all scales.
Dr. Vu is also collaborating with Dr. Nguyên Duy Luân, CEO of JWC Lab and a Vietnamese-American scientist and entrepreneur, to work with the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee on various scientific and technological projects. Together, they aim to establish incubators focused on key technological fields and propose rational policies to attract experts and startups.
Despite these advancements, Dr. Vu highlighted several challenges that need to be addressed, particularly in the areas of policy and legal frameworks related to science and technology. He pointed out the lack of specific regulations for investing in emerging technologies such as blockchain, AI, and advanced drone systems as a significant barrier to growth. These gaps, he argued, discourage businesses from investing in and developing these fields.
Dr. Vu urged Vietnam to continue creating favorable conditions for scientists to apply their technological advancements domestically. He recommended establishing a dedicated agency to oversee these technologies and adopting both short- and long-term visions to ensure sustainable development. By doing so, Vietnam can harness the full potential of its scientific and technological talent to drive innovation and economic growth.
Through his pioneering work, Dr. Trân Phi Vu is not only transforming Vietnam’s agricultural landscape but also setting a precedent for how technology can be harnessed to address pressing global challenges. His efforts underscore the importance of cross-border collaboration, innovation, and forward-thinking policies in building a sustainable future.
