Advancing Regional Research Collaboration: Inaugural VinUni–SMU Senior Research Fellow

The SMU Urban Institute is pleased to welcome Dr David Ocón as the inaugural VinUni–SMU Senior Research Fellow, jointly appointed by the SMU Urban Institute and VinUniversity's College of Arts and Sciences (CAS).

This appointment marks an important milestone in the growing partnership between Singapore Management University and VinUniversity. Building on years of academic exchange and collaborative programmes, it is the first jointly appointed and co-funded Senior Research Fellow position established through this partnership, bringing together the complementary strengths of both institutions to advance research on urban challenges across Asia.

Advancing Research in Urban Cultural Heritage

Dr Ocón's research focuses on urban cultural heritage, with expertise spanning heritage economics, digitalisation and artificial intelligence, governance, tourism and sustainability. His interdisciplinary work will contribute to the SMU Urban Institute's mission of generating new insights into how cities can preserve their cultural heritage while becoming more liveable, resilient and sustainable.

Strengthening the SMU–VinUniversity Partnership

The appointment builds on the momentum established through the VinUni × SMU Heritage Minds Workshop held in Hanoi, which brought together researchers from both institutions to explore opportunities for future collaboration in urban cultural heritage. The workshop laid the foundation for deeper research collaboration between SMU and VinUniversity and highlighted the shared commitment of both institutions to advancing research in this important area.

To learn more about the workshop, visit: https://lnkd.in/g-brtG5T

The SMU Urban Institute warmly welcomes Dr Ocón and looks forward to working closely with him. The Institute also looks forward to deepening collaborations with government and industry partners, including the National Library Board Singapore and the National Heritage Board, to advance impactful research and strengthen regional partnerships in urban heritage and sustainable city development.