Da Nang, Viet Nam 20-21 July 2026: The SEA-MaP Regional Project kicked off its third year of the Knowledge Exchange Program (KEP) in Da Nang, Viet Nam, which comprised a two-day training and two-day study tour with the theme of “Advancing Circular Economy for Plastic Waste: System Innovation and Strategic Policy Approaches”. The KEP was participated by representatives of the ASEAN Member States (AMS) and the ASEAN Secretariat, and was faciliated by the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), in coordination with Viet Nam Agency of Seas and Islands (VASI), Da Nang Department of Agriculture and Environment (DAE) and the SEA-MaP Project Management Unit (PMU).  

Participants were welcomed with opening remarks delivered by (i) Ms. Nguyen My Hang, Head of Division from the Viet Nam Agency of Seas and Islands (VASI) and Deputy Head of the Viet Nam National Focal Point for the ASEAN Working Group on Coastal and Marine Environment (AWGCME), on behalf of Mr. Nguyen Quoc Toan, Director General of VASI, Viet Nam AWGCME National Focal Point, Host Country, (ii) Mr. Phan Van My, Vice Director, Da Nang Department of Agriculture and Environment (DAE), and (iii) online message delivered by Ms. Alita Sangalang, Senior Ecosystems Management Specialist, on behalf of Atty. Felix S. Alicer, Director of the Biodiversity Management Bureau, Department of Environment and Natural Resources of the Philippines, AWGCME Chair and Co-Chair of the SEA-MaP PSC. 

The remarks highlighted that addressing marine plastic pollution requires a systemic and innovative approach, coupled with enabling policies, robust monitoring of initiatives including at the local levels, and continued partnership with regional and international stakeholders. The KEP 2026 theme presents a practical and timely opportunity to exchange knowledge on country experiences and observe good practices on plastic waste management and strengthen ASEAN’s collective efforts towards a circular economy.

The training component of the Program featured a mix of expert presentations and interactive discussions. The sessions featured industry players and stakeholders such as AIT, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of Viet Nam (MAE), the University of Da Nang, GRAC Technology JSC Viet Nam, the Viet Nam National Plastic Action Plan (NPAP) Partnership with the UN Development Program (UNDP), KPMG Singapore, and Start2Group, among others. The training sessions set the scene of the Program by covering foundations of system mapping for plastic circularity, conceptual framing on policy instruments and policy mix, financing and incentive mechanisms, as well as data monitoring and scaling innovation. The training also featured panel discussions to learn local perspectives in Viet Nam, as well as group exercises and country presentations that provided space for participants to engage in a lively exchange of views regarding the implementation of plastic waste management and plastic reduction policies in their respective countries. 

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The Knowledge Exchange Program is held annually under the SEA-MaP Regional Project. It is designed with the aim of enhancing methods, skills, and understanding of plastic waste management, while strengthening knowledge-sharing networks among government officials of AMS.

Visit these links to read on the third and fourth days of the Program (i.e. Study Tour activities) that were held as part of the KEP on 22-23 July 2026.