The 2024 International Rubber Conference took place in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, from November 19–21, under the theme “Circular Thinking: A New Model for a Sustainable Natural Rubber Industry.”
Vietnam’s Delegation and Global Representation
The conference was jointly organized by the International Rubber Research and Development Board (IRRDB), the Indonesian Rubber Research Institute (IRRI), and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Representing Vietnam, the Vietnam Rubber Research Institute (VRRI) sent a delegation of three members: Dr. Tran Dinh Minh, Deputy Director of VRRI; Ms. Pham Thi Ngoc Giau, M.Sc.; and Mr. Le Minh Triet, Engineer.
The event brought together over 250 delegates from major natural rubber-producing countries, including Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Côte d’Ivoire, China, India, Cambodia, Myanmar, Japan, and France, among others.
In his keynote address, Datuk Dr. Abdul Aziz S.A. Kadir, Secretary-General of the IRRDB, emphasized the pressing challenges facing the natural rubber industry, including the need to increase yield per hectare, rising production costs, labor shortages, climate change, and compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). He noted that innovation and technological advancement are essential to overcoming these challenges. The conference served as a vital platform for sharing research insights and technological innovations shaping the future of the rubber industry.
Vietnam’s Research Contributions
During the sessions held on November 19–20, the conference featured 8 keynote speeches and 69 technical presentations covering key topics such as:
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Plant breeding and biotechnology
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Plant protection and disease control
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Crop management and good agricultural practices (GAP)
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Rubber processing technologies
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Rubber product manufacturing for value addition
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Rubberwood utilization
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Environmental and climate change challenges
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Socioeconomic and policy issues
The Vietnam Rubber Research Institute presented two research papers:
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Evaluation of RRIV 106 Clone Response to Low-Frequency Tapping Systems (d5, d6) in Southeast Vietnam– presented by Ms. Pham Thi Ngoc Giau.
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Sustainable Smallholder Rubber Development Model in Vietnam – presented by Mr. Le Minh Triet.
Additionally, Dr. Tran Dinh Minh chaired the session on Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, contributing to scientific discussions on genetic improvement and innovation in rubber cultivation.
Field Visit and Practical Exchange
On November 22, delegates participated in a field excursion to PT Perkebunan Nusantara 1 (Region 3) Getas, a government-owned rubber plantation in Central Java, where they observed rubber tapping operations and visited a smoked sheet rubber (RSS) processing factory.
Through active engagement and research contributions, the Vietnam Rubber Research Institute reaffirmed its role as an important member of the global natural rubber research community, promoting collaboration and sharing knowledge toward a more sustainable, innovative, and circular rubber industry.