At the Sustainability Leaders Summit 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City, Dr. Nguyen Thanh My, chairman of Mylan Group, shared his journey in revolutionizing traditional shrimp farming through technology. His insights shed light on the immense potential of agritech in transforming Vietnam’s agricultural landscape.
Traditional shrimp farming is notoriously resource-intensive, consuming around 8,000 kWh of electricity to produce just one ton of shrimp. However, My’s integration of modern technology has slashed both electricity and water usage by three-quarters. This transformation began in 2020 when discussions around digital transformation in the shrimp industry were gaining traction. At that time, producing one kilogram of shrimp emitted more than double the carbon emissions of one kilogram of beef. My’s firsthand observation of traditional shrimp farming revealed numerous inefficiencies and resource misuses, prompting him to apply technology to enhance efficiency.
The results were remarkable. By leveraging technology, My’s methods reduced electricity usage by 75%, cut water use by 80%, and increased the productive area within the same land footprint. Moreover, shrimp shells were repurposed as plant disinfectants, and fermented shrimp waste was converted into organic fertilizer. This holistic approach not only improved sustainability but also created additional value from waste products.
My’s vision extends beyond shrimp farming to rice production. He emphasized the availability of tools to measure and reduce CO2 emissions in rice farming, highlighting the broader applicability of his technological innovations. He stressed the importance of government support and collaboration with large enterprises to drive technological implementation. “Farmers benefit from the infrastructure. Our tech companies can sustain themselves by collaborating with the government and big businesses – we don’t take money from farmers,” he stated.
One of the most intriguing aspects of My’s work is the application of AI in agriculture. His group’s AI system can identify 130 types of insects, categorizing them as harmful, beneficial, or neutral. By integrating satellite and remote sensing data, they can track agricultural developments across the Mekong Delta, providing valuable insights into newly planted fields, upcoming harvests, and tillering stages. This data is invaluable for fertilizer companies and harvesting service providers, enabling them to make more informed decisions.
My’s AI tools are not only practical but also cost-effective, evolving into AIoT – Artificial Intelligence of Things. He believes that introducing new technology in agriculture is challenging but extremely promising, especially in a country like Vietnam with a strong agricultural base. “Vietnamese people are fully capable of building AI and digital solutions. We’re not lacking in talent or data. What we need is a more open and supportive regulatory environment. Decrees 57 and 193 are promising steps that could help bring Vietnamese technology into agriculture and beyond,” he said.
Dr. Nguyen Thanh My’s journey from a chemistry graduate to a renowned inventor and agritech pioneer is a testament to his vision and dedication. His work underscores the transformative potential of technology in agriculture, offering a blueprint for sustainable and efficient farming practices. As Vietnam continues to embrace digital transformation, My’s innovations serve as a beacon of progress, inspiring others to leverage technology for a greener and more prosperous future.
