**Mission, Research, Networking and Application Activities of VAHC:
The Role of Hydrogen in Energy, Environment and Healthcare**
Presented by Dr. Cao Thuy Oanh, R&D Team of VAHC
The thematic roundtable “Applications of Hydrogen in Healthcare and Rehabilitation” was held at Hydrogen World Café at 2:00 PM on January 19, 2026, with the aim of creating an academic forum for knowledge exchange, sharing scientific foundations, practical experience, and emerging trends in the application of hydrogen for healthcare and rehabilitation. The event attracted scientists, physicians, researchers, businesses, and community members interested in hydrogen, with a shared objective of bridging knowledge and practice while promoting sustainable applications.
The program welcomed many distinguished delegates and speakers in the fields of hydrogen and healthcare, including Mr. Le Ngoc Anh Minh, Chairman of the Vietnam ASEAN Hydrogen Club (VAHC); Mr. Nguyen Anh Tam, Vice Chairman of VAHC; Dr. Cao Thuy Oanh, Head of R&D at VAHC; Dr. Tran Thanh Tam, Deputy Head of the Department of Scientific Research and External Relations at Ho Chi Minh City University of Natural Resources and Environment; Mr. Nguyen Thieu Son, Founder of Hydrogen World; Dr. Nhu Duc Thang, Department of Rehabilitation, Central Psychiatric Hospital No. 2; Ms. Ho Thi Bich Phuong, representative of UNP Healthcare Vietnam; and Mr. Ianton Tan, APAC Director of United Hydrogen, who joined via a video presentation. The event also drew a wide audience of experts and stakeholders interested in hydrogen.
The discussions focused on clarifying the scientific basis and potential of hydrogen in healthcare and rehabilitation, while also examining the role of hydrogen in energy systems, environmental protection, and sustainable development. Speakers highlighted hydrogen applications in rehabilitation medicine, mental health support, and quality-of-life improvement, alongside research activities, networking efforts, and strategic directions for developing a hydrogen ecosystem in Vietnam and the ASEAN region. International experiences, global trends, and deployment models were also addressed.
In her presentation, Dr. Cao Thuy Oanh outlined the mission and role of VAHC in promoting the development of the hydrogen community in Vietnam and ASEAN. VAHC positions itself as a platform connecting research, policy, industry, and society, aiming to translate scientific knowledge into practical implementation. Hydrogen was presented as a key enabler of sustainable development, extending beyond technology to encompass energy security, economic resilience, social well-being, and environmental protection.
In the energy sector, hydrogen is viewed as a bridge for renewable energy integration, enabling long-term energy storage, decarbonizing hard-to-electrify sectors, and strengthening national energy independence. From an environmental perspective, hydrogen contributes to CO₂ emission reduction, air quality improvement, greener agricultural practices, and more efficient utilization of renewable energy resources. In healthcare, a growing body of research suggests that hydrogen has potential as a selective antioxidant, supporting inflammation reduction, enhancing energy metabolism, and improving brain, cardiovascular, and pulmonary functions, as well as aiding post-Covid-19 recovery and overall quality of life. Nevertheless, hydrogen was emphasized as a supportive therapy that requires further rigorous research, standardization, and controlled application.
The program concluded with an open discussion session, enabling participants to engage directly with the speakers, ask questions, and share perspectives. Participants then experienced practical hydrogen applications at Hydrogen World Café, including hydrogen inhalation, hydrogen-rich water, and coffee prepared using hydrogen water. The roundtable not only enhanced awareness of hydrogen in healthcare but also fostered expectations for stronger community connections, expanded research efforts, and future collaborative and pilot hydrogen projects.
Following the roundtable, VAHC will collaborate with Central Psychiatric Hospital No. 2, under the leadership of Dr. Nhu Duc Thang, to implement a clinical hydrogen treatment pilot project, aiming to advance scientific evaluation and practical application in healthcare and rehabilitation.
