Synspective & Fujitsu Vietnam unite for disaster defence boost

Japanese satellite data provider, Synspective, has forged a partnership with Fujitsu Vietnam, promising to strengthen Vietnam's defences against the impacts of natural disasters.

Their collaborative efforts will harness the capabilities of Synspective's Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data and the power of Fujitsu's robust IT solutions to enhance the National Remote Sensing Department's management of natural resources and environmental monitoring. There is also hope that these combined applications will help in propelling economic development within Vietnam.

Located in the Asia-Pacific region, Vietnam frequently grapples with the impacts of natural disasters, making disaster-preparedness efforts vitally important. The country is devoting significant resources and international cooperation efforts towards the implementation of satellite remote sensing technologies. These technologies are used to monitor and manage natural resources and the environment. They facilitate data collection and monitor geographical conditions, paving the way for better conservation efforts and socio-economic development.

The SAR data applied in this partnership is aimed at enhancing disaster preparedness and fostering economic development in Vietnam. The adverse impact of natural disasters like strong winds, floods, storm surges, and landslides, which Vietnam annually faces due to typhoons and tropical cyclones, can be significantly reduced. The primary goal is to synergise efforts for reducing the devastating effects of natural disasters and harnessing space science technologies to strengthen socio-economic development by 2030.

This partnership also spotlights the utility of space technology to serve as a model for the Japan-ASEAN region. With a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) backed by the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), this initiative aims to set a unique precedent in creating a new ecosystem in ASEAN through the constructive utilisation of Japanese satellite data.

The MOU, which is effective from 2024 to 2028, aims to facilitate knowledge exchange in natural disaster prevention, natural resource and environmental monitoring in Vietnam. It utilises SAR data and analysis solutions from Synspective's SAR satellite constellation together with the comprehensive IT solutions from Fujitsu Vietnam. Activities under this MOU include ground deformation analysis, developing applications for using SAR satellite data, research and data collection on natural resource issues, and assessing Vietnam's monitoring capabilities using the SAR satellite constellation.

The General Director of the National Remote Sensing Department, Tran Tuan Ngoc, optimistically stated, "We hope that the cooperation between the parties in the field of remote sensing will be a good and sustainable development step and contribute to strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Japan." Fujitsu Vietnam's Deputy Director, Jun Hashimoto, further added, "At Fujitsu, we harness the power of technology to address some of the world's most pressing challenges. Our partnership with Vietnam's National Remote Sensing Authority and Synspective demonstrates our commitment to using innovative solutions to protect our environment, mitigate natural disasters, and drive socio-economic development."

Significantly, Vietnam is also struggling with increasing land subsidence and landslides, mainly due to to continuous groundwater pumping, which amplify the risks of flooding. These conditions can be monitored effectively using SAR satellite data, thus allowing the implementation of countering measures in a timely manner. The Synspective's LDM will be crucial in assessing the efficiency and effectiveness of these efforts in addressing societal challenges.