Organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Association of Structure Architecture Wood (SAWA), this program is designed exclusively for Vietnamese enterprises in the fields of architecture and timber construction. The tour combines site visits and learning experiences at pioneering models in New Zealand, participation in Melbourne Build Expo 2025, international networking, and firsthand exploration of engineered wood practices in two leading countries in sustainable construction.
📅 Date: October 18 – 24, 2025
📍 Route: Ho Chi Minh City – Auckland – Nelson – Rotorua – Auckland – Melbourne – Ho Chi Minh City
The highlights of the trip lie in visiting pioneering institutions, gaining access to cutting-edge technologies, and expanding international partnerships.
🔎 Key Visits & Engagements
1. Nelson Pine (Nelson, New Zealand)
Nelson Pine Industries (NPIL) is a leading New Zealand manufacturer specializing in MDF and LVL, two high-performance engineered wood materials used in modern multi-story construction. As a subsidiary of Japan’s Sumitomo Corporation, NPIL integrates sustainable raw materials with strict quality standards, exporting globally.
👉 At Nelson Pine, participants will:
Learn about advanced MDF and LVL production processes.
Understand quality control and international certification systems.
Explore opportunities in material supply and technology cooperation.
2. Scion (Rotorua, New Zealand)
Scion is New Zealand’s Crown Research Institute for Forestry, dedicated to fostering innovation and growth across forestry, wood products, and bio-based materials. It conducts R&D across the entire forestry value chain—from forest genetics to advanced wood processing—with the goal of generating economic value and contributing to environmental and social sustainability.
👉 Key takeaways from Scion:
Insights into research and innovation trends in forestry and timber.
Updates on forestry, wood processing, and sustainable construction policies.
Networking with government bodies and international research institutes.
3. Red Stag Timber (Rotorua, New Zealand)
Red Stag Wood Solutions is a pioneer in producing advanced engineered wood products for construction, specializing in CLT (Cross Laminated Timber). CLT panels are large-format engineered wood panels used for walls, floors, roofs, and staircases—widely regarded as a sustainable alternative to concrete and steel for mid- to high-rise buildings.
👉 At Red Stag, participants will:
Tour one of the largest timber production facilities in the region.
Learn about prefabrication solutions that reduce construction time.
Explore opportunities for raw material and advanced timber product collaboration.
4. TimberLab (Auckland, New Zealand)
TimberLab (part of Red Stag TimberLab) specializes in the design, manufacture, supply, and installation of engineered timber structures. Based in East Tamaki, Auckland, the company is renowned for its expertise in Glulam and CLT, offering end-to-end services including 3D modeling, prefabrication, and turnkey timber solutions.
👉 Key benefits of TimberLab visit:
Explore real-world applications of CLT and Glulam in housing, commercial, and public projects.
Understand how timber is replacing concrete and steel in sustainable buildings.
Network with experts and architects engaged in live projects.
5. Melbourne Build Expo 2025 (Melbourne, Australia)
The Melbourne Build Expo is the largest construction trade show in the Asia–Pacific region, featuring hundreds of international brands and showcasing the latest innovations.
👉 At the Expo, participants will:
Stay updated on emerging construction materials and technologies.
Connect with global partners across architecture, design, and construction technologies.
Identify trade, investment, and supply chain opportunities.
🎯 Core Values of the Tour
Direct access to cutting-edge technologies and models in New Zealand & Australia.
High-quality networking with enterprises, associations, research institutes, and government agencies.
Opportunities for collaboration in material supply, technology transfer, and project development in timber construction.
