Exciting Activities at the 3rd International Student Cultural and Scientific Exchange Week, 2025 24-03-2025

Recently, the Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City (IUH) successfully organized the 3rd International Student Cultural and Scientific Exchange Week from March 11 to 17, 2025. The event left a lasting impression on international friends with its vibrant and meaningful activities.

Connecting Culture – Knowledge with International Friends

To promote mutual understanding and foster academic and cultural exchange, the 3rd International Student Cultural and Scientific Exchange Week featured a variety of such meaningful activities as the "Brilliant Colors of Ethnic Costumes" contest, the "Culture and Knowledge Connection Festival," the "Expanding Knowledge – Lighting Up the Future" event, and the "Bringing Culture and Knowledge Everywhere" program.

The "Brilliant Colors of Vietnamese Ethnic Minority Costumes" contest, held on the evening of March 11, aimed to honor and promote the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam through traditional ethnic costumes. The event sparked national pride, raised cultural awareness among the younger generation, and enhanced IUH's image among international students.

Participants from countries such as Taiwan, Japan, Canada, and France uniquely showcased Vietnamese traditional costumes. Each outfit reflected the customs, festivals, and cultural essence of its ethnic group. This diversity not only enriched Vietnam's cultural identity but also demonstrated harmony and mutual respect among different cultures.

International students perform Tay ethnic costumes, Vietnam

As part of the week-long event, the "Cultural and Knowledge Connection Night" on March 13 offered a vibrant showcase of cultures from around the world. Through captivating performances, international students created a colorful and memorable experience for the audience.

The cultural explosion on March 11 and 13 highlighted the rich diversity of global traditions. During the closing ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dam Sao Mai, Vice Rector of IUH; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trinh Ngoc Nam, Head of the Science Management and International Affairs Office; and honored artist Quoc Toan awarded prizes to the winning teams, recognizing their outstanding performances.

Another key highlight was the "Expanding Knowledge – Lighting the Future" event on March 15, a collaborative effort between IUH and TUT. The program featured 45 science projects from 10 IUH faculties/institutes, nearly 20 cultural and scientific topics from TUT, five booths showcasing business products, and two information technology booths from Japan.

TUT students enjoyed hands-on experiences at the Institute of Biotechnology and Food booth, while students from Nguyen Cong Tru High School eagerly participated in exchange activities with international students at IUH.

The final activity of the "3rd International Student Cultural and Scientific Exchange Week" was "Bringing Culture and Knowledge Everywhere." The delegation’s grand destination was Bao Loc City (Lam Dong), nearly 200 km from Saigon. With its cool, fresh air and serene atmosphere, Bao Loc left a lasting impression on many international students.

IUH and TUT student delegation exchanged with local children (Bao Loc)

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dam Sao Mai, Vice Rector of IUH, shared, "This event provides an opportunity for cultural values and scientific achievements from various countries to be spread and shared through cultural ambassadors — our students and teachers."

"The program will always be a special memory in me"

The 3rd International Student Science and Culture Exchange Week, 2025, has officially concluded, but the lasting memories and positive impressions of IUH students and the Vietnamese people continue to resonate with international friends. Let’s hear what our friends from around the world have to share.

Trip to Bao Loc, Lam Dong in the program "Bringing culture and knowledge to everywhere"

"The wonderful blend of Vietnamese cultural celebration and international scientific exchange gave us the chance to explore the diverse cultures of Vietnam's ethnic minorities and share knowledge across countries. This past week has been a beautiful memory, and it holds a special place in my life. Thank you for this incredible opportunity." — Wegat Natascha, a student from Germany.

"During the trip to Bao Loc, I was amazed by the beauty of your country, where nature quietly weaves its charm into the heart of a modern city. I really enjoyed the programs you organized, which allowed me to make new friends." — Tiffen, France.

Despite being half a world away, the students from Canada participated with great enthusiasm and excitement. "We had incredibly fascinating experiences. You showed us a vibrant picture of Vietnam's diverse ethnic cultures. This place gave us the opportunity to introduce our own country. Although we are geographically far apart, we felt very close because of the warm and friendly people. It's truly a one-of-a-kind experience." — Carsol and Noelle, Canada.

Carsol and Noelle, students from Canada

The relationship between Vietnam and Japan has continued to grow stronger, fostering trust and expanding cooperation over the years. Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City (IUH) and Tokyo University of Technology (TUT) have maintained a long-standing partnership through various collaborative activities. This exchange week was an essential event for TUT students from Japan.

"Scientific activities helped me experience smooth teamwork without language barriers. We connected, exchanged academic knowledge, and bridged cultural and geographical differences," shared Rio Ishii, a student from TUT.

Dr. Yuki Ueno, a lecturer at TUT, also expressed heartfelt sentiments: "Through this event, students showcased the cultural vibrancy of their countries, turning strangers into close friends through warmth and openness. We are truly grateful for IUH's dedicated and proactive support. It is remarkable to see how many international students come to Vietnam and find it hard to leave when the time comes to return."

Bonding together at the trip

The 3rd "International Student Cultural and Scientific Exchange" series at the Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City served as a meaningful bridge, providing an excellent opportunity for teachers and students to connect and exchange with the international community. Through these interactions, participants gained a deeper understanding of one another, fostering cooperative relationships and guiding future career development and personal growth.