Science, culture, and meaningful encounters shaped a journey that connected IUH students and lecturers with international friends across Viet Nam and Laos.

From August 17 to 28, 2026, Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City (IUH), in collaboration with Tokyo University of Technology (TUT), Japan, organized the 2026 International Science and Cultural Exchange Program under the theme "Where Science Converges, Humanity Connects," marking the 70th anniversary of IUH and the 40th anniversary of TUT.

Held in Laos and Viet Nam, the program brought together participants from 11 countries and territories: Viet Nam, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, India, France, Hungary, Laos, and Germany.
 

The International Science and Cultural Exchange Program at the Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City.
 

The journey began in Vientiane, Laos, from August 17 to 20. IUH, TUT, and the National University of Laos (NUOL) jointly organized the international seminar "Engine of Innovation: How STEAM Education Drives Sustainable Growth." Scholars, lecturers, and international delegates exchanged perspectives on STEAM education, innovative teaching methods, interdisciplinary research, and innovation. The seminar strengthened connections among educators and encouraged discussion of educational models aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.

The program then continued in Viet Nam with the "Convergence and Inspiration Week" from August 22 to 25. The IUH campus became a meeting place for diverse cultures. The program "Cultural Harmony: A Convergence of Languages and Heritage" introduced the cultures of 11 countries and territories through exhibition booths, traditional attire, languages, and stories of cultural heritage. IUH students presented Vietnamese culture through activities such as decorating conical hats, language games, fashion performances, and introductions to regional cuisine.
 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Đàm Sao Mai, Vice Rector of IUH (right), and Dr. Hidasi Eszter, Deputy Consul General of Hungary in Ho Chi Minh City, together with assistant Peter Nguyen Dang, at the event.

In the Vietnamese cultural space, visitors could enjoy tea, watch calligraphy demonstrations, discover Southern Vietnamese ceramics, explore traditional áo dài, and sample traditional confectionery. A collection of 20 varieties of Vietnamese flavored salt, created by artisan Hồ Đắc Thiếu Anh with support from the Southern UNESCO Center for Gastronomy, was among the highlights of the Vietnamese culinary space. In the Japanese cultural area, a collection of traditional Ningyo dolls and a summer-themed display, supported by the Consulate General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh City, added another distinctive cultural dimension to the festival.

Alongside the cultural activities, the 2026 Global STEAM Festival, carrying the message "Planting the Seeds of the Future," offered participants an interactive environment for exploring science and technology. IUH and TUT students directly facilitated the activities, while more than 20 STEAM projects developed by primary, lower secondary, and upper secondary school students in Ho Chi Minh City were showcased.
 

A wide range of engaging activities took place across the IUH campus.
 

The projects began with familiar challenges from everyday life, which students addressed through scientific thinking, engineering, and creativity. An award ceremony recognized outstanding ideas developed by the young participants.

The program's story also continued online through student-led content creation, photography, and check-in activities. Particularly notable were videos produced by IUH and TUT students documenting the longstanding partnership between the two universities through milestones, meetings, and memorable moments of connection over the years.

In the following days, the journey moved beyond the university campus to the historic fishing village of Phước Hải. On August 26 and 27, international delegates experienced the daily lives of local fishing communities through traditional activities, including coastal fishing practices, net casting, catching mantis shrimp with handmade tools, and hauling inshore fishing nets with local fishermen. 

The experience gave participants a chance to see sustainable development through the realities of everyday life. For coastal communities, protecting the marine environment, maintaining livelihoods, and preserving fishing village culture are closely interconnected.
 

IUH students and international students experience the daily lives of local fishing communities at the historic Phước Hải fishing village.
 

The final day of the program featured international fashion, music, and artistic activities. On the afternoon of August 28, IUH further expanded its partnership network by signing memoranda of understanding with Mitsui, INTACT Base, and the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Vĩnh Long Province in education, commerce, and technology transfer.

Following a series of academic, cultural, and collaborative activities, the Gala Night marked the conclusion of the 12-day journey across Laos and Viet Nam. Conversations, artistic performances, and farewells left lasting memories while creating new connections among universities, organizations, and students.
 

Gala Night at IUH, concluding the series of international science and cultural exchange activities.
 

For IUH, the program formed part of a series of activities marking the University's 70th anniversary. Science was shared through international academic forums, culture was brought to life through student experiences, and cooperation was strengthened through concrete commitments. Twelve days of exchange created new connections across cultures and opened further opportunities for collaboration in the years ahead.

Additional highlights from the program: