Creative Impact at Learning Express 2025: An International Collaboration to Shape the Future

After a spirited run, the 2nd Learning Express (LeX) international community project—organized by Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HUTECH) in collaboration with Singapore Polytechnic (SP)—concluded on March 19, featuring a series of impressively innovative projects.

Over nine days (March 11–19), 60 students (30 from HUTECH and 30 from SP) divided into three teams—each composed of 10 SP and 10 HUTECH students—conducted field surveys and hands-on work at three locations:

• Group 1: Định Hòa lacquer (Bình Dương)

• Group 2: Hiến Nam pottery village (Đồng Nai)

• Group 3: “Chắp Cánh” Center (Ho Chi Minh City)

Through collaboration and creativity, teams completed research and developed practical solutions to generate real-world value for these communities.

After 9 days of productive activities, student groups completed their research project.

At the closing exhibition, students showcased their products, presented their project journeys, and shared innovative approaches. This event not only displayed their research outcomes but also spread a spirit of creativity, inspiring youth with innovation, creative thinking, and social responsibility.

Product exhibition space attracts many students to participate.

Inspired by lacquer artisans in Định Hòa facing toxic fumes that irritate the skin and harm health, the team developed an air-purifying device combining natural filtration—activated charcoal, lemon, lemongrass—to detoxify the working environment and aid lacquer drying. It won “The Most Creative Prototype.”

In addition, Group 1B invented the “Sanding SLAB” lacquer grinding support device, made from wood with a boat-shaped design, which increases the contact area and allows for flexible changes in grip, reducing hand fatigue while working. This device helps artisans avoid direct contact with sandpaper, reducing the risk of hand skin tears, while improving work efficiency compared to traditional grinding methods. The product is especially effective in the process of sanding the first layers of paint on the surface of the panel, creating optimal roughness, increasing paint adhesion and improving the quality of lacquer products.

Product posters are uniquely designed by teams, conveying specific information to viewers.

In order to reduce labor and improve the product arrangement process during the ceramic production process in Hien Nam ceramic village (Dong Nai), Group 02 has implemented two improvement projects. The first solution of Group 2A is the “Mixaday” hard material mixing model, applying modern technology to replace the traditional manual material mixing method. This innovation not only helps artisans save labor but also improves work efficiency, and ensures consistency in the quality of raw materials, thereby contributing to creating more complete ceramic products.

The next solution of Group 2B is the “Magic shelt” high-powered ceramic shelf system - a magical cabinet, a product that supports artisans to easily arrange and preserve products without much effort. In particular, this system helps older artisans continue to work more conveniently without being hindered by health limitations. This innovation not only optimizes storage space and ensures greater safety compared to traditional shelves, but also shows respect for the value of persistent labor, helping artisans to stick with the pottery profession they love for a long time.

Students confidently present their ideas to teachers and professional judges.

Unlike the traditional art-oriented research projects of Group 1 and Group 2, Group 3 focuses on the goal of protecting the environment, preventing waste of natural resources and creating opportunities to increase income for members at the Chap Canh Center.

Student group 3A introduced the product “Chance Box” (Blind Box) - a creative business idea that helps the Center increase income. This product is designed with many themes such as the ocean, flowers and leaves, inside containing handmade products made by the Center members themselves. With a new approach to customers, “Blind Box” arouses curiosity, stimulates buyers and attracts greater interest. Thanks to that, not only does it bring a stable source of income, but the product also contributes to promoting the Center's handicrafts to the community.

Students exchange information and development potential of the project in the community.

Along with that, students in group 3B have implemented the project of recycling flower pots “Maison chance” inspired by the activities and production labor of the Center people. The product has combined the fields of sewing, drawing, information technology, sculpture, etc. to create smart recycled flower pots from plastic bottles, not only contributing to environmental protection but also bringing the value of planting trees and sustainable nature conservation.

As one of the students participating in voting and evaluating the projects at the exhibition, Vo Hien Huy - a first-year student majoring in English, expressed: “The exhibition has given me a lot of knowledge about traditional craft villages, especially the hidden corners behind each sophisticated handicraft product. I feel that the activities and values ​​that the research groups have carried out are very meaningful, not only for me but also inspiring many young people. At the same time, the bilingual presentation in English - Vietnamese also helped me expand my vocabulary and better understand how to apply language in practice.”

The exhibition space has spread many meaningful values ​​to students.

In addition to the votes and evaluations from students visiting the exhibition, the projects were also evaluated by the Board of Professional Judges including: MSc. Nguyen Xuan Hung - Director of the Vietnam - Japan Institute of Technology (VJIT), MEd. Vo Quoc Dai - Deputy Head of the English Department, and MD. Vu Hai Yen - Deputy Head of the Veterinary - Animal Husbandry Department. After a thorough evaluation process, the program found the owners of the following prestigious awards:

Accompanying the program, MSc. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Anh - Lecturer of the Center for Project Design and Innovation (CPDI) shared: “The program is a meaningful activity, helping students access international research directions, while bringing practical values ​​to serve society. In addition, connecting and cooperating with international students will also help them develop their thinking, teamwork skills, practice, and prepare for integration in a global environment”.

After a thorough evaluation process, the program has found the owners of the prestigious awards.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Mr. David William Tan - Lecturer and Coordinator of LeX 2025 Project expressed his sincere thanks to the University for their enthusiastic support throughout the program. He also shared memorable memories of the past journey, while emphasizing the spirit of cooperation, creativity and value that the project has brought to students as well as the community.

The program has left many memories and practical knowledge, helping students confidently develop in an international environment.

The second Learning Express program has made an impressive mark, bringing many valuable lessons and profound and memorable experiences to students. Not only stopping at studying, the program also helps students of the two schools create practical values ​​for the community, from applying science to reality, preserving traditional cultural values ​​to contributing to the sustainable development of society.