Building Sustainable Connections Through International Collaboration
On July 15, students from the School of Media Design (SMD), University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) had the opportunity to engage in a meaningful cultural and academic exchange with students from National Yunlin University of Science and Technology (YunTech), Taiwan, as part of the summer program “Sustainable Connection – Culture and Creativity.”
As one of Taiwan’s leading universities in design, innovation, and interdisciplinary education, YunTech has established a strong reputation for fostering creative thinking and international collaboration. Bringing together students from Vietnam and Taiwan, the program created a dynamic environment where participants could exchange ideas, learn from diverse cultural perspectives, and explore the role of creativity in addressing contemporary social and cultural challenges.
More than a traditional academic course, the program was designed to encourage cross-cultural understanding, collaborative learning, and sustainable innovation, allowing students to broaden their horizons while building meaningful international connections.
A highlight of the program was a two-day field trip to Chau Phong Weaving Village in An Giang Province, home to one of Vietnam’s most distinctive Cham communities. Known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional textile craftsmanship, the village offered participants a unique opportunity to experience local culture beyond the classroom.
During the visit, students explored the history, customs, and daily lives of the Cham people while learning about the traditional weaving techniques that have been preserved and passed down through generations. Through direct observation and interaction with local artisans, participants gained valuable insights into how cultural heritage can be maintained and revitalized in a rapidly changing world.
The experience encouraged students to reflect on the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge and cultural identity while exploring how creative practices and contemporary design approaches can contribute to sustainable cultural development.
Learning Through Experience, Creativity, and Cultural Exchange
The field experience served as an important platform for experiential learning, allowing students to connect academic knowledge with real-world cultural contexts. By working alongside peers from Taiwan, participants engaged in discussions on culture, creativity, sustainability, and community development, fostering a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity and shared human values.
The program emphasized the importance of intercultural communication, collaborative problem-solving, and creative exploration, empowering students to learn from one another’s experiences and perspectives. Through these interactions, students strengthened not only their professional and academic competencies but also their ability to navigate multicultural environments with openness and empathy.
The exchange further highlighted how creativity can serve as a bridge between cultures, enabling meaningful dialogue and collaboration across geographical and cultural boundaries.
Inspiring Future Global Citizens
The “Sustainable Connection – Culture and Creativity” summer program demonstrated how international educational experiences can inspire young people to become more globally aware, culturally sensitive, and socially responsible. By combining academic exchange with immersive cultural experiences, the program provided students with a deeper understanding of the connections between heritage, creativity, and sustainable development.
For SMD students, the collaboration with YunTech represented more than a memorable summer activity—it was an opportunity to build friendships, expand global networks, and develop the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
As the program concluded, participants returned with new knowledge, fresh perspectives, and unforgettable memories. These experiences will undoubtedly continue to inspire future collaborations between UEH and YunTech, strengthening the shared commitment of both institutions to fostering global engagement, cultural appreciation, and creative innovation for a sustainable future.
Tuyet Le (Choi Jin-Ri)
