SMU Inbound Student Program December 2025 at VinUniversity: A Journey of Economic Insight, Cultural Immersion, and Global Learning

This December, VinUniversity was delighted to welcome students from Singapore Management University (SMU) for a two-week inbound program that seamlessly blended academic exploration with practical insights through engagement with the State Bank of Vietnam. A special highlight of the program was the participation of Professor Lily Kong, President of Singapore Management University, who joined the Opening Ceremony and delivered an inspiring welcome message with the students.

Through the ECON248 – Macroeconomics in Asia (SMU-XO) course from SMU led by Professor Que Vu, guided by VinUni’s dynamic faculty, the classroom quickly transformed into a vibrant space where global ideas met local perspectives. Students explored Vietnam’s economic landscape through engaging sessions on business opportunities with Prof. Ho Hong Hai, international trade with Asst. Prof. Nguyen Hong Hai, and deeper insights into the country’s growth, governance, and global integration. The academic experience was further enriched by reflections from Prof. Daniel Ruelle and Prof. Marc Kramer on life as expats in Vietnam, alongside expert perspectives on Vietnam’s Current macroeconomic policy from Dr. Nguyen Tri Hieu and banking and finance from Ms. Nguyen Van Anh. Beyond the classroom, students also stepped into Vietnamese culture through an Introduction to Vietnamese class with Ms. Hanh Bui, learning simple phrases and essential language basics. Most importantly, learning truly came alive through open dialogue with VinUni students, transforming lectures into meaningful cross-cultural and economic exchanges.

Beyond the classroom, the program unfolded as a rich journey of cultural discovery. SMU students explored Vietnam’s history at the Museum of Ethnology and the Temple of Literature, experienced the rhythm of Hanoi through a cyclo ride in the Old Quarter, and connected with Vietnamese culture through a hands-on cooking class at VinUni. At the Bat Trang Pottery Museum, creativity and tradition came together as students shaped clay and learned how craftsmanship reflects everyday Vietnamese life.

The highlight of the program was a one-day field trip to Ha Long Bay and Yen Duc Village, from cruising among limestone karsts and kayaking in Ha Long Bay to immersive cultural experiences in Yen Duc, including making brown rice, crafting straw brooms, traditional fishing, and enjoying a vibrant water puppet performance that brought local folklore to life.

As Prof. Lily Kong, President of Singapore Management University, shared:

“It was a joy to meet our SMU students beginning their 10-day course on Macroeconomics in Asia. Vietnam offers a vivid classroom: one of Asia’s most dynamic and fast-growing economies. As they explore Hanoi’s heritage and economic transformation, I encouraged them not to stay in their familiar corner, but to reach out, observe deeply, and ask questions of the world around them. “

From academic discovery to meaningful connections, the program left a lasting impression on its participants. Zhia, a third-year Economics student at SMU, shared: “Vietnam became a place of discovery, not only through academic and cultural experiences, but through the friendships formed with VinUni students, turning a short journey into memories that will last far beyond the classroom.”Annaya, a third-year student, also reflected: “This Overseas Study Mission to Hanoi was an enriching journey that brought macroeconomic theory to life and offered valuable insights into monetary policy in an emerging market, made even more memorable through our engagement with VinUniversity students.”

Relive the highlights of the SMU Inbound Student Program December 2025 through the photos below!