SUTD Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programme 2025 with VinUniversity: A Journey of Learning and Living in Vietnam

In September, VinUniversity proudly welcomed students from the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) for a two-week academic and cultural immersion that celebrated learning, friendship, and discovery. The 2025 SUTD Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programme was not just a short-term exchange, it was a journey that invited students to experience Vietnam through the lens of innovation, creativity, and community.

At the core of the programme was the course Entrepreneurial Solutions to Vietnam’s Grand Challenges, led by Professor Ho Hong Hai and Professor Marc Kramer and supported by colleagues across VinUni’s Colleges and the E-Lab. In this intensive course, learning extended far beyond textbooks. The classroom became a space of open dialogue and collaboration, where theories of entrepreneurship were constantly tested against Vietnam’s real-world complexities  from corruption and environmental pressures to the evolving landscape of education in the age of artificial intelligence. Each session sparked meaningful conversations and encouraged students to think critically, challenge assumptions, and design ideas that could make a real impact on society. Through case studies, team projects, and debates, students discovered that entrepreneurship is not merely about business creation, but about understanding the human context behind every problem and finding sustainable ways to solve it.

While academic learning laid the foundation, the programme also unfolded as a living journey of exploration and connection. The visit to VinFast’s manufacturing complex offered students a first-hand look at how Vietnam is positioning itself as a global player in sustainable technology and innovation. On campus, the vibrant energy of VinUni’s student community added warmth and excitement from spirited games to friendly dinners that turned new acquaintances into friends. Guided by VinUni student buddies, the SUTD participants explored Hanoi’s cultural rhythm, strolling through its historic streets, savoring Vietnamese cuisine, and witnessing the harmony between tradition and modernity. The adventure reached its peak at Hạ Long Bay, where limestone cliffs and emerald waters left a lasting impression on everyone. The natural beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage site deepened their appreciation for Vietnam’s landscape and culture, turning moments of sightseeing into shared experiences of awe and connection.

As the two-week journey came to an end, students channeled all their insights and creativity into the final competition, a vibrant showcase of entrepreneurial ideas addressing Vietnam’s most pressing challenges. Standing confidently before their professors and peers, each team presented projects that reflected not only the skills they had gained but also the empathy and understanding developed throughout the programme. It was a moment that celebrated courage, teamwork, and vision, the essence of experiential learning at its best.

What the students took home went far beyond academic credits or certificates. They carried with them the memories of laughter and late-night brainstorming sessions, the taste of Vietnamese coffee shared over stories, and the feeling of being welcomed into a community that values curiosity and collaboration. “I was amazed by how open and engaging learning felt at VinUni. If you ever get the chance, come here, it’s an experience you’ll never forget,” said Ng Zhan Kang (Bobby), a first-year SUTD student. Nathaniel Neo Jun Siang, a first-year SUTD student, shared: “The professors’ energy kept me wide awake throughout every session”. Lee Jun Tian, also a first-year SUTD student, reflected: “The cozy streets of Hanoi and the awe-inspiring caves of Hạ Long, every moment felt like a new story waiting to unfold.”

Their reflections remind us that an international programme is not simply about studying abroad but about learning to see the world differently. It is about expanding horizons, building friendships that cross borders, and nurturing a vision of what’s possible when ideas and cultures meet. The 2025 SUTD Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programme stands as a beautiful example of how education, when intertwined with experience, can truly transform the way we learn, live, and lead.