SUTD’s FACTS Program at VinUniversity: A week of innovation and cultural exchange
The Freshmore Asian Cross-Cultural Trips (FACTS) Program, hosted by VinUniversity and Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), concluded its enriching week on August 25, 2024. This intensive program brought together 30 first-year engineering students from SUTD and 15 students from VinUniversity for an enriching experience which combines innovative design-thinking lessons with cultural exploration.
The program was centered around a series of lectures and workshops led by Assistant Professor Kenny Choo from SUTD and Assistant Professor Le Duy Dung from VinUni. The lessons delved into the principles of human-centered design, focusing on techniques such as user observation, interviewing, persona creation, and rapid prototyping.
Students were divided into teams and tasked with addressing real-world challenges, for example designing solutions for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. They spent the week applying these techniques through hands-on activities, including site visits, observations, and interviews to gather user insights.
During a week, students actively participated in observations and interviews around Vinhomes Ocean Park, including VinFast charging stations and WinMart locations to collect valuable data to inform their design solutions. This fieldwork was followed by consolidation sessions where students analyzed their findings and prepared paper prototypes.
The FACTS Program wasn’t just about academics; it also provided a rich cultural experience. On August 24, students explored Hanoi’s cultural heritage, including visits to the Temple of Literature, the Fine Arts Museum, and a cyclo (xích lô) tour through the Old Quarter. They enjoyed local dishes at Ngu Vi Vietnamese Cuisines Restaurant and experienced the unique egg coffee at Café Giảng. Last but not least, an evening bonding session with international students from HKUST and NYU fostered a sense of community and cross-cultural exchange, leaving a fond memory for the participants.
To sum up, the FACTS Program has successfully merged academic training with hand-on experience and cultural experiences, offering students a unique opportunity to develop their design skills while exploring the vibrant culture of Vietnam. VinUniversity is proud to have hosted such a dynamic program and looks forward to future collaborations that continue to combine educational and cultural experience, enriching the global learning experience for students.
