Joining UEH in Spreading the Spirit of Entrepreneurship and International Innovation with the International Creativity and Innovation Award (ICIA) 2025

29 Apr, 2025

From April 25 to April 27, 2025, the International Creativity and Innovation Award – ICIA Global 2025, initiated by Krya Global (Indonesia) and co-organized with the School of Technology and Design, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), and the National Startup Support Center (NSSC), was successfully held in Ho Chi Minh City. The event gathered over 400 delegates from more than 20 countries. With the theme "Empowering Youth Innovation for a Sustainable Future," this year’s award focused on fostering innovative thinking, entrepreneurial spirit, and creative solutions to address global challenges.

April 25, 2025: Launch of ICIA Global 2025 – Inspiring the Young Generation in Creativity and Innovation

The opening day of ICIA Global 2025 was vibrant and energetic at the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH). The official program commenced with a solemn Opening Ceremony, welcoming over 400 delegates from more than 20 countries, including secondary and high school students (ages 9 to 18), teachers, startup founders, and innovation experts. During the student session, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trinh Thuy Anh – Vice Rector of UEH College of Technology and Design – shared about international training programs and CTD’s interdisciplinary academic development orientation. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Duong Phuong Thao – Deputy Head of the Office of Research – Global Engagement and Development – provided information on scholarship policies for international students, opening up numerous global learning opportunities at UEH.

Dr. Nguyen Thien Bao – Institute of Intelligent and Interactive Technologies – introduced new trends in Artificial Intelligence (AI), emphasizing AI’s role in shaping the future of industries. Meanwhile, MSc. Mai Nguyen Dung shared vivid stories about the learning environment, extracurricular activities, and the colorful student life at UEH, strongly inspiring the young participants. Students also toured UEH’s learning and research spaces and experienced technology products developed by UEH students and faculty in research labs.

The Opening Ceremony of the ICIA 2025 Final Round was held at Hall B1.302 – University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City

The program welcomed 17 outstanding startups from Vietnam and across Asia, presenting pioneering solutions in education, healthcare, sustainable development, and advanced technology. Within the program, the Ecosystem Insights session featured presentations from leading figures in the startup ecosystem: Mr. Le Toan Thang – Deputy Director of the National Startup Support Center (NSSC), Mr. Jason Pham – Head of Partnerships and Fundraising at Startup Vietnam Foundation (SVF), and Mr. Le Hoang Phuong – Program Manager at the Business Startup Support Center (BSSC). The speakers offered practical perspectives on development trends, support opportunities, and sustainable growth strategies for startups in the context of globalization. Immediately after, startups participated in the Founder Talk & Networking Session, where each founder had one minute for an “elevator pitch” to present their project, followed by a Speed Networking session to connect, share experiences, and seek collaboration opportunities with event guests.

Delegates attending the Startup Exchange event

During the Campus Tour, Mr. Teerasak Wongpiya – CEO of Kryon Innovator Co., Ltd. (Thailand) and Senior Innovation Consultant at Bold Group Thailand – remarked, “I see that the Maker Space at UEH is truly a genuine innovation space. In Thailand, many universities still only provide an air-conditioned room with a few standalone devices like a 3D printer and call it a Maker Space. At UEH, I can clearly feel a comprehensive creative environment where ideas can truly be formed, tested, and developed.”

Delegates viewing the Marker Space - ICIA 21

April 26, 2025: From Idea to Action – The Launchpad for Innovation at ICIA Global 2025

Students participated in the Inspiring Students Workshop, which provided a creative and practical learning environment. The workshop began with the interactive STEM Charades game, sparking excitement and a spirit of connection. Two keynote presentations offered deep insights and powerful motivation:

+ Mr. Thulith Edirisinghe – MIT Alumnus, Sri Lanka – delivered “From MIT to Sri Lanka: A Journey Through STEM and Community Commitment,” sharing his educational journey at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the role of STEM in addressing global challenges, and the importance of community dedication.

Mr. Thulith Edirisinghe – MIT Alumnus, Sri Lanka – presenting “From MIT to Sri Lanka: A Journey Through STEM and Community Commitment”

+ Mr. Brett Blumenthal – International Academic Training and Consulting Expert – presented “Once Upon a Pitch: Unlocking the Power of Storytelling in Presentations,” emphasizing the power of storytelling in conveying ideas, especially in startup pitches and investment calls.

Mr. Brett Blumenthal – International Academic Training and Consulting Expert – presenting “Once Upon a Pitch: Unlocking the Power of Storytelling in Presentations”

At the end of the workshop, students engaged in interactive group activities, practicing idea presentations, strengthening critical thinking, and teamwork skills in a dynamic international exchange environment. Simultaneously, groups were equipped with knowledge and skills to prepare for the final competition held the same day.

In parallel with the student workshop, the “STEM/STEAM Teacher Capacity Building Training” program took place with the participation of international and Vietnamese experts. Speakers included Ms. Wahyu Wido Sari – Krya Global, Indonesia; Mr. Pham Nguyen Hoang Thinh – STEAMax Education, Vietnam; Dr. Ratchanikorn Chonchaya – KMUTT, Thailand; and Dr. Jay Jinseop Jang (The Academy Harvard Square, USA), moderated by Ms. Do Hanh Ngan. They shared experiences in implementing STEM/STEAM activities for secondary and high school students, as well as supporting project teams in international innovation competitions. The program provided practical knowledge and solutions to promote educational innovation in schools.

The “STEM/STEAM Teacher Capacity Building Training” program

For the 17 outstanding startups, members participated in in-depth discussion sessions exploring innovative startup activities in Vietnam and the region. The Startup Forum featured two practical presentations: “Vietnam’s Innovation Startup Ecosystem” and “Business Development in the Vietnamese Market,” offering comprehensive views on opportunities and strategies for startups. Following this was the ICIA INNO Talkshow, moderated by Mr. Michael Lee – CEO of CreBiz Factory, Korea – gathering international speakers including Mr. Teerasak Wongpiya – Bold Group Thailand; Mr. Willy A. Gunawan – Conviar Indonesia; Mr. Suttisak Wongpiya – Bold Group Thailand; Ms. Nguyen Giang Thanh – VietCham Vietnam; Mr. Nipat Chai – ABC Club Thailand; and MSc. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao – UEH Institute of Innovation. The speakers shared fresh perspectives on innovation in technology, collaboration, psychology, wellbeing, education, and gamification, helping to foster a spirit of creativity in the global business and education communities.

ICIA INNO Talkshow sharing about innovative activities

Mr. Adna Shatriremie bin Hj A. Abd Rahman – Director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Ministry of Education, Brunei Darussalam – commented: “I have had the opportunity to study many innovation models in different countries and universities in the region. However, after directly experiencing the innovation ecosystem model at the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), I am truly impressed. UEH has implemented a practical, methodical, and professional approach, reflecting a rapid adaptation to modern educational trends.”

Delegates viewing the Open Lab at the event - ICIA 226

One of the program’s most impressive highlights was the Creative Project Exhibition & Startup Exchange. Here, 137 projects from students and startups presented breakthrough solutions and innovative business models across three categories: Innovation Challenge, Innovation Award, and Startup Exchange. The projects focused on key areas such as:

+ Quality Education

+ Food Sustainability

+ Health and Well-being

+ Environmental Protection

+ Technological Innovation and Digital Transformation

Teams meticulously prepared their product displays, solution introductions, and especially delivered live presentations before the international judging panel, which included renowned experts in innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship. Projects were highly rated not only for their practicality and scalability but also for the teams’ confidence, sharpness, and ability to communicate their vision in a globally competitive environment.

Exhibition projects of the competing teams

April 27, 2025: Honoring Pioneering Innovators

The Closing and Award Ceremony of ICIA Global 2025 took place in a solemn and emotional atmosphere, marking the successful conclusion of three days of creativity, connection, and breakthrough. The event was attended by professors, lecturers, students, international teachers, startup founders, and numerous delegates and guests both in person and online, creating a dignified and connected environment that spread the spirit of global innovation.

The event was honored by the presence of international delegates, leaders of educational and innovation organizations, as well as a large number of teachers, students, startups, and experts from many countries around the world. Attendees included: Dr. Azman Bin Jusoh – Director of SEAMEO RECSAM; Prof. Burin Asavapibhop – Program Manager, SEAMEO STEMED; Mr. Adna Shatriremie bin Hj A. Abd Rahman – Director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Ministry of Education, Brunei Darussalam; Mr. David Bruce Newman – Member of the North American Advisory Board and International Ambassador of the University of British Columbia, and representative of Serious Play Methods Inc.; Mr. Huot Hak – Representative of the Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia; Mr. Eang Sophalleth – Representative of the Ministry of Environment, Cambodia.

Delegates attending the Closing Ceremony

On the Vietnamese side, attendees included: Mr. Le Toan Thang – Deputy Director of the National Startup Support Center (NSSC); Prof. Dr. Su Dinh Thanh – President of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH); Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Phong Nguyen – Standing Vice Head of the Office of Research – Global Engagement and Development; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Duong Phuong Thao – Deputy Head of the Office of Research – Global Engagement and Development; and Ms. Nguyen Thi Dieu Hang – CEO of the Business Startup Support Center (BSSC).

The program began with remarks from Mr. Antonius Malem Barus – CEO and Co-Founder of Krya Global, member of the Advisory Board of World Creativity and Innovation Week (WCIW), who expressed gratitude to the Vietnamese representatives and international partners for their collaboration in making ICIA 2025 a success, as reflected in the following numbers: 22 countries hosting national rounds; 26 countries and ethnicities represented among delegates; over 180 creative innovation initiatives; more than 395 delegates at the global final; and 64 international partners including governments, universities, and organizations.

Mr. Antonius Malem Barus – CEO and Co-Founder of Krya Global, member of the Advisory Board of World Creativity and Innovation Week (WCIW) – delivering opening speech at the Closing and Award Ceremony of ICIA Global 2025

In a solemn and vibrant atmosphere, the Organizing Committee honored and awarded the most outstanding student teams and startups:

+ Innovation Award: Recognizing student projects with high applicability and creativity, offering practical solutions to global sustainable development challenges.

Two teams from the Philippines and Thailand won the Grand Awards (the highest award) in the Innovation Award category

+ Innovation Challenge: Acknowledging exceptional initiatives with practical implementation potential and positive impact, addressing real-world problems posed within the program framework.

Two teams from Vietnam and Indonesia won the Grand Award in the Innovation Challenge category

+ Startup Exchange Recognition: For outstanding startups demonstrating innovation in business models and strong inspiration for the startup community.

Outstanding startups were selected to compete in Techfest and Startup Wheel 2025

In his closing remarks, Prof. Dr. Su Dinh Thanh – President of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City – affirmed: “Over the past three days, ICIA Global 2025 has transformed the UEH campus into a vibrant learning ecosystem. Through competitions, exhibitions, forums, and training sessions, we have witnessed the brilliance of hundreds of students, teachers, and startups – each contributing ideas tied to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This is not merely a competition; it embodies the spirit of World Creativity and Innovation Day, connecting young minds and the global community through education, technology, psychology, wellbeing, and entrepreneurship for sustainable development.”

Prof. Dr. Su Dinh Thanh – President of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City delivering closing speech at the Closing and Award Ceremony of ICIA Global 2025

Concluding three days of dynamic competition and months of preparation, ICIA Global 2025 provided students from many countries – especially young contestants aged 9 to 18 – with a meaningful international experience. They confidently challenged themselves to address major societal issues, aiming for global sustainable development goals. Notably, the first-ever ICIA Global held in Vietnam coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 – April 30, 2025), creating a particularly significant milestone and leaving lasting memories for all participants.

The co-organization of ICIA Global 2025 with Krya Global and the National Startup Support Center (NSSC) is a clear testament to UEH’s commitment to spreading the value of innovative education and promoting international cooperation. As a leading national university pioneering in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation, UEH will continue to serve as a co-creation platform connecting the academic community, businesses, and organizations both domestically and internationally, jointly building sustainable values for Vietnam and the world.

List of Award-Winning Projects in the Innovation Challenge, Innovation Award, and Startup Exchange categories: [Link here]

Handover of ICIA Host Role for 2026 between the Vietnamese Representative (Mr. Le Toan Thang – Deputy Director of the National Startup Support Center – NSSC) and the Cambodian Representative (Mr. Sarky Sourasack Soukamneuth – National Selection Jury, Cambodia)