Local Marketing Project (LOMAR) 2026 Information Session

09 Apr, 2026

On the morning of April 7, 2026, the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), in collaboration with the Vietnam Student Association of Ho Chi Minh City, organized the Information Session for the Local Marketing Project (LOMAR) 2026. The project is part of a joint action plan between the two organizations aimed at promoting students’ roles in socio-economic development, fostering innovation, and accelerating digital transformation in wards, communes, and special administrative zones.

Representing UEH at the event were Dr. Dinh Cong Khai, Vice President of UEH; Assoc. Prof. Trinh Thuy Anh, Rector of the College of Technology and Design (CTD); Dr. Tran Thi Tuan Anh, Vice Rector of the College of Economics, Law and Government (CELG); leaders of UEH’s departments, schools, and institutes; as well as lecturers and experts serving on the LOMAR 2026 Advisory Board.

Representing the Vietnam Student Association of Ho Chi Minh City were Comrade Nguyen Duc Trung - Member of the Standing Committee of the Ho Chi Minh City Youth Union, Standing Vice President of the Vietnam Student Association of Ho Chi Minh City, along with representatives of the Secretariat of Student Associations from universities and colleges across Ho Chi Minh City.

Representatives from local authorities also attended, including delegates from the People's Committees of Cau Kieu Ward, Binh Loi Commune, Binh Hung Hoa Ward, Cu Chi Commune, Duc Nhuan Ward, and Binh Khanh Commune.

Dr. Dinh Cong Khai, Vice President of UEH, delivering welcome remarks and project directions for LOMAR 2026

In his opening remarks and project orientation, Dr. Dinh Cong Khai emphasized that throughout its 50-year development journey, UEH has remained committed to connecting academic knowledge with local socio-economic development. In the context of digital transformation and ongoing administrative reforms, the University recognizes the importance of working alongside local governments to enhance governance effectiveness, create community value, and generate sustainable social impact. He noted that LOMAR 2026 exemplifies UEH’s efforts to connect the expertise of faculty members and students with practical local needs, focusing on community tourism development, local economic promotion, and environmental awareness.

Mr. Nguyen Duc Trung, Standing Vice President of the Vietnam Student Association of Ho Chi Minh City, sharing strategic directions for the project

Representing the Vietnam Student Association of Ho Chi Minh City, Mr. Nguyen Duc Trung described LOMAR 2026 as an innovative model that advances student volunteer activities toward greater professionalization. He noted that the project serves not only as an academic competition but also as a platform for students to help solve real-world local challenges amid digital transformation and economic integration. The initiative is also viewed as a significant pilot model for “digital professional volunteering,” in which knowledge is applied directly to community development, creating sustainable, long-term impact.

Assoc. Prof. Trinh Thuy Anh, Rector of the College of Technology and Design (CTD), representing the Advisory Board, providing professional guidance for the project and participating teams

Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Le Hoang Thuy To Quyen, Vice Dea in charge of the School of Governance and Head of the Organizing Committee, introducing the project

During the session, representatives from participating localities introduced the contexts and competition briefs of LOMAR 2026, helping participants better understand the challenges and objectives of each case. This year’s topics include: Binh Hung Hoa Ward: Promoting the message “Green Binh Hung Hoa”; Binh Khanh Commune: Promoting the “OCOP Binh Khanh” brand; Binh Loi Commune: Exploring and promoting Binh Loi’s tourism identity; Cau Kieu Ward: Enhancing the connectivity of the Phan Xich Long Culinary Street; Cu Chi Commune: Positioning the image and identity of Cu Chi; and Duc Nhuan Ward: Elevating the “Happy Street” brand of Ho Van Hue Street.

Comrade Do Phan Nhu Nguyet - Member of the Party Committee Standing Committee, Head of the Party Building Board, Binh Hung Hoa Ward Party Committee, announcing the exam questions

Comrade Cao Thi Ngoc Ty - Specialist, Economic Division, Binh Khanh Commune, announcing the exam questions

Comrade Nguyen Thi Huong Thao - Vice Chairman, People's Committee of Binh Loi Commune, announcing the exam questions

Comrade Ho Thanh Ly - Member of the Party Committee Standing Committee, Vice Chairman, People's Committee of Cau Kieu Ward, announcing the exam questions

Comrade Le Minh Tri - Deputy Head, Economic Division, Cu Chi District, announcing the exam questions

Comrade Tran Thi Thanh Tam - Party Committee Member, Deputy Chief of Staff, People's Council and People's Committee Office, Duc Nhuan Ward - announcing the exam questions

Mr. Nguyen Vu Nhat Huy - Expert and Corporate Lecturer, Communication Design Faculty, UEH sharing insights on approaching the exam

Through LOMAR 2026, UEH continues to bridge learning and practice, enabling students to apply their expertise to local development challenges while fostering meaningful connections among the University, students, and the community.

More photos from the event:

Pillar: Education, Community

Project: UEH Connecting

News, photos: School of Government, CELG Office, Department of Communications and Partnerships