Sustainable Innovation and Co-creation Office Collaborates with De Montfort University to Organize Master Class "SDG 11, Creative and Social Enterprise: A Case Study from Leicester"

27 May, 2026

On the afternoon of May 20, 2026, the Master Class "SDG 11, creative and social enterprise: A case study from Leicester" was organized by UEH CoLab (formerly the Sustainable UEH Project Office) in collaboration with De Montfort University (UK) at room B1.204, UEH, in a hybrid format combining in-person and online participation. The program attracted the participation of over 30 students, offering new perspectives on sustainable urban development through creativity, arts, and social initiatives. This activity is part of the UNAI Hub Chair SDG 11 program and also serves as an opportunity for academic connection between De Montfort University – Chair of the SDG 11 Hub – and the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH).

Dr. Mark Charlton - De Montfort University, UNAI SDG 11 Hub Chair delivered opening remarks

The Master Class "SDG 11, creative and social enterprise: A case study from Leicester" was organized with the aim of sharing perspectives, experiences, and practical case studies on sustainable urban development, while also disseminating the role of culture, arts, creativity, and social enterprise in shaping future cities. This activity falls within the framework of the UNAI Hub Chair SDG 11 program, consolidating the role of Vice-Chair in charge of Outreach and Partnership of UEH.

Attending the Master Class, from De Montfort University were: Dr. Mark Charlton - Chair of the SDG 11 Hub under the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) program and Associate Professor in Sustainable Development, along with speaker Dr. Hiu Man Chan - Senior Lecturer in Creative Industries, School of Creative and Cultural Industries. From UEH CoLab, the program included the participation of M.A. Sandhya Rao – Lecturer at the Institute of Smart Cities and Management, UEH College of Technology and Design.

Opening the program, Dr. Mark Charlton shared about the orientation of academic cooperation among units serving as Chair and Vice-Chairs within the SDG 11 Hub network. He expressed his expectation that through activities such as the Master Class, the parties would have more opportunities to connect, exchange academically, and develop meaningful collaborative initiatives in the future.

Dr. Mark Charlton - De Montfort University, UNAI SDG 11 Hub Chair delivered opening remarks

M.A. Sandhya Rao also emphasized the significance of bringing SDG 11 topics closer to UEH students and faculty. She also acknowledged the value of international academic exchanges in broadening perspectives on sustainable urban development, while affirming UEH's readiness to accompany future collaborative activities.

M.A. Sandhya Rao - UEH Representative, UNAI SDG 11 Hub Vice-Chair shared opening remarks

The Master Class, presented by Dr. Hiu Man Chan, introduced a case study from Leicester, demonstrating that sustainable urban development is not only associated with "hardware" development such as infrastructure, policies, or technology, but also requires the contribution of "software" factors such as culture, arts, creativity, and local communities. The speaker emphasized the role of creative projects in connecting local values with global vision, while creating opportunities for young people to participate in social initiatives and urban development. Additionally, the speaker introduced typical case studies such as film remake projects from Hong Kong to the UK version in Leicester and the "Voices of the City" initiative, all initiated by local students. These serve as evidence that young people can proactively create spaces for dialogue, communication, and action towards sustainable development goals for their cities and communities.

Dr. Hiu Man Chan shares content of the Master Class

The Master Class provided valuable information and inspired participants regarding the approach to SDG 11 from a creative and social perspective. The program not only contributed to raising awareness about sustainable urban development but also laid the groundwork for organizing future activities within the framework of the UNAI Hub Chair SDG 11 program.

Other images from the class: