UEH Mekong: Thinkathon Greenovation Award Final Round Marks the Conclusion of the UEH Mekong Global Summer Camp 2026 Journey

24 Jul, 2026

On the afternoon of July 16, 2026, UEH Mekong hosted the Final Round of the "Thinkathon Greenovation Award" and the Closing Ceremony of the "UEH Mekong Global Summer Camp 2026." After nearly one month of activities (June 22 – July 16, 2026), the program concluded with a series of academic events, hands-on experiences, and student exchanges, offering learners opportunities to expand their knowledge, forge cross-cultural connections, and gain insights into the practical development of the Mekong Delta.

The event was attended by Assoc. Prof. Phan Thi Bich Nguyet, former Chairperson of the Council for Strategic and Policy Advisory, former Director of the Institute of Innovation, and Chairwoman of UEH Alumni; Dr. Nguyen Thi Thy Lieu, Director of UEH Mekong; MSc. Ho Thien Quyen, Deputy Director of UEH Mekong; along with leaders, lecturers from various departments and faculties, program instructors, the Youth Union, and the Student Association. Notably, the event was also joined by students participating in the Thinkathon Greenovation Award 2026 and the UEH Mekong Global Summer Camp 2026 student exchange program.

Overview of the ceremony

Thinkathon Greenovation 2026 Final Round: Ideas for sustainable development in the Mekong Delta

Held within the framework of the UEH Mekong Global Summer Camp 2026, the Thinkathon Greenovation Award 2026 was organized to provide a platform for domestic and international students to propose innovative solutions to challenges facing the Mekong region and its communities.

The competition attracted 24 teams with nearly 90 contestants from UEH, UEH Mekong, and numerous universities nationwide, including the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, University of Science, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology – VNU-HCM, Nong Lam University Ho Chi Minh City, Banking Academy, Hanoi University of Industry, the Ho Chi Minh City branch of the Foreign Trade University, as well as high schools in Vinh Long province.

Assoc. Prof. Phan Thi Bich Nguyet delivering the opening remarks at the Thinkathon Greenovation 2026 Final Round

From the preliminary round, the Jury selected nine teams with outstanding ideas to advance to the Final Round. The projects addressed practical issues facing the Mekong Delta, including climate change adaptation, sustainable agriculture, circular economy, green transition, and technology applications for community benefit.

During the Final Round, teams presented and defended their projects before the Jury. Many ideas reflected young people's engagement with environmental, agricultural, and local livelihood issues, while also demonstrating research capabilities, teamwork, and the development of applicable solutions. In addition to evaluating project quality, the Jury also provided professional feedback to each team to help refine their models, clarify feasibility, and outline future development directions.

Teams presenting and defending their projects before the Jury

The Jury providing comments and posing questions to competing teams

UEH Mekong Global Summer Camp 2026 Closing Ceremony: A fulfilling journey of learning and connection for students nationwide

The Thinkathon Greenovation 2026 Final Round also marked the conclusion of the UEH Mekong Global Summer Camp 2026 series. Dr. Nguyen Thi Thy Lieu, Director of UEH Mekong, extended her congratulations to the students who completed the program and shared: "More than just a course, this program is an opportunity for you to experience, grow, and understand the Mekong Delta, nurturing a mindset of action for the community. The reach of Thinkathon Greenovation 2026 – with the participation of students and high schoolers from various schools and localities – demonstrates the program's appeal and the demand for learning and experiencing in an environment that connects the university, businesses, and experts. The program's outcomes also affirm the 'dare to think, dare to act' spirit of the younger generation – you dared to step out of your comfort zone and into a new environment. Studying in a multi-dimensional connected environment alongside businesses, experts, and dedicated lecturers, you have proven that young people can create positive value for their localities. UEH hopes this spirit will not be confined to one summer but will become a sustainable series of activities continuing through the next semesters."

Dr. Nguyen Thi Thy Lieu – Director of UEH Mekong – speaking at the Closing Ceremony

Representing the participating students, Nguyen Thi Ngoc Hue (Banking Academy of Vietnam) shared: "Summer Camp is not just a few weeks of coursework; it is a journey that helped me dare to step out of my comfort zone. At UEH Mekong, through classes, extracurricular activities, and the Thinkathon Greenovation platform, we observed, debated, and grew together. It was the dedication of the lecturers, new friendships, and the warmth and hospitality of the people of Vinh Long that made this experience invaluable. I hope my journey at UEH Mekong will inspire other young people to confidently push their own limits."

Student Nguyen Thi Bich Hue – Banking Academy of Vietnam – sharing her experience at the Closing Ceremony

Honoring outstanding ideas at Thinkathon Greenovation 2026

At the Closing Ceremony, UEH Mekong presented awards to nine outstanding teams from the Thinkathon Greenovation 2026 Award, as follows:

01 First Prize: Team REMIT, with the idea of transforming young jackfruit into pure Vietnamese plant-based food;
01 Second Prize: Team A-EYE FRUIT, with the idea of quality control for agricultural products using spectral imaging and artificial intelligence;
02 Third Prizes: Team BIO BOWL (producing biodegradable tableware from natural leaves) and Team SEN BAO (smart food wrap from lotus leaves);
05 Consolation Prizes: Teams with solutions related to biomaterials, biochar, digital infrastructure for agricultural biomass supply chains, and circular models in livestock farming, including: Team APEX (from discarded coconut shells to biochar), NGUOI DI AN (green insulation material from lotus stems), GREEN DELTA (digital infrastructure for agricultural biomass supply chains), DOT PHA XANH (circular biological bedding material for livestock), and GREENMULCH (biodegradable mulch from banana peels and cassava starch).

The projects were highly regarded for their ability to utilize local materials, aiming to reduce waste and enhance the value of agricultural products in the Mekong Delta.

Assoc. Prof. Phan Thi Bich Nguyet and Dr. Nguyen Thi Thy Lieu presenting the First and Second Prizes to Thinkathon Greenovation 2026 teams

MSc. Ho Thien Quyen and Dr. Huynh Ngoc Quang Anh presenting Third Prizes to Thinkathon Greenovation 2026 teams

Summer Camp 2026: Combining academics, experience, and international exchange

The UEH Mekong Global Summer Camp 2026 was designed to integrate academic learning, practical experience, and international exchange. Through two core academic modules, students had the opportunity to study alongside lecturers and students from Germany, while engaging with topics on sustainable development and the future workforce. The program also featured a series of in-depth talkshows on "For a More Sustainable Mekong" and "HRD Journey: Future Leaders Going Global," providing forums for students to discuss sustainable development, international integration, and career pathways. In addition to academic activities, students participated in enterprise visits, the Mekong Field Trip, a "Day as a Soldier" experience, and various cultural and academic exchange events.

At the program's conclusion, 37 students received Certificates of Completion for the UEH Mekong Global Summer Camp 2026, recognizing their academic engagement and full participation in program activities.

Through Summer Camp 2026, students gained further exposure to the practical development of the Mekong Delta, honed teamwork and cross-cultural communication skills, and expanded their academic networks. The program also contributed to strengthening collaboration between UEH Mekong and domestic and international universities, organizations, and partners.

Building on the achievements of 2026, the UEH Mekong Global Summer Camp is positioned to become an annual event, creating further opportunities for domestic and international students to study, experience, and gain deeper understanding of the Mekong Delta region.

Assoc. Prof. Phan Thi Bich Nguyet and MSc. Ho Thien Quyen presenting certificates to students participating in the UEH Mekong Global Summer Camp 2026

Lecturers and students of the program posing for a group photo after the Closing Ceremony

Reflections on memorable moments at UEH Mekong Global Summer Camp 2026

Some photos of exchange and experiential activities of participating students:

- Core academic program

Design Thinking class sessions

Sustainable Development class sessions

- Thinkathon Greenovation 2026 Competition

- Mekong Field Trip program

- "A Day as a Soldier" experience

- Talkshow and international student exchange activities

- Closing Ceremony photos

News, photos: UEH Mekong (Department of Training, Department of Research Management – Learning Resources, Department of Admissions – Communications)