Vietnam - Australia international student exchange program: QUT Study Tour 2024

In the early atmosphere of 2024, the international student exchange program between University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) and Queensland University of Technology (QUT) took place from January 8 to January 14, 2024. The program was designed to serve as a course for Australian students while also providing them with a practical and experiential learning tour in Vietnam. The program was successfully executed with enthusiastic participation from students of both nations, engaging in cultural exchange activities and enhancing academic knowledge on globally relevant topics.

The program is operated under the main guidance of the Board of Directors of College of Economics, Law and Government, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH- CELG), and the Director Board of UEH Vinh Long Campus. Grasping the trend of sustainable development and the goal towards a circular economy globally, the Program Organizing Committee decided to execute the UEH - QUT Expert Workshop 2024, the most prominent event in this year's series of activities, with the theme "Business of Sustainability and Circular Economy in Vietnam."

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vincent Hoang delivered the opening speech for the workshop.

The successful workshop took place on January 10, 2024, with enthusiastic student participation and response. It was designed with three smaller sessions, featuring high-quality topics and speakers:

"Measurement of the circular economy in Vietnam" presented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Khanh Nam, UEH-CELG
"Circular economy development and policy in Vietnam" presented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Hong Quan, Vietnam National University - Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM)
"Glass Bottle Recycling Analysis and Roadmap for Vietnam" presented by Dr. Ho Quoc Thong, UEH- CELG

The presentation by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Khanh Nam.

The presentation by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Hong Quan.

Within the workshop framework, UEH and QUT students were introduced to and gained insights into the circular economy in Vietnam, sustainable development-promoting policies and laws, and the connection between the circular economy and the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Additionally, the students had the opportunity to discuss measurement for circular economy using tools and methods. They were also introduced to analyses on glass bottle recycling and studies on the wine and spirit industry in Vietnam and gained a deeper understanding of opportunities and challenges in researching solutions for the transition to a circular economy in Vietnam and other countries worldwide.

The presentation by Dr. Ho Quoc Thong.

Throughout the workshop, students actively posed numerous questions, shared their perspectives, and engaged in direct exchanges with the speakers, contributing to the richness and depth of the content. Their active participation added to the overall appeal and quality of the program. After the event, QUT students praised the quality of academic content and the international standard of the presenters. The workshop was not just an event; it was a memorable academic and cultural experience where new ideas sprouted, international collaboration flourished, and students demonstrated their determination to discuss crucial issues of the modern world.

The students ask questions and engage in discussions with the speakers about the topics during the workshop

Within the program framework, in addition to academic knowledge, students also had the opportunity to visit famous historical sites in Saigon, such as Independence Palace, City Post Office, Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, War Remnants Museum, and Thien Hau Temple. Not confining their exploration to Ho Chi Minh City, the delegation also visited UEH Vinh Long Campus, participating in cultural exchange programs with UEH Vinh Long students, visiting bee farms, fruit orchards, CocoHome coconut house, experiencing the Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho and engaging in traditional folk games at My Khanh tourism village.

Some highlighted images:

1. Ho Chi Minh City Tour: