Undergraduate From 5 to 18 July 2026, students from Can Tho University (CTU) participated in the NUS–AUN Summer Programme 2026 at the National University of Singapore (NUS), joining outstanding young delegates from across Asia.
Under the theme “Communities in Action,” the programme served not only as an international academic forum for university students in the region but also as a platform for the younger generation to cultivate responsibility, foster innovation, and strengthen their capacity to take meaningful action for communities by addressing urgent social challenges. The programme also provided CTU students with valuable opportunities to engage in an advanced international academic environment, broaden their global perspectives, and assert the resilience and global readiness of Vietnamese youth in an increasingly interconnected world.
A Diverse International Academic Space
Throughout the two-week programme, CTU students studied and engaged in a vibrant international academic environment centered on three core pillars: Sustainability & Innovation, Heritage & Culture, Inclusivity & Resilience.
Within the programme framework, students engaged in orientation activities and a series of in-depth lectures delivered by distinguished professors, experts, researchers, and social activists. These sessions opened new perspectives on sustainable development, cultural preservation, inclusive community building, and the pioneering role of youth in driving positive social change. A highlight of the programme was a series of experiential learning activities at social enterprises and community organizations in Singapore. Through these activities, students explored efforts to safeguard cultural heritage and community identity amid modern urbanization; experienced circular economy practices by recycling and producing high-value products from reused materials; participated in educational initiatives promoting green lifestyles and sustainability; listened to and dialogued with vulnerable groups; and honed their emotional intelligence, problem-solving skills, and ability to build inclusive workplaces through real-world scenarios.
CTU students confidently participated in academic activities alongside international delegates
A highlight of the NUS–AUN Summer Programme 2026 was the remarkable achievement of CTU student Nguyen Khai Minh, whose team project “RuZzle: From PET Waste to Classroom Tools” was selected among the Top 30 Outstanding Projects and advanced to the Top 15. This project not only showcased the creativity and practical application of knowledge by CTU students, but also conveyed a profound message of environmental protection, resource reuse, and sustainable education development.
Representatives of the Top 30 Outstanding Projects at the NUS–AUN Summer Programme 2026
This achievement stands as clear evidence of the resilience, international competence, and strong sense of social responsibility of CTU students on the global academic stage. It is also a source of pride for Can Tho University, as innovative ideas initiated by its students have the opportunity to be further refined, developed, and implemented in practice—contributing to positive impacts for communities, environmental sustainability, and a future of sustainable development.
Nguyen Khai Minh (first from the left) and the RuZzle project team advanced to the Top 30 Outstanding Projects and continued to the Top 15 with "RuZzle: From PET Waste to Classroom Tools"
Cultural Exchange and Expanding Global Horizons
One of the programme’s highlights was a dialogue with Ms. Jasmin Lau, Minister of State for Digital Development and Information and concurrently Minister of State for Education of Singapore. In an open and engaging atmosphere, students gained profound insights into global education trends, the constructive role of youth, lifelong learning, and the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in education and research. These messages not only provided academic orientation but also inspired innovative thinking, adaptability, and a stronger sense of responsibility among students in responding to the growing demands of the digital era.
Academic networking and cultural exchange activities between CTU students and international delegates
Beyond academic activities, the programme also featured diverse cultural exchange events, most notably the Cultural Night. On this occasion, CTU students proudly showcased Vietnamese cultural identity through traditional attire and a performance reenacting a wedding ceremony in the Mekong Delta. The performance left a lasting impression on international friends, while promoting the beauty of Vietnamese culture, affirming national pride, and strengthening the spirit of exchange and connectivity among the region’s youth. In addition, students had opportunities to explore iconic landmarks in Singapore and discover the National University of Singapore's modern campus, thereby gaining a deeper understanding of Singapore’s culture, lifestyle, and development model, and enhancing their adaptability in a multicultural international environment.
CTU students participated in extracurricular and cultural exchange activities during the NUS–AUN Summer Programme 2026
CTU students visited various locations across the National University of Singapore campus
For CTU students, the two-week programme in Singapore was not only an opportunity to experience an advanced international academic environment but also a journey of growth in mindset, skills, and global competence. Lessons in leadership, innovation, intercultural collaboration, and social responsibility will serve as invaluable assets for their continued learning, research, and contributions to sustainable social development.
Through its participation in the NUS–AUN Summer Programme 2026 at the National University of Singapore, CTU reaffirms the quality of its education and the international integration capacity of its students. At the same time, the programme strengthens academic cooperation between CTU and partners across ASEAN and Asia, opening new opportunities in training, scientific research, and the development of high-quality human resources to meet the demands of an era of global integration and transformation.
(Website Editorial Board)
