From September 5, 2023, to September 9, 2023, the Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City hosted its International Cultural and Scientific Exchange Week, welcoming professors, lecturers, and students from various countries, including Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Germany, Canada, Thailand, and Vietnam.
1. Discussion with Tokyo University of Technology (Japan) and Far East University (Korea).
The launch event for the International Cultural Exchange and Scientific Research Week at IUH commenced with a meeting and collaborative discussions with professors and lecturers from Japan and Korea on September 5, 2023.
Representing the Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City were Associate Professor Dr. Dam Sao Mai, the Vice Rector of the institution, along with Associate Professor Dr. Trinh Ngoc Nam, the Head of the Science Management and International Affair office, accompanied by the Board of Directors from the Faculties of Mechanical Technology, Chemical Technology, Electrical Technology, Electronics Technology, Information Technology, and the Institute of Science and Technology & Environmental Management.
From the Japanese delegation, the attendees included Professor Dr. Yasuyuki Egashira, the Director of the School of Engineering at Tokyo University of Technology (TUT), and Professor Dr. Hara Kenji, the President of TUT International Council, along with TUT professors, lecturers, and students. The Korean representatives featured Professor Dr. Lee Yong-Jun, Professor Dr. Kim Seon-Hee, and students from Far Eastern University (FEU) in South Korea.
During the meeting, both parties discussed future directions for international education, research, and cooperative development. IUH and TUT have previously cultivated a robust partnership, resulting in notable achievements. Their shared goals encompass international collaborative education programs between Japanese universities and enterprises, initiatives centered on electric vehicles, and educational programs associated with Tokyo University of Technology. Far East University in Korea also showcased its academic strengths and expressed its aspiration to execute collaborative projects and programs with the parties involved. IUH's representatives from various faculties actively contributed to the discussions and presented research proposals. Following the general seminar, an international scientific conference was convened, encompassing three core fields: Mechanics, Chemistry, and Electrical-Electronics-Artificial Intelligence. This event witnessed active participation from professors, lecturers, and students hailing from Japan, Korea, Thailand, Germany, Canada, and Vietnam.
2. Field trip at Ajinomoto Vietnam Company
On the second day of the week, a delegation comprising lecturers and students from Japan, Korea, Germany, Canada, Taiwan, and Vietnam embarked on a field trip to the Ajinomoto Vietnam Company.
During the visit, the delegation had the opportunity to explore and gain insights into various aspects of the company's operations. They observed the wastewater treatment processes, toured the fermentation systems, biofuel production units, explored the company's museums, and, notably, engaged in baking using ingredients provided by Ajinomoto. Additionally, they savored dishes prepared from the company's products. This field trip provided valuable information and practical knowledge to international students and IUH students, emphasizing the intricacies of running a manufacturing plant while incorporating environmental sustainability and educational aspects.
3. Other activities
On September 7, 2023, international students and IUH students had the chance to immerse themselves in the culinary culture and explore historical landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City, including iconic sites like the Independence Palace, City Post Office, Tan Dinh Church, Tan Dinh Market, and the Phu Chau Floating Temple. This experience served to deepen their understanding of the culture, history, and the people of Ho Chi Minh City.
In the evening of the same day, students took part in a culinary cultural exchange between countries, where they prepared typical dishes using ingredients and flavors from their respective homelands. During this exchange, students from different countries had the opportunity to savor traditional dishes from other cultures for the first time. This culinary exchange was organized by the Faculty of Tourism Commerce (IUH) in the Restaurant-Hotel Practice Room, with the participation of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dam Sao Mai, the Vice Rector of the University, as well as nearly 100 lecturers and domestic and foreign students.
As part of the International Cultural Exchange Week, a cultural exchange evening was scheduled for September 7, 2023. At the festival, IUH's Quick Response team introduced international students to traditional cultural and artistic expressions, including the lotus dance, Vietnamese traditional costume performances, painting, and lion dance. International students from various countries also showcased their own performances, featuring Japanese traditional Bon dance, distinct German and Canadian cultural presentations, melodious melodies from Taiwanese traditional music, and vibrant songs popular among Korean youth.
The International Cultural Exchange Week concluded with an international student exchange program on September 8, 2023. During this event, IUH students and international students engaged in cultural sharing, expressed their emotions, and shared their dreams, ambitions, and aspirations for the future. Additionally, international students had the unique opportunity to try on Vietnamese traditional costumes, known as Ao Dai, for the first time, providing them with a meaningful and memorable experience.
The International Cultural Exchange Week served as a valuable opportunity for international students to immerse themselves in and appreciate the rich culture of Vietnam, while also allowing IUH students to gain deeper insights into the cultures of Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Germany, Canada, Thailand, and more. The week left a lasting impression and created cherished memories in the hearts of all the participating lecturers and students.
