On September 14, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HUTECH) welcomed a delegation of faculty members and students from Ngee Ann Polytechnic (Singapore) for the Academic and Cultural Exchange Program. Through sessions on culture, daily life, and the economy, the international students gained practical insights into Vietnam while strengthening connections with HUTECH students.
Welcoming the delegation, Dr. Ly Thien Trang, Vice President of HUTECH, emphasized the importance of academic and cultural exchange in helping students gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam through firsthand experiences. She expressed her hope that the program would strengthen ties between the two institutions, expand opportunities for academic exchange, and give the Singaporean delegation a closer look at the development of Vietnam’s economy, technology, services, and everyday life.
Dr. Ly Thien Trang emphasizes the role of cultural exchange in helping Singaporean students gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam
Kicking off the delegation’s exploration of the learning environment at HUTECH, Mr. Tu Tuan Cuong, Deputy Head of the Department of International Relations and Project Management, provided an overview of the University’s development, education system, international partnership network, and internationalization strategy.

Mr. Tu Tuan Cuong provides an overview of HUTECH’s educational environment and internationalization strategy
The program took on a more engaging and relatable atmosphere with a session led by Mr. Tang Thong Nhan, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management. Familiar aspects of Vietnamese life, including forms of address within families, regional language differences, communal dining culture, beliefs, religions, and the rhythms of urban life, were explained through an approach that resonated with the Singaporean students.
Everyday situations, such as the different names used for common items or how to cross a road amid heavy traffic, also offered insights into how Vietnamese people communicate, interact, and adapt to their surroundings. Images of landscapes, cuisine, and community life further enriched the cultural narrative, providing a foundation for the delegation to gain more meaningful experiences as they explored Vietnam.
Mr. Tang Thong Nhan helps Singaporean students gain further insights into Vietnamese culture and everyday life
Moving from culture to the economy, the program continued with the session “Vietnam Rising: The Forces Powering Asia’s Next Growth,” presented by Dr. Chau Van Thuong, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Marketing and International Business. The session focused on the forces driving Vietnam’s growth, highlighting the role of its people, the adaptability of its workforce and businesses, as well as the influence of education, family, and the entrepreneurial spirit.

Dr. Chau Van Thuong analyzes the key forces driving Vietnam’s growth
Ngee Ann Polytechnic students also learned about Vietnam’s integration into the global economy, its appeal as a manufacturing destination, and shifts in modern consumer behavior. Trends such as cashless payments, fast services, short-distance delivery, and personalized experiences illustrate how rapidly the market is evolving and how businesses must continually adapt to meet changing demands.
Ngee Ann Polytechnic students learn about Vietnam’s economic integration and emerging consumer trends
Interaction and connection help broaden intercultural perspectives and strengthen ties between students of the two institutions
Alongside the academic sessions, students from both institutions had opportunities to interact, exchange ideas, and connect in an open and engaging environment. Differences in culture, everyday life, the economy, and the market provided valuable perspectives for students to broaden their intercultural understanding, while laying further groundwork for future academic activities and international exchanges between HUTECH and Ngee Ann Polytechnic.
News: Mỹ Lệ
Photo: Quốc Đạt
Communication Center