From preparation to participation: HUTECH gears up for Learning Express 2026
- 12/03/2026
Through a series of preparation activities from late 2025 to early 2026, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HUTECH) and Singapore Polytechnic (SP) are actively preparing for Learning Express (LeX) 2026, an international experiential learning initiative that connects academic study with community engagement while fostering global collaboration among students.
Launched by Singapore Polytechnic in 2012, Learning Express has gradually developed into a well-recognized experiential learning initiative across Asia. Over more than a decade, the initiative has expanded to many countries in ASEAN as well as China, India, and Japan, engaging more than 10,000 students in community-based projects.
In Vietnam, HUTECH is one of SP’s key strategic partners in implementing the initiative. The year 2026 marks the third time Learning Express will be organized with HUTECH’s participation, promising to continue delivering meaningful academic experiences while strengthening the connection between universities and local communities.
Learning Express is an annual community project jointly implemented by HUTECH and Singapore Polytechnic
Faculty training in Singapore strengthens academic preparation
HUTECH faculty members participate in a Design Thinking training session at Singapore Polytechnic in preparation for Learning Express 2026
An important milestone in the preparation process took place on December 10–11, 2025 when a delegation of HUTECH faculty members traveled to Singapore Polytechnic to participate in an intensive training program for Learning Express 2026.
The delegation included representatives from several faculties and institutes, including Dr. Tran Tuan Nam, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Civil Engineering; Dr. Le Tri Hieu, Lecturer at the Institute of Engineering; Ms. Trinh Ngoc Anh, Lecturer at the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management; and Mr. Vu Anh Chien, Lecturer at the Faculty of Business Administration. These faculty members will play a key role in guiding and mentoring student teams throughout the project.
The training focused on the Project Design Thinking process, which serves as the central framework of Learning Express. Together with experts from Singapore Polytechnic, the HUTECH delegation explored four core stages of implementation: Sense & Sensibility, Empathy, Ideation, and Prototype.
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The training focused on the Project Design Thinking framework, which forms the core methodology of Learning Express
Beyond theoretical discussions, faculty members also practiced a variety of practical tools to support student learning. These included techniques for designing interview questions, analyzing research data through clustering methods, identifying key insights, and developing user personas. Such tools are essential for facilitators to guide students in understanding community needs and developing practical solutions.
In the Learning Express framework, faculty members take on two main roles. Facilitators directly mentor students, supporting their academic progress and teamwork throughout the project. Coordinators oversee the overall organization of the initiative, including logistics, communication, and coordination among stakeholders.
The visit also provided an opportunity for the HUTECH delegation to explore Singapore Polytechnic’s modern teaching models and advanced facilities, further strengthening the collaborative relationship between the two institutions.
The visit also provided an opportunity for the HUTECH delegation to explore Singapore Polytechnic’s modern teaching models and advanced facilities, further strengthening the collaborative relationship between the two institutions.
Joint planning session identifies community project sites
Representatives of HUTECH and Singapore Polytechnic discuss project sites and implementation plans for Learning Express 2026
Continuing the preparation process, HUTECH hosted a delegation from Singapore Polytechnic on December 29, 2025 for a working session to discuss the implementation plan for Learning Express 2026. The session was organized by the Department of International Relations and Project Management and brought together representatives from both institutions to review preparations and identify key project directions.
During the meeting, participants discussed feedback from previous editions of the initiative and explored ways to further enhance its academic depth and social impact. HUTECH representatives emphasized their appreciation for the continued partnership with Singapore Polytechnic, noting that the collaboration has created valuable international learning opportunities for students.
One of the highlights of the session was the presentation of three proposed community project sites for Learning Express 2026. These include Minh Phuoc Incense Workshop in Binh Chanh District, Phu Hoa Dong rice paper village in Cu Chi District, and Gia Dinh Park Circus in Go Vap District. Each project team introduced the characteristics of the site, existing challenges, proposed solutions, and potential social impact. The discussion also addressed infrastructure conditions and surrounding facilities to ensure effective preparation for upcoming fieldwork activities.
A distinctive feature of Learning Express 2026 is the participation of lecturers and students from multiple faculties and institutes at HUTECH. This interdisciplinary collaboration allows each project to be examined from diverse academic perspectives, creating opportunities for students to develop multidimensional thinking, teamwork skills, and practical problem-solving abilities. Following the working session, teams conducted site surveys to gain deeper insights into local conditions and prepare for the official implementation of the project.
A distinctive feature of Learning Express 2026 is the participation of lecturers and students from multiple faculties and institutes at HUTECH. This interdisciplinary collaboration allows each project to be examined from diverse academic perspectives, creating opportunities for students to develop multidimensional thinking, teamwork skills, and practical problem-solving abilities. Following the working session, teams conducted site surveys to gain deeper insights into local conditions and prepare for the official implementation of the project.
Students prepare for international collaboration and community engagement
HUTECH students attend an introduction session to Learning Express 2026, preparing for community based international collaboration
As preparations progressed, HUTECH also organized activities to introduce the initiative to students and equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills before participating in the project. On February 5, the Faculty of English Language, in collaboration with the Department of International Relations and Project Management, held an orientation session to introduce Learning Express 2026 to students.
During the event, lecturers provided an overview of the initiative, highlighting its focus on combining academic learning with community service. Through field research and collaborative teamwork, students will explore real world challenges in local communities, develop creative solutions, and contribute to preserving traditional cultural values.
Several specialized sharing sessions were also organized to help students prepare for the project. One session introduced the Design Thinking approach, helping students understand how to identify community needs, analyze problems, generate ideas, and test potential solutions. Another session focused on cultural and social aspects of Singapore, providing students with insights into communication styles, social norms, and cultural differences that may arise during international collaboration.
Several specialized sharing sessions were also organized to help students prepare for the project. One session introduced the Design Thinking approach, helping students understand how to identify community needs, analyze problems, generate ideas, and test potential solutions. Another session focused on cultural and social aspects of Singapore, providing students with insights into communication styles, social norms, and cultural differences that may arise during international collaboration.
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Students engage in discussions and idea development activities during the preparation session
Students also received guidance on specialized vocabulary related to project activities, particularly terms associated with field research locations such as incense making villages and traditional arts. This preparation helps students communicate effectively with local communities while confidently sharing Vietnamese cultural heritage with international peers.
Promoting experiential learning and global citizenship
Learning Express 2026 is scheduled to take place from March 23 to April 3, 2026, bringing together 30 HUTECH students and 30 Singapore Polytechnic students in interdisciplinary teams. Over the course of 12 days, participants will conduct field research in local communities, analyze social needs, and collaboratively develop practical solutions using the Design Thinking approach.
More than simply an international exchange activity, Learning Express represents a powerful model of experiential learning that encourages students to apply academic knowledge to real world challenges. By working directly with communities, students develop professional skills while also cultivating empathy, creativity, and a deeper sense of global citizenship.
Working closely with communities, students transform ideas into practical solutions through the Learning Express experience
With the active participation of students, lecturers, and local partners, Learning Express 2026 is expected to create meaningful learning experiences while strengthening the long standing partnership between HUTECH and Singapore Polytechnic. The initiative also reflects HUTECH’s broader commitment to internationalization, experiential learning, and community engaged education, equipping students with the global mindset and practical competencies needed to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
News: Department of International Relations and Project Management
Photo: Communication Center
News: Department of International Relations and Project Management
Photo: Communication Center
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