On the afternoon of August 11th, 2025, at Hall 602, Vo Van Tan Campus, Ho Chi Minh City Open University hosted a Vietnam–Korea Student Exchange under the theme “Startup Ecosystem – Global Entrepreneurship: Connecting Creativity – Igniting Innovation.”
The event was part of the Univ. Star Student Startup Idea Contest, held ahead of the MEGA US EXPO 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City. This competition, jointly organised by Vietnam and Korea aimed to foster entrepreneurial spirit, create an international platform, and strengthen international cooperation in entrepreneurship and innovation. With the theme “Applying Science and Technology in the Digital Age Business”, the contest attracted numerous unique and creative submissions in healthcare, education, environment, energy, and tourism.
The event was attended by: Dr. Nguyen Hoang Sinh – Vice Dean in charge of the Faculty of Business Administration, Ho Chi Minh City Open University; students from FPT University, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City University of Food Industry, RMIT University Vietnam, Ton Duc Thang University, Van Hien University, Ho Chi Minh City University of Foreign Languages and Information Technology, University of Science – Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, International University – Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City; together with representatives from 12 Korean universities: Kangwon National University, Kyungpook National University, Gyeongsang National University, Kunsan National University, Sunchon National University, Pusan National University, Wonkwang University, Wonkwang Health Science University, Chonnam National University, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju University, and Chungbuk National University.
The event gathered more than 90 Korean students and lecturers, over 100 students from Vietnamese universities, and more than 350 students from the Faculty of Business Administration, the Faculty of Foreign Languages, and the Faculty of Special Training at Ho Chi Minh City Open University. It served as an opportunity for students to discuss global entrepreneurship trends, share innovative projects, engage in cultural exchange, broaden their horizons, and strengthen international cooperation.
The highlight of the contest was the presentation and defence of startup ideas. Many innovative projects were introduced, focusing on technology, education, environment, and community services. The groups received direct feedback from lecturers and startup experts and were encouraged to continue networking to further develop their ideas, seek resources, and find partners after the program.
Alongside academic activities, the cultural exchange was vibrant, featuring music performances, traditional dances, interactive games, and cultural showcases of Vietnam and Korea. These activities helped students from both countries better understand each other’s cultures and lifestyles, broaden their creative thinking, and lay a foundation for long-term cooperation.
Speaking at the exchange, Dr. Nguyen Hoang Sinh emphasised: “This event serves as a bridge for students to sharpen entrepreneurial skills, access diverse international perspectives, and build sustainable connections with global peers.”
The event not only carried academic significance but also helped build a dynamic, open-minded student community and strengthen sustainable partnerships between Vietnam and Korea. Notably, it marked a practical step in implementing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between Ho Chi Minh City Open University and 12 Korean universities at MEGA US EXPO 2024, affirming the commitment to promoting educational cooperation, student exchanges, academic research, and innovative entrepreneurship support.
For students, this was a chance to learn about and experience culture, to expand horizons, develop integration capabilities, and nurture an innovative entrepreneurial spirit. For Ho Chi Minh City Open University, the program stood as a clear testament to its orientation toward open education, connecting knowledge, creativity, and integration. It also laid the foundation for the University to further implement international cooperation programs, bringing students closer to global learning and working environments, thereby contributing to the formation of a young generation of confident, responsible, and aspirational global citizens.
Article: Khanh Ly
Photos: Minh Khanh
Translate: Hong Ngoc