On the morning of September 27, 2025, Vietnam–Korea University of Information and Communication Technology (VKU), the University of Danang, hosted the Final Round of the English Talent Competition (ETC) 2025. As an annual academic event held since 2017, the 8th ETC 2025 carried the theme: “Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)” to encourage students not only to practice their English proficiency but also to foster creative thinking, a sense of social responsibility, and a global vision.

Overview of the event

Attending the ETC 2025 Final Round, VKU was honored to welcome experts from domestic and international enterprises, including Ms. Nguyen Thi Anh Duong – Enclave Company, Mr. Nguyen Van Viet and Mr. Nguyen Le Trong Nghia – Victoria – Australia Education System, Mr. Tran Thanh Loi – Ba Na Service Cable Car JSC (sponsors); Mr. Jane Samuelsson – Swedish expert; Mr. Jose Escalante – Mexican expert. From VKU, there was Dr. Huynh  – Vice Rector of the University, along with leaders of departments, faculties, centers, team coaches, faculty members, members of the 10 outstanding finalist teams, and a large number of VKU students attending directly in the hall and via livestream on VKU’s fanpage.

Dr. Huynh Ngoc Tho – VKU Vice Rector is delivering the opening speech

In his opening remarks for the ETC 2025 Final Round, Dr. Huynh Ngoc Tho– Vice Rector of the University – stated: ETC is not just an English competition, but a journey that shapes character, inspires creative thinking, and spreads global spirit among students. With an orientation toward internationalization, VKU always considers English as the key to integration, aiming for an English output equivalent to IELTS 5.5 – 6.0, achieved not only through theoretical teaching but also through real experiences via academic playgrounds, where students are challenged, debate, and assert their abilities.

ETC 2025 took place from March 2025 to September 2025 with over 1,500 students from 515 teams participating. After three preliminary rounds, the Organizing Committee selected 10 outstanding teams to advance to the Final Round. After the “Showcase Talents” round, 6 of the best teams continued to the Final Round – “Shining Talents”.

At the start of the Final Round, the teams not only presented their topics but also demonstrated creativity through videos and short performances introducing their groups, thereby affirming their fluent English communication and presentation skills. With the theme of ETC 2025, the teams brought forward many innovative and practical ideas, focusing on urgent issues such as sustainable local tourism development, air quality improvement, solving urban traffic problems, promoting green and efficient agriculture, applying technology to healthcare and human well-being, optimizing the use of clean energy, proposing solutions for marine waste management, and supporting mental health and strengthening community connection, etc. These helped students express their global vision and readiness to contribute to solving the major challenges of the era.

Debate section between Cosmos and OnTheTop

After the Presentation section, the two teams with the highest scores – Cosmos and OnTheTop – advanced to the Debate section with the topic: “Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize education and significantly contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal of Quality Education. To what extent do you agree or disagree?” In this round, team members demonstrated their debating skills in the format of one team supporting and the other opposing. Each side expressed its understanding and English presentation ability to defend its viewpoint and persuade the judges.

Team Cosmos excellently wins the First Prize

After intense sections of competition, the panel of judges – experts from the domestic and international business community – gave high praise for the communication skills and knowledge the teams demonstrated in their presentations and debates. Final results, the Organizing Committee and judges decided to award: the First Prize to team COSMOS, the Second Prize to team ONTHETOP, Third Prize to team CHASING, 03 Consolation Prizes, 04 Promising Team Awards, and 01 award for Most Favorite Video voted on the competition’s fanpage with a total prize value of 12 million VND. In addition, Victoria– Australia Education System sponsored B2-level tuition at their center for the teams, with: 100% tuition support for the First Prize team, 50% tuition support for the Second Prize team and 30% tuition support for the Third Prize and Consolation Prize teams in the competition.

With the theme “Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”, ETC 2025 was not only a platform for students to demonstrate intelligence and creativity, but also a place to affirm their sense of community responsibility and aspirations for a sustainable future. The meaningful ideas and projects presented reflected academic capabilities aligned with VKU’s educational philosophy: “Humanity – Dedication – Liberation”, clearly demonstrating efforts to build a comprehensive learning environment that helps students develop knowledge, skills, and a global vision to confidently integrate and contribute to society.

Center for Learning Resource and Communication

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