The VKU–ISEP 2026 International Student Exchange and Cultural Exchange Program between Vietnam–Korea University of Information and Communication Technology (VKU) and King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB), Thailand, concluded successfully, leaving remarkable achievements and unforgettable memories. The program took place from June 29 to July 4, 2026, bringing together lecturers and more than 50 students from Vietnam and Thailand. A special highlight of this year’s program was the participation of seven high school students, including five students from Hai Ba Trung High School (Hue City) and two students from Nguyen Binh Khiem High School for the Gifted (Da Nang City). Their participation provided valuable opportunities to experience an international university environment at an early stage, develop a global mindset, strengthen cross-cultural communication skills, and explore future career paths in digital technology.

Academic exchange activities with mentors

During the one-week program, students from VKU and KMUTNB participated in a wide range of academic exchange and cultural activities. A key highlight was the PISI (Program incubation of Start-ups and Innovative Ideas), where students worked together to develop innovative startup ideas through workshops on design thinking and the Business Model Canvas. The activities focused on developing innovative solutions in the fields of information technology, tourism, and digital transformation.

Students present startup ideas at Demo Day

In addition to academic activities, lecturers from VKU and KMUTNB shared practical insights into emerging technology trends, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), innovation, and entrepreneurship in the era of global digital transformation. At the end of the academic exchange, student teams confidently presented AI-based startup ideas designed to address practical challenges in learning, career development, and student well-being. Outstanding projects included LecSummary AI: The “Chill Vibe” Study Companion, an AI-powered lecture summarization and learning assistant; Charlotte: Narrow Your Future with the Sharpen Tools, supporting career orientation and development; Study Buddy, a personalized AI learning and study planning platform; StudyPath AI: The Intelligent Academic Advisor, providing smart academic guidance; MindGrow, an AI application for tutoring and mental health support; AI Campus Buddy, an intelligent assistant helping students balance study and daily life; Student Wellness & Self-Awareness AI Companion, promoting mental wellness and self-awareness; and Nexus AI, an AI platform supporting academic and career planning. These projects demonstrated students’ creativity, their ability to apply AI to solve real-world problems, and the strong spirit of international collaboration, research, and innovation shared by students from both VKU and KMUTNB.

Team-building activities strengthen friendship

Beyond academic exchanges, the program also featured a variety of extracurricular activities. Students from VKU, KMUTNB, and other international participants explored the beautiful city of Da Nang, visiting Da Nang Museum and Linh Ung Pagoda on Son Tra Peninsula, as well as famous tourist destinations such as Hoi An Ancient Town and Ba Na Hills. Cultural exchange sessions, Vietnamese–Thai language exchange activities, and team-building events enabled students to gain a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture and people while fostering lasting friendships and stronger cooperation among participants.

Dr. Huynh Ngoc Tho, Vice Rector of VKU, delivers the closing remarks

In his closing remarks, Dr. Huynh Ngoc Tho, Vice Rector of VKU, emphasized that VKU–ISEP 2026 was not merely a student exchange program but also a vivid demonstration of the strong and sustainable partnership between VKU and KMUTNB in advancing the internationalization of higher education. Through academic activities, innovation programs, and cultural experiences, students from both universities learned together, exchanged knowledge, overcame language and cultural barriers, and developed innovative ideas with practical value. Dr. Huynh Ngoc Tho expressed his confidence that the knowledge, skills, friendships, and experiences gained throughout the program would become valuable assets, empowering students to confidently integrate into the international community. He also affirmed VKU’s commitment to further expanding its collaboration with KMUTNB and universities around the world, creating more opportunities for student exchange, research cooperation, and academic development.

Ms. Maneerat Sukkkasem, representative of the KMUTNB delegation, speaks at the closing ceremony

Representing the KMUTNB delegation, Ms. Maneerat Sukkkasem, Assistant Professor of the Faculty of Business Administration and Service Industry and Head of the Delegation, expressed her sincere appreciation to the VKU Board of Rectors, lecturers, students, and volunteers for their warm hospitality throughout the program. She highly appreciated the professionalism of the program organization, the quality of the academic activities, and the collaborative and innovative spirit demonstrated by students from both universities. According to her, VKU–ISEP not only enhances students’ knowledge and skills for working in an international environment but also creates meaningful friendships, strengthens cultural understanding, and builds lasting connections between Vietnam and Thailand. She expressed her hope that the partnership between KMUTNB and VKU would continue to expand through more student exchange programs, faculty exchanges, and collaborative research projects in the coming years.

VKU–ISEP 2026 concluded with many meaningful achievements, serving not only as a valuable platform for academic collaboration and cultural exchange between Vietnamese and Thai students but also as clear evidence of VKU’s ongoing commitment to the internationalization of higher education. Through international exchange programs, VKU aims to build a truly global learning environment where students can expand their academic knowledge, develop essential soft skills, experience multicultural learning, and cultivate a global mindset. Guided by its vision of “Go Global – Lead the Future,” VKU remains committed to promoting academic excellence while sharing Vietnamese cultural values with the world while strengthening its position as a leading public university with an international orientation in digital technology and the digital economy.

VKU Media

Some pictures:

162 Views