AI for Impact:
Vietnam’s Young Innovators Tackle Sustainable Social Change
“The Challenge makes us dare to think, dare to do, and dare to innovate”
AI for Impact Participant
In two vibrant cities of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, the future of innovation in Vietnam took center stage.
On October 12 in Ho Chi Minh City, and October 13 in Hanoi, high school students gathered for an extraordinary mission: to harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) for sustainable social change.
The Innovation Challenge “AI for Impact: How Can We Use AI for Positive Social Change?”, was organised by Western Sydney University International and Launch Pad, drawing over 700 eager participants from across the country.
AI for a Better Tomorrow
At its core, the “AI for Impact” Innovation Challenge wasn’t just about technology—it was about using AI to create a better tomorrow. From managing urban traffic to providing mental health support in underserved areas, the solutions presented by these young innovators reflected a deep understanding of how AI can be used to address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and create positive change on a global scale.
For these students, the challenge was a stepping stone—a moment where they realised their potential to make a difference. As one participant said:
“This challenge has given me an invaluable experience. It not only pushed me out of my comfort zone but also taught me how to develop solutions that can impact the world.”
The Journey from Masterclasses to the Final Pitch Showcase
The path to the finals was no easy feat. Over 700 registered student participated in two online masterclasses, designed to sharpen their AI knowledge and equip them with the skills necessary to pitch their ideas effectively.
The first, AI for Innovation, gave participants a deep dive into how artificial intelligence is transforming industries and society at large. The second, Pitching for Impact, prepared them to present their innovative solutions in front of a panel of judges.
After a competitive first round, 19 teams from each city—Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi—were selected to move on to the final competition. In total, 76 students in Ho Chi Minh City and 74 students in Hanoi made it to this crucial stage, with pre-defined problems ranging from waste management to traffic systems.
Desire for Positive Change:
AI as a Force for Good
At the heart of the challenge was a simple yet profound question: How can AI be used as a force for positive, sustainable social change? While artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming a fixture in our lives, it has the potential to disrupt industries and communities if not used responsibly. The students participating in the challenge knew this and were determined to ensure AI would serve the greater good.
“This competition gave us the space to develop and express our ideas.”
AI for Impact participant
Pushing Boundaries
Innovation never comes without challenges. For many of the students, the pressure of pitching in front of industry experts and competing against peers was a new experience. But it was in this pressure that they found growth. One participant reflected:
“The Challenge pushed me out of my comfort zone, allowing me to develop new skills while working with a supportive team.”
Another echoed this sentiment, saying:
“I appreciated the opportunity to learn from both our achievements and challenges.”
The Power of AI in Solving Global Challenges
Through the mentorship of industry professionals, participants discovered that AI is not just a futuristic concept—it’s a tool that can drive real, sustainable change today. Mentors like Ellen (Minh) Nguyen, who worked closely with the teams, were inspired by the students’ eagerness to learn and innovate.
“It was a very well-organised event which brought real benefits to students in Vietnam,”
Ellen (Minh) Nguyen – Hanoi Challenge Mentor
Director of Communications – GITS
Transforming Ideas into Impact
By the end of each competition, the transformation in the students was clear. They had started as high school students with ideas and finished as innovators with actionable solutions.
The challenge wasn’t just about winning; it was about empowering the next generation to take ownership of AI’s potential for societal impact.
“I have seen the future leaders of Vietnam—young people, bright minds with great ideas.”
Johnathon Saw – Ho Chi Minh Challenge Judge
Trade & Investment Commissioner, Vietnam & Cambodia at Australian Trade & Investment Commission (Austrade)
Ho Chi Minh Challenge Winners
1st Place
AItopia.lsts
Members:
Pham Ngoc Gia Linh
Dang Anh Khoa
Le Nhat Minh Thy
Nguyen Ngoc Bao Long
Team Altopia.ltts from Lawrence S.Ting School created an AI powered system to develop the agriculture field.
Runner Up
D'four
Members:
Le Ngoc Han
Tran Anh Ngoc
Le Giang Son
Nguyen Trieu Phuong Quynh
Team D’four from Thoại Ngọc Hầu – An Giang, a personalised AI-driven chatbot therapists provide conversations to diagnose and treat mental heal disorders for rural population in Vietnam.
People's Choice
Cyber-wizards
Members:
Le Bao Khanh
Le Bao Khanh
Nguyen Duy Nhat Khanh
Tran Duc Toan
Team Cyber-wiwards from Lương Văn Chánh – Tuy Hoà, an AI-based platform to bridge the skills gap between education and job market requirement.
Hanoi Challenge Winners
1st Place
Bobotis
Members:
Vu Nguyen Khanh Ngoc
Tran Le Tue Anh
Le Duc Anh
Pham Gia Nguyen
Team Bobotics came up with a traffic management system that enhances traffic flow and alert police bots of disruptions
Runner Up
Progressive Innovation Experts
Members:
Nguyen Nam Khanh
Do Minh Trang
Team Progressive Innovation Experts worked on an AI-powered e-waste management system.
People's Choice
Glimpse
Members:
Dinh Ngoc Linh
Hoang Chau Anh
Nguyen Phuong Lien
Nguyen Quoc Gia Binh
Team Glimpse developed a global cohesive database for rare diseases.
