Powering Innovation Across Borders to Vietnam
Powering Innovation Across Borders to Vietnam:
Venture Makers Innovation Challenge Empowers Vietnam's Youth to Tackle Global Challenges
By: Harley Nguyen Tran
In the bustling cities of Vietnam, over 300 students gathered for the Venture Makers Innovation Challenge, coming up with ambitious projects that challenged their creativity and problem-solving skills.
Over 3 days in a row, from 20-22 October 2023, the Launch Pad Team delivered 3 incredible Venture Makers Innovations Challenges in Vietnam, spanned two cities, Ho Chi Minh and Ha Noi Capital. The series brought together a diverse mix of students, industry experts, and academic professionals.
Day 1 – Venture Makers Innovation Challenge – AI for Impact
The first challenge kicked off with a splash in Ho Chi Minh City, in conjunction with our partners – UEH-ISB and the School of Humanities and Communication Arts, focusing the challenge question:
With 111 students participating from UEH-ISB and the Western Sydney University Vietnam Campus, we officially broke our record number of participants in the delivery of the Venture Makers Innovation Challenge.
Engaging in an innovation challenge centred around artificial intelligence (AI) presented a unique opportunity to enlighten our learners about the intriguing world of AI. This educational journey not only demystifies the concept of AI but also encourages participants to embark on an exploration of this transformative technology. Throughout the challenge, participants had the chance to dive into the intricacies of AI, examine its real-world applications, and gain a deeper understanding of its potential. Furthermore, the challenge served as a window to the rich landscape of AI tools and resources available, providing learners with a hands-on experience that can ignite their passion for AI.
Adding to the chorus of praise, Jenna Nguyen, from Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Global Development & Provost, Vietnam Campus, celebrated the triumph of students from Westen Sydney University Vietnam who clinched the first prize in the AI for Impact competition. “Our students’ success is a testament to their hard work and the dynamic educational programs we offer,” she stated, highlighting the collaborative efforts of the Launch Pad team.
Congratulations to our Winners
1st Place
Team Member: Le Vu Son Huy, Nguyen Phuoc Van Anh, Truong Thao Trang, Karin Nguyen Bicknell, Nguyen Dinh Minh Quang
An AI companion for mental health detection and support, featuring three core features: utilising fMRI to scan brain activity, establishing a database for analysis, and providing advice through AI chatbots.
2nd Place
Team Member: Thuong Nguyen Tra Giang, Ngo Quynh Nghi, Nguyen Ngoc Yen Chi
Empower homes and energise the future by advocating for better management of family budgets in electricity consumption, emphasising the importance of awareness to avoid financial and environmental risks associated with unregulated power usage.
3rd Place
Team Member: Nguyen Quoc Khanh, Ngo Thi Huyen Trang, Tran Minh Quang, Nguyen Hoang Thuy Trang, Vo Vuong Dieu Ban
Fuel sustainability via an IPM system: INDENTIFY citizens’ identities and analysis of commuting data, PRIORITISE traffic routes based on social status and organization, and MAXIMISE satisfaction and efficiency in transportation flow to promote sustainable practices.
Day 2 – Venture Makers Innovation Challenge – EcoHack
Local Vietnam’s High School Students in Ho Chi Minh City
The second challenge kicked off in partnership with Western Sydney International. Participation in the EcoHack challenge in Ho Chi Minh City was a highly competitive process, where only the most promising teams earned their spot. Out of a remarkable 82 teams comprising 296 students from 35 schools, a mere 25 teams, totalling 98 students, were selected to take on the challenge. This rigorous selection process not only speaks to the quality of talent and enthusiasm displayed by these young innovators but also highlights the significance of the challenge itself. It’s a testament to the commitment and passion of the chosen participants, who are ready to tackle some of the world’s most pressing environmental issues head-on.
Congratulations to our Winners
1st Place
Team Member: Pham Nhu Y, Pham Tuong Van, Park SeoYun, Seo Inho
School: Australian International School
The Green Highway: A network of city roads designed for active transportation, incorporating road surfaces that generate electricity from movement, an app to enhance the user experience that mornitor carbon footprint and providing directions through GPS, and charging ports.
2nd Place
Team Member: Tran Quoc Hoang, Le Minh Quang, Tran Thanh Huy, Le Nguyen Minh
School: Wellspring Saigon
BioNanoNet: A groundbreaking initiative that harnesses the power of bacteria propelled by nano-machines and artificial intelligence to combat environmental challenges, including the reduction of micro-plastics, mitigation of carbon emissions, and improvement of human health.
3rd Place
Team Member: Nguyen Mai Chau Giang, Tran Khue Linh, Nguyen Tran Quang Anh, Nguyen Duy Minh
School: Lawrence S. Ting School
A credibility badge system aims at creating incentives for individuals to engage in green and sustainable tourism practices, fostering a commitment to environmentally friendly travel and contributing to the promotion of sustainable tourism initiatives.
Day 3 – Venture Makers Innovation Challenge – EcoHack
Local Vietnam’s High School Students in the capital of Vietnam – Ha Noi
The excitement was mirrored in Hanoi, where the EcoHack challenge motivated students to think critically about environmental sustainability. “The level of engagement and the quality of ideas presented by these students is a clear sign that our future is in safe and capable hands,” our lead facilitator, Joseph Margetts, expressed his awe at the local talent.
The success stories emerging from the 2 days are numerous and inspiring. The events’ resounding success is a result of the collaboration between Launch Pad and Western Sydney International team, emphasising the event’s role in elevating the university global presence and fostering international student engagement.
Congratulations to our Winners
1st Place
Team Member: Nguyen Hoan My Hanh, Thai Ha Linh, Nguyen Tue Minh, Do Khanh Linh
School: High school for Gifted Students in Social Sciences and Humanities
A circular shipping system that revolutionises existing delivery processes, emphasising sustainability by minimising packaging waste and promoting eco-friendly shipping practices.
2nd Place
Team Member: Nguyen Khanh Chi, Le Hoang Tho, Ha Quoc Viet, Tran Dinh Tung
School: Newton Grammar School
A greener future through the development of bio-based cement, aiming to reduce environmental impact and contribute to sustainable construction practices.
3rd Place
Team Member: Nguyen Bao Tran, Thieu Phuc Long, Nguyen Ha Phuong, Nguyen Gia Huy
School: Edison Schools
A mission to change the world from the restroom, repurposing faeces as fertilisers, utilising these byproducts to enrich soil and promote environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
As the Venture Makers Innovation Challenges draw to a close in Vietnam and sets its sights on Indonesia, the echoes of its impact resonate strongly. This initiative not only spotlighted the potential of young innovators but also fostered a spirit of global community and technological advancement. It’s clear that through platforms like the Venture Makers, the next generation of leaders and change-makers are poised to take on the world’s challenges with vigour and vision.
