Last week, Saigon Business School (SBS) successfully hosted a Study Trip program in Ho Chi Minh City for 20 students and lecturers from the Business & Computing disciplines of Singapore Polytechnic. The program not only provided hands-on learning experiences but also created valuable opportunities for academic exchange, cultural exploration, and corporate engagement in the context of global integration.
A Comprehensive Journey of Learning – Experience – Connection
Throughout the Study Trip, students from Singapore Polytechnic had the opportunity to:
- Experience Vietnam’s academic and corporate environments
- Explore a rapidly growing ecosystem of startups, technology firms, and large enterprises
- Learn about the culture, history, and urban lifestyle of Ho Chi Minh City
- Strengthen international academic and cultural exchange between students from both countries
The program was thoughtfully designed to balance academic learning, practical exposure, and cultural experiences, offering students a multi-dimensional perspective on Vietnam’s economic, educational, and technological landscape.
Key Highlights of the Study Trip Week
1. Experiencing Vietnamese Culture
In the early days of the program, students participated in a “Personalized Conical Hat Painting & Decoration” activity. Through this hands-on cultural experience, students gained deeper insights into Vietnam’s traditional values, craftsmanship, and cultural identity in a creative and open exchange atmosphere.
2. Engaging Academic Workshops
Students from Singapore Polytechnic joined SBS students majoring in Data Science and Business Administration in a series of in-depth academic workshops:
Workshop: “From Technology to Reality – Applying AI in Everyday Life”
Led by Mr. Mic Nguyễn – CEO of Huuk Inc & Head of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Saigon Business School, the workshop provided insightful perspectives on how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being applied in modern life and business. Through real-world examples and industry-driven insights, students gained a clearer understanding of how technology is transformed from theory into practical solutions, while expanding their thinking on the role of AI in innovation, operations, and decision-making in the digital era.
Workshop: “Learn Speaking Vietnamese”
Under the guidance of Ms. Trần Vũ Thanh Như – Examining & Quality Assurance Coordinator, this workshop offered international students a lively and approachable introduction to the Vietnamese language. Through real-life communication scenarios, students not only became familiar with basic Vietnamese expressions but also gained deeper insights into local culture, social etiquette, and everyday life.
4. Company & University Visits
One of the most anticipated components of the program was the series of company and university visits, helping students connect theory with real-world practice:
- Firegroup Technology (District 11) – exploring startup and technology environments
- Vinmakae – a technology company located in Thao Dien, Thu Duc City
- FPT Software – one of Vietnam’s leading global technology corporations
- Van Lang University – academic exchange and insights into Vietnam’s higher education system
Through these visits, students gained first-hand exposure to business operations, organizational culture, and career pathways in the technology and business sectors.
5. Exploring Ho Chi Minh City & Historical Landmarks
In addition to academic activities, students explored iconic landmarks of Ho Chi Minh City, including:
- Independence Palace
- Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon
- Saigon Central Post Office
- Nguyen Hue Walking Street
- Cu Chi Tunnels
These experiences helped students better understand Vietnam’s history, culture, and the vibrant rhythm of its largest city.
Closing the Journey – Opening New Connections
The program concluded with a Closing Ceremony and Certificate Awarding Session for students from Singapore Polytechnic. This moment not only recognized their learning and experiential journey but also marked a meaningful milestone in the international academic collaboration between SBS and Singapore Polytechnic.
The HCMC Study Trip was more than just a visit—it was a journey of connecting knowledge, culture, and people, reaffirming SBS’s role in building an international learning environment that bridges academic excellence with real-world business practice.
