Kickstarting the Journey: Exploring Vietnamese Culture, Unlocking AI & Semiconductor Potential in Vietnam, and Innovating with Hackathon Solutions

Warm Welcome for University of San Carlos Students at Saigon Business School (SBS)

On their first day at Saigon Business School (SBS), students from the University of San Carlos (USC) were greeted with engaging sharing sessions and interactive activities, led by Ms. Vũ Hạ Phương Uyên – Student Mobility Program Manager. These activities helped students break the ice, foster connections, and build excitement for their six-day learning and exploration journey in Vietnam.

Beyond academic experiences, this program is a gateway to Vietnam’s rich culture, offering students the chance to immerse themselves in local traditions, language, and cuisine, creating unforgettable memories from day one!

A Launchpad for Vietnam’s Tech Industry – Opportunities for Global Talent

The first session of The Future of Tech – Vietnam Study Tour provided valuable insights and in-depth perspectives on two rapidly growing technology sectors: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Semiconductors. Additionally, participants had the opportunity to develop their innovative thinking skills through a hands-on Hackathon challenge.

Sharing from Mr. Hoàng Văn Cương, CEO of Saigon Business School (SBS).

Vietnam is rapidly emerging as a key technology hub as global tech giants expand their supply chains and heavily invest in Southeast Asia. The semiconductor industry, in particular, is attracting substantial foreign direct investment (FDI) thanks to three key factors:

• A highly skilled workforce at a competitive cost
• Significant infrastructure investment and development
• Business-friendly policies that encourage innovation and expansion

Leading corporations such as Nvidia, Apple, Intel, Marvell Technology, Samsung, CoAsia SEMI (South Korea), and Renesas (Japan) have already launched billion-dollar projects in Vietnam. This not only solidifies Vietnam’s position on the global tech map but also creates exciting career opportunities for international students in the near future.

Additionally, Mr Hoàng Văn Cương shared a comprehensive overview of Vietnam’s tech ecosystem, shedding light on key growth drivers—from the rise of startups to the rapid digital transformation across multiple industries.

Innovative Thinking – Hackathon & the Journey of Tech Product Development

A Workshop with Software Expert Mr. Adjekughene Nyerhovwo (Mr. Nero)

Continuing their learning journey, students had the unique opportunity to work with Mr. Nero, a Full-Stack Software Engineer and experienced tech trainer. He provided in-depth knowledge on the end-to-end process of developing tech applications, using the My SBS project as a case study—an app designed to help students manage their academic progress with digital tools. This served as a prime example of how technology can enhance the learning experience and optimize personal management.

Creative Mindset – The Foundation of Successful Tech Products

During the session, students were guided through key phases of application development, including:

• From Idea to Product – How to identify real-world problems and develop creative tech solutions
• UI/UX Design – Enhancing user experience to build intuitive and visually appealing products
• Technical Feasibility – Ensuring that an app is both scalable and efficiently deployable
• Pitching & Persuasion Skills – Crafting compelling presentations to attract investors or users

Beyond theoretical knowledge, students will put their ideas to the test in an intensive Hackathon competition, where they will transform their concepts into prototypes and showcase them at the Final Hackathon Pitch Gala Night on April 5, 2025.