On the afternoon of May 13, 2025, at Ibis Hotel, Hoang Van Thai Street, Phu My Hung, Saigon Business School (SBS) successfully co-hosted the international cultural exchange event The Culture Collab Day in collaboration with Temasek Polytechnic.
The program warmly welcomed over 50 students and faculty members from Temasek Polytechnic—one of Singapore’s leading public polytechnics, known for its strengths in business, technology, and innovation education.
This special occasion offered students from Temasek Polytechnic a platform to connect, share business ideas, and explore opportunities for integration in the new global era. At the same time, participants immersed themselves in the beauty of Vietnamese traditional culture through the symbolic Non La (conical hat) painting activity.
The program also welcomed the participation of international students from SBS, creating a vibrant, multicultural atmosphere that embodied the spirit of regional cooperation and unity among ASEAN youth in a rapidly evolving world.
Workshop: “ASEAN Youth in a Changing World”, Inspiring Young Leadership – A Journey from Singapore to Vietnam
One of the most anticipated highlights of The Culture Collab Day was the workshop led by keynote speaker Mr. Edward Lim, Managing Director of BLOCK71 Saigon and Founder of the Singapore–Vietnam Young Leaders Network (SVYLN).
With extensive international experience in: International Relations & Diplomacy, Startup Ecosystem Development, Green Economy & Innovation Policy, Youth Leadership & Regional Collaboration
Mr. Edward shared a compelling personal journey that began in the Singapore Parliament, where he served key national leaders including Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong—especially during the critical period of the COVID-19 crisis.
From his beginnings in government, he moved on to broader global initiatives, contributing to projects in Africa and Southeast Asia, including Ghana, Tanzania, Indonesia, and notably Vietnam, where he was deeply impressed by the talent and potential of Vietnamese youth.
That experience led to the creation of SVYLN, a cross-border network dedicated to nurturing young leaders, promoting mutual understanding, and fostering sustainable cooperation between Singapore and Vietnam.
Far more than just storytelling, Mr. Edward inspired. His messages resonated deeply with students:
- “Strive to be useful and relevant.”
- “Act on your strongest passion.”
- “Embrace risks—it’s how you grow.”
- “Be open to new experiences—they’re the keys to maturity.”
The session not only offered fresh insights into the role of ASEAN youth in a dynamic world but also instilled confidence that every young person can create meaningful change—starting today.
Creative Group Activity: “Create Your ASEAN Future”
The program came alive with energy and collaboration as students engaged in the group activity “Create Your ASEAN Future.” This dynamic challenge invited participants to co-design a Vision Board imagining what ASEAN might look like in the next 10 years.
Six groups each developed a unique vision around key pillars:
- Innovation & Creativity – driving a bold and agile ASEAN
- Cultural Identity & Heritage – preserving diversity while fostering unity
- Environment & Sustainability – building a cleaner, greener, and more humane region
This activity was not only a space for creative expression but also an exercise in strategic thinking, teamwork, and leadership development, empowering students to envision their roles as active contributors to a stronger, more sustainable ASEAN community.
Cultural Experience: Vietnamese Conical Hat Painting
One of the most anticipated moments of the day was the Non La painting activity—a cultural deep-dive into one of Vietnam’s most iconic traditional symbols. Vietnamese and international students joined together to reinterpret the conical hat through bold colors and modern creativity.
With passion and precision, students poured their ideas into each brushstroke, crafting designs that reflected their identities and messages—ranging from ASEAN cultural symbols to traditional motifs and slogans promoting unity and peace.
This hands-on activity not only celebrated the beauty of Vietnamese culture but also emphasized the power of creative exchange and cross-cultural appreciation.
A Powerful Beginning for Regional Youth Cooperation
The Culture Collab Day served as a meaningful bridge connecting Singaporean students with Vietnam’s rich culture and vibrant people, while also providing a platform for young minds to develop strategic thinking, international collaboration, and leadership skills for the region’s future.
Guided by the message “Create Your ASEAN Future,” the program marks an inspiring starting point for ASEAN youth to unite in building a community defined by creativity, cooperation, and sustainable development.
