Creative Impressions at Learning Express 2025
- 20/03/2025
After an exciting period of activities, the second edition of the Learning Express (LeX) international community project, co-organized by Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HUTECH) and Singapore Polytechnic (SP), officially concluded on March 19. The program featured various impressive and highly innovative projects.
Over nine days, from March 11 to March 19, 30 HUTECH students and 30 SP students were divided into three teams (each consisting of 10 SP students and 10 HUTECH students). They conducted surveys and engaged in hands-on work at three different locations: Team 1 at Dinh Hoa Lacquer Village (Binh Duong), Team 2 at Hien Nam Pottery Village (Dong Nai), and Team 3 at the Chap Canh Center (Ho Chi Minh City). Through collaboration and creative problem-solving, the teams successfully researched and developed practical solutions that provided tangible value to the local communities.
After nine days of intensive work, the student groups successfully completed their research projects
To showcase the results, an exhibition was organized where students presented their project journeys and shared their innovative solutions. This event not only highlighted their research achievements but also inspired young people to embrace creativity, innovation, and social responsibility.
The product exhibition space attracted a large number of students
Inspired by the real-life challenges faced by artisans at Dinh Hoa Lacquer Village—who suffer from exposure to toxic lacquer fumes that cause skin irritation, pain, and serious health issues—Team 1A developed the "Kykyfresh" air purification device. This device integrates advanced natural air filtration technologies, such as activated carbon, lemon, and lemongrass, to remove toxic fumes from the workspace, creating a safer environment for artisans while also improving the drying process for lacquer paintings. Due to its high applicability and practical value, Kykyfresh won the "Most Creative Prototype" award.
Meanwhile, Team 1B developed the "Sanding SLAB", a lacquer sanding aid made from wood and designed in the shape of a boat. This tool increases surface contact area, allows for flexible grip adjustments, and reduces hand fatigue during use. It prevents direct contact with sandpaper, reducing the risk of skin abrasions while improving efficiency compared to traditional sanding methods. This device is particularly effective in sanding the initial layers of lacquer, enhancing adhesion and improving the final product’s quality.
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The product posters were creatively designed by the teams, effectively conveying detailed information to viewers
To ease labor efforts and improve the product arrangement process in Hien Nam Pottery Village (Dong Nai), Team 2 worked on two process-improving projects.
Team 2A introduced "Mixaday”, a model for mixing hard materials that replaces the traditional manual mixing process with modern technology. This innovation reduces physical labor, improves efficiency, and ensures material consistency, leading to higher-quality pottery products.
Team 2A introduced "Mixaday”, a model for mixing hard materials that replaces the traditional manual mixing process with modern technology. This innovation reduces physical labor, improves efficiency, and ensures material consistency, leading to higher-quality pottery products.
Team 2B developed the "Magic Shelf"—a force-assisted elevated shelving system that allows artisans to store and organize pottery products with minimal effort. This solution particularly benefits older artisans, enabling them to continue their craft despite physical limitations. By optimizing storage space and ensuring safety compared to traditional shelving, this innovation not only enhances efficiency but also honors the artisans' dedication to their lifelong craft.
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Unlike Team 1 and 2, which focused on traditional craftsmanship, Team 3 centered their projects on environmental sustainability, resource conservation, and income generation for members of the Chap Canh Center.
Team 3A introduced "Chance Box", a creative business concept designed to increase revenue for the center. This product features a variety of themes, such as marine life and floral designs, and contains handcrafted items made by center members. Its unique "blind box" concept sparks customer curiosity, increasing engagement and sales. Beyond generating a stable income, the Chance Box also promotes the center’s handmade products within the broader community.
Meanwhile, Team 3B developed "Maison Chance", a project inspired by the daily activities and craftsmanship at the center. This initiative integrates sewing, painting, IT, and sculpting skills to create smart, upcycled plant pots from discarded plastic bottles. The project not only supports environmental conservation but also encourages sustainable gardening and green living.
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The students exchanged information and explored the potential for their project's development within the community
Vo Hien Huy, a first-year English Language major and one of the students evaluating the projects, shared: "The exhibition gave me valuable insights into traditional craft villages, particularly the lesser-known struggles behind beautifully crafted art pieces. The work and contributions of these research teams are truly meaningful—not just for me but also for many other students. Additionally, the bilingual English-Vietnamese presentations helped expand my vocabulary and showed me how language can be applied in real-life situations."
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Alongside votes and feedback from student visitors, the projects were evaluated by a panel of expert judges, including:
- Mr. Nguyen Xuan Hung – Director of the Vietnam-Japan Institute of Technology (VJIT)
- Mr. Vo Quoc Dai – Vice Dean of the Faculty of English Language
- Ms. Vu Hai Yen – Vice Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry
After thorough assessment, the following projects received top honors:
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No.
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Award
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Team
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Product
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1
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The Best Design
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2A
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Mixaday
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2
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The Best Teamwork
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3A
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Chance Box
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3
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The Best Presentation
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2B
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Magic shelf
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4
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The Most Practical Prototype
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1B
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Sanding SLAB
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5
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The Most Creative Prototype
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1A
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Kykyfresh
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6
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The Most Attractive Prototype
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3B
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Maison chance
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As part of the program, Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Anh, a Lecturer at the Center for Project Design and Innovation (CPDI), highlighted its significance. She emphasized that the initiative provides students with an opportunity to participate in international research while generating practical social impact. Moreover, working alongside international peers enhances their teamwork skills and equips them for a global work environment.
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At the closing ceremony, Mr. David William Tan, Project Coordinator of LeX 2025, expressed heartfelt gratitude to HUTECH for its unwavering support throughout the program. He also shared memorable moments from the journey and emphasized the spirit of collaboration, innovation, and the program’s impact on students and the community.
The program provided valuable experiences and knowledge, empowering participants to grow confidently in an international environment
The Learning Express 2025 left a significant mark, providing students with valuable lessons, meaningful experiences, and unforgettable memories. More than just an academic endeavor, the program empowered students from both institutions to create real community value—whether through applying science to practical scenarios, preserving cultural heritage, or contributing to sustainable development.
News: Hồng Loan
Photo: Công Định
Communication Center
News: Hồng Loan
Photo: Công Định
Communication Center
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