SMD PRIDE – STUDENTS RECOGNIZED AMONG GLOBAL DESIGN TOP TEAMS AT TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY’S INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

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In a constantly evolving and globally integrated educational landscape, seeing Vietnamese students affirm their intellectual, creative, and technological capabilities on the international stage is a great source of pride. Recently, two student teams from the School of Media Design – University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (SMD – UEH) were selected among the Top 10–15 globally at the “Design Futures: Shared Vision 2025” international design competition, hosted by Tsinghua University – China.

After several rounds of rigorous evaluation by an international panel of designers, researchers, and academic experts, the two UEH teams not only showcased outstanding creativity, but also proved the feasibility and human-centered vision of their design solutions. Their success reflects the students’ commitment to excellence and serves as a compelling demonstration of SMD’s forward-thinking academic approach.

Pic 1: Poster of “Design Futures: Shared Vision 2025”

AN OPEN LEARNING ECOSYSTEM – NURTURING FUTURE-READY VISIONS

As a faculty specializing in Digital Communication and Media Design, SMD has continuously affirmed its strategic focus on integrating Art, Technology, and Humanity. This vision is not only a directional commitment, but also a direct response to the needs of a fast-changing global landscape—where creative professionals are expected to think systemically and act with impact.

The curriculum at SMD, aligned with the broader vision of CTD – UEH, is constantly evolving to incorporate advanced topics such as AI Art, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), and UX/UI Design, alongside foundational knowledge in media, art, communication, and systems thinking. These elements come together to form a dynamic academic environment where students are equipped not just to create for the present, but to innovate for the future—to build solutions that are meaningful, inclusive, and sustainable.

Both award-winning projects were mentored by Ph.D candidate. Vũ Tường Quyên, a dedicated educator and innovator in teaching design methodology. Her close mentorship exemplifies one of SMD’s greatest strengths: a collaborative and dynamic academic environment where students and faculty journey side by side in pursuit of impactful creativity.

TWO PROJECTS – TWO HUMAN-CENTERED AND PIONEERING VISIONS

Team Bánh Mì – Project: “Mind Bloom”

“Mind Bloom” is an interactive design that incorporates real-time neurofeedback technology to help users regain focus and mental clarity in today’s digitally distracted world.

The project centers on the well-being of students, creatives, and knowledge workers who are often overwhelmed by digital fatigue and overstimulation. By merging advanced biosensing with immersive space design, Mind Bloom presents a solution that is both scientific and poetic—resonating with the core values of “Design Futures”: using technology to help humans live smarter and reconnect more deeply with themselves.

Team Members – Bánh Mì:

Pic 2: Bánh mì’s team members, from the left: Trần Yến Nhi, Huỳnh Lê Bảo Ngân, Lê Minh Long

Team Yilu Shunfeng – Project: “Chronos”

“Chronos” is a historical learning experience that fuses augmented reality (AR) with digital storytelling. Instead of reading static textbooks, users can see, hear, and interact with history through dynamic visuals, sound, and immersive narratives.

What sets Chronos apart is its shift from passive knowledge consumption to active experiential learning—empowering users to not only absorb history but to explore it, question it, and emotionally connect with it in meaningful ways.

Team Members – Yilu Shunfeng:

Pic 3: Yilu Shunfeng’s team members, from the left: Lều Thị Nhật My, Trần Nguyễn Trâm Anh, Trần Mai Ca, Nguyễn Đào Bảo Khánh

“DESIGN FUTURES: SHARED VISION” – A PLATFORM FOR VISIONARY THINKERS

Organized by the Academy of Arts & Design – Tsinghua University, “Design Futures: Shared Vision” is a global academic platform that brings together design students from across the world to explore the intersection of emerging technologies and human values.

This year’s core focus areas include:

The program runs from June 29 to July 13, 2025, in Beijing, with participants engaging in a two-week intensive training with mentors and leading scholars from China, Hong Kong, Europe, the U.S., and the Asia-Pacific region.

SMD – LAUNCHING PAD FOR A GLOBAL CREATIVE GENERATION

The selection of both teams into the Top 10–15 globally and their upcoming participation in Tsinghua University’s intensive design program is not only a personal triumph, but also a strong endorsement of SMD’s quality in global-standard design education.

At SMD, students are continuously encouraged to:

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR GLOBAL INNOVATORS

We proudly congratulate both teams for their vision, courage, and dedication. This journey to Beijing is not just a study trip, but a gateway to deeper self-discovery, meaningful academic collaboration, and future-impact design thinking.

Design is not only about making things beautiful—it is about shaping the future. And that future begins at SMD, where global visions are nurtured right here in Vietnam.

#SMDUEH #DesignFutures2025 #ProudOfUEHers #TsinghuaUniversity #GlobalDesignChallenge #MindBloom #Chronos #FutureOfDesign #InnovatorsOfTomorrow

Writer: Lily Trang Nguyen – SMD, UEH