🎓 [2025 International Summer Program] | “Design Futures: Shared Vision” | Discover – Create – Connect Globally
Expanding Connections – Global Learning – Sustainable Creativity
Continuing the international academic journey at Tsinghua University – Beijing, two student teams from the School of Media Design (SMD), UEH College of Technology and Design have had a truly enriching and inspiring experience at one of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions.
The 2025 International Summer Program “Design Futures: Shared Vision” brought together talented students from 7 countries, including Vietnam, Singapore, the UK, Finland, and Italy, creating a vibrant multicultural learning space that fosters global connections, creative thinking, and innovative approaches to design.
Building a Solid Foundation for Innovation
Throughout the program, students were immersed in a dynamic academic environment, where theory met practice through a diverse series of thematic sessions such as:
- Design Thinking
- Robotics Technology
- Aerospace Systems
These modules not only introduced cutting-edge knowledge but also emphasized the real-world application of design solutions – equipping students with critical thinking, creative skills, and a human-centered design mindset that are vital in the digital transformation era.
Importantly, students were given the opportunity to work directly in Tsinghua’s state-of-the-art laboratories – where bold ideas are transformed into tangible prototypes with the guidance of international mentors and leading experts.
Academic Exchange – Cultivating Global Competence
Beyond academic learning, the program served as a true international forum. It offered students the chance to engage in cross-cultural collaboration with peers from around the world and exchange knowledge with professors, innovators, and researchers across disciplines and cultures. This nurturing environment helped strengthen their creative confidence, global adaptability, and readiness for a sustainable future career.
International Recognition – SMD Pride at Tsinghua University
At the program’s conclusion, two SMD teams – Bánh Mì and Yilu Shunfeng – were honored with the “Social Impact” Award, a prestigious recognition for projects that demonstrate strong community impact and contribute to sustainable development, under the Smart Creation category: Artistic Innovation with Artificial Intelligence.
Team Bánh Mì
Their project proposed an AI-powered creative drawing tool for children, aiming to shift passive screen time into active creative engagement. More than just a tech device, the project serves as an educational tool that nurtures imagination, emotional intelligence, and real-world exploration – fostering a future generation of emotionally rich and creative thinkers.
Team Yilu Shunfeng
With their project DreamLink, the team integrated AI and brainwave technology to deliver immersive historical experiences – allowing users to “see” and emotionally engage with the past through their imagination. This project introduces a novel educational method that is intuitive, emotional, and human-centered, redefining how history and cultural storytelling can be conveyed in the digital age.
From UEH to the World – Designing for a Sustainable Future
Both projects received high praise from the expert jury for their practical applications, social relevance, and future implementation potential. These achievements strongly reflect:
- The academic and creative capabilities of SMD students
- A spirit of innovation tied to social responsibility
- A commitment to human-centered, sustainable development
Being honored at an esteemed international academic program like the Tsinghua Summer Program marks a significant milestone—affirming UEH – SMD’s growing global presence as a hub for future-ready students who are creative, connected, and committed to meaningful contributions.
Once again, the School of Media Design (SMD) congratulates Team Bánh Mì and Team Yilu Shunfeng. May the invaluable experiences at Tsinghua University serve as a powerful foundation for continued innovation, knowledge-sharing, and contribution to a more sustainable and humane world.
Writer: Nguyen Tran Van Anh, School of Media Design, UEH
