On May 5, 2025, Duy Tan University kicked off an exciting experiential learning program for students form Singapore Management University (SMU). Organized by SMU, the Leadership Competency Development Institute (LCDI) at Vietnam National University – Ho Chi Minh City, and Duy Tan University, this program blends academic and cultural experiences to connect students from both countries. The University of Languages and Social Sciences (LHSS) at Duy Tan University will lead the academic sessions from May 5 to May 9, 2025.

Students and lecturers take commemorative photos before the program.

The opening ceremony welcomed Mr. Wu Chong Chuan, Program Manager of SMU’s Global Education and Opportunities Center; De. Le Nguyen Bao, Deputy Director of LCDI; Dr. Hoang Thi Huong, Standing Vice Dean of LHSS; and many faculty and students from both SMU and LHSS.

The week-long program covers three key areas: Introduction to Vietnamese Language, Vietnamese History and Culture, and Vietnam’s International Relations and Diplomacy, all taugh by LHSS faculty. Beyond classroom learning, students will explore cultural and historical sites in Da Nang and nearby areas and connect with Vietnamese students to build friendships and mutual understanding.

SMU students are introduced to the Introduction to Vietnamese course.

Right after the ceremony, SMU students jumped into their first Vietnamese Language class. The room buzzed with energy as they learned the Vietnamese alphabet, basic greetings, and practiced pronunciation through fun language games. Their enthusiasm and curiosity set a vibrant tone for the week ahead.

SMU students enthusiastically participate in the lesson.

Blending lessons with hands-on activities, the programs offers foundational knowledge while encouraging students to engage through discussions, group work, and real-world experiences. It helps SMU students learn about Vietnam while showcasing Vietnamese culture and education to the world. This initiative highlights Vietnamese universities’s dedication to global collaboration and well-rounded education in today’s connected world.