Representatives from HCMUS, VNUHCM and AUN students taking a group photo at the conclusion of the 8 July activities.

On 8 July, VNUHCM-University of Science (HCMUS) officially launched the first academic activities within the framework of AUN Summer Camp 2025 in Viet Nam. The programme, hosted by VNUHCM from 6 to 19 July 2025, welcomes over 80 students from Southeast Asian countries.

The day before, on 7 July, AUN students attended a general orientation at the VNUHCM Headquarters, accompanied by networking and cultural engagement activities. These initial events helped students familiarise themselves with a multicultural academic environment and begin forming an international student community ready for academic collaboration and cross-disciplinary innovation.

After the general orientation, academic activities officially began at HCMUS – the first university in Viet Nam to host this year’s academic programme.

In his opening address, Assoc. Prof. Trần Minh Triết, Vice President of HCMUS, stated: “This is not only an opportunity for students to learn and make new friends, but also a journey of cultural exploration, culinary discovery, and connection with the local community. We believe young people play a crucial role in creating practical solutions to climate change – one of the most urgent global challenges today.”

The Viet Nam programme is part of the regional AUN Summer Camp 2025 – an annual international academic exchange coordinated by the ASEAN University Network (AUN). This regional initiative runs from May to September 2025 and is held at 11 member universities across seven countries: Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, and Viet Nam.

As the first host institution for academic content in Viet Nam, HCMUS opened with two interdisciplinary sessions reflecting the programme’s overarching theme: “Sustainable Solutions and Youth Innovation in Climate Change.”

– The first session, “The Impact of Climate Change on Water Resources,” was delivered by Assoc. Prof. Bùi Việt Hưng (Faculty of Environment), highlighting ecosystem-based adaptation solutions rooted in environmental science.

– The second session, “AI Applications in Learning and Work,” was delivered by Assoc. Prof. Nguyễn Thanh Bình (Head of Applied Informatics, Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science). The session encouraged students to think across disciplines and understand the role of technology in sustainable development and digital transformation.

Beyond theoretical learning, the programme quickly transitioned into group-based activities to lay the foundation for students’ final academic projects.

Following the two lectures, AUN students – from over 30 member universities and diverse fields such as environment, information technology, communication, education, law, and logistics, among others – engaged in group discussions and were introduced to academic supervisors from VNUHCM. These interactions marked the start of collaborative work in international groups, leading to the development of personal essays, poster presentations, and youth-led project proposals, which will be presented and evaluated at the end of the camp.

A student from Thailand shared that although the first few days in Ho Chi Minh City felt unfamiliar, the opportunity to connect with peers from across the region, showcase cultural identity, and explore Vietnamese academic life has been exciting.

AUN students introducing themselves and engaging in ice-breaking activities on their first day at HCMUS.

Bùi Ngọc Thảo My, a Biotechnology student at VNUHCM- International University, expressed: “I’ve always been interested in sustainable development, so I hope activities like this continue to expand.”

Nguyễn Khánh Dân, a first-year student and volunteer at VNUHCM, said: “I’m really happy to take part in the programme and proud that our university is being recognised by international students.”

AUN students collaborating enthusiastically in groups at HCMUS.

Following their time at HCMUS, the AUN delegation will continue academic and experiential activities at other VNUHCM member universities, including: VNUHCM- International University, VNUHCM-University of Economics and Law, VNUHCM-University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNUHCM-University of Information Technology, VNUHCM-University of Technology, and VNUHCM-University of An Giang.

With each institution contributing to the journey, the AUN Summer Camp 2025 in Viet Nam is poised to continue spreading academic values, cultural diversity, and youth-led creativity across the Southeast Asian student community.

HCMUS presenting AUN students with souvenirs to mark the launch of the academic programme.

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General Information about AUN Summer Camp 2025

Programme name	AUN Summer Camp 2025
Coordinating body	ASEAN University Network – AUN
Programme duration	May – September 2025
Regional locations	11 universities across 7 countries: Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, and Viet Nam
Viet Nam campsite	6 – 19 July at the Dormitory of Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNUHCM)
Theme in Viet Nam	Sustainable Solutions and Youth Innovation in Climate Change
Academic credit	Equivalent to one credit
Hosting institution	Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNUHCM)
Institutions launching academic activities	VNUHCM member universities, including: VNUHCM-University of Science, VNUHCM- International University, VNUHCM-University of Economics and Law, VNUHCM-University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNUHCM-University of Information Technology, VNUHCM-University of Technology, and VNUHCM-University of An Giang.
Programme objectives	Promoting academic exchange, enhancing ASEAN citizenship competencies, and encouraging youth-led initiatives for sustainable development

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