ISCM 5 Years | SYMPHONY OF FUTURE CITIES
Founded in May 2020 and launched in September 2020, the Institute of Smart City and Management (ISCM) – University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) stands as one of the pioneering institutions/schools aligned with UEH’s multidisciplinary and sustainable strategy. Over the past five years, ISCM has established its role in Vietnam and internationally through research, education, and consultancy in smart cities, driven by integration, innovation, and practical impact.
Along this journey, ISCM, together with communities and partners from both local and global contexts, has composed the very first “notes” of the Symphony of Future Cities – a space where education, research, innovation, and community intertwine to generate sustainable values.
The period 2020–2025 represents a path of Integration – Innovation – Practical Impact, turning the philosophy of “Shaping the Unknown Future” into reality. This is not only a declaration but also a commitment to action: generating new knowledge; connecting people, technology, and the environment; and co-creating smart, multidisciplinary, and sustainable urban solutions.
In 2025 (September 27 – October 1), ISCM marks a new milestone with the Symphony of Future Cities – where every individual, organization, and community becomes a “note,” contributing to an urban symphony that places humans at the center, and aspires toward a future that is green, inclusive, and resilient.
Event schedule:

The event series will be held in Ho Chi Minh City, including:
27/9/2025 - 29/9/2025,: Exhibitions of projects and outstanding achievements over the past five years, including exhibitions of excellent student thesis projects, exhibitions on the LivingLab project, Hologram technology, and ArtTech Fusion.
13:00 | 27/9/2025: Orientation day - welcoming the new classes of the Architectural and Urban Design Inclusive Smart City Bachelor program: Future Beats, City Lights
14:00 | 28/9/2025, the Book Launching topic Smart City: Glocal Design; the Dialogue: Co-Creation For Net Zero
9:00 | 29/9/2025: the 5th Anniversary Celebration Ceremony of ISCM
14:00 | 29/9/2025: Talkshow Architecture Talk with the opportunities to meet and discuss with international experts
Besides, following the events in Ho Chi Minh City, the International Conference Ocean Futures: Smart Technologies and Sustainable Coastal Living along with the Award Ceremony of the 4th International Design Competition: (Re)engaging Cities Landscape for Cultural and Economic Vibrancy will be held in Khanh Hoa Province on October 1, 2025.
News, photos: Institute of Smart City and Management