Wrapping Up the First Day of the 2026 Graduation Project Defense for the Bachelor of Architecture and Smart Urban Design (BAUD) Program
On July 2, 2026, the 2026 Graduation Project Defense for students of Cohorts K47 and K48 in the Bachelor of Architecture and Smart Urban Design (BAUD) program officially commenced. This marked a major milestone after years of studying, researching, and innovating at the Institute of Smart Cities and Management, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH-ISCM).
An overview of lecturers and students in the solemn atmosphere of the opening ceremony and the graduation thesis defense.
Opening the event, the 2026 Graduation Project Defense officially kicked off with the participation of faculty members across the evaluation committees. The morning defense session was conducted by Committee 1, which included: Assoc. Prof. Trinh Tu Anh, M.Arch. Tran Thi Quynh Mai, M.Arch. Dang The Hien, Dr. Le Hoang Nam, and M.A. Le Quynh Nhu.
Prior to the session, Assoc. Prof. Trinh Tu Anh – Director of UEH-ISCM and Chair of the Graduation Project Defense Committee – shared her opening remarks to encourage the students: "Congratulations to all of you on completing your 3.5-year journey at ISCM. I wish you calm and confidence to showcase your best work before the Committee, wrapping up your university journey with the well-deserved results."
Assoc. Prof. Trinh Tu Anh, Director of the Institute of Smart City and Management (ISCM), delivers her speech before the morning presentation session.
Each project presented is the result of rigorous research and creativity. Before the Committee, students confidently delivered their presentations, defended their design perspectives, showcased physical models and drawings, and addressed challenging feedback from the examiners. These academic exchanges not only helped refine the projects but also demonstrated the students' resilience, analytical thinking, and professional competence.
Students presenting their graduation projects.
Following each presentation, the Committee dedicated time to provide feedback, constructive criticism, and engage in direct dialogue with the students. The defense questions not only clarified the research foundation and the feasibility of the design solutions but also expanded the scope of discussion through various professional lenses. Through this exchange, students had the opportunity to review and comprehensively refine their projects while honing their critical thinking, argumentation skills, and presentation confidence.
Lecturers provide feedback and constructive comments to students after each presentation.
Continuing the program, Committee 2 took over the afternoon defense session with the participation of: Assoc. Prof. Trinh Tu Anh, Dr. Hoang Ngoc Lan, Dr. Huynh Van Khang, Dr. Nguyen Quốc Vinh, and Dr. Arch. Vu Chi Kien.
The serious and professional working atmosphere of the committee members as they thoroughly listen to and evaluate each student's work.
The graduation projects are meticulously prepared and visually striking by the students.
On this first day, the Committee recognized many highly practical topics focusing deeply on sustainable urban models, green architecture solutions, and the application of smart technology in spatial planning and management. Through their presentations and defenses, the students proved their solid professional competence, sharp analytical thinking, and comprehensive technical skills in solving complex urban problems accumulated throughout the course. Alongside the academic highlights, the event was a formal occasion for students to express their deep gratitude to their thesis supervisors—who provided academic guidance and accompanied them throughout this entire journey.
The confident demeanor of ISCM students while presenting their final capstone projects at the university.
The first defense day concluded with many memorable milestones. Congratulations to all the students who successfully completed their presentations today, and best wishes to those entering the Second Defense Day (July 3, 2026)—may you maintain your confidence and resilience to achieve the best results. Each project today is not only the fruit of your academic journey but also the baseline of ideas that will help build smart and sustainable cities in the future.
News and photos: Institute of Smart Cities and Management (ISCM)