Orientation Day 2026: Embarking on a Journey to Shape Sustainable Urban Futures with ISCM Master’s Students

At 6:00 PM on October 17, 2026, the Institute of Smart City and Management (ISCM), under the College of Technology and Design (CTD), University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), held Orientation Day 2026 for the 2026–2028 cohort of the Master of Smart City and Innovation Management (MSCIM) program. Under the theme “Empowering Urban Innovators for a Sustainable Future,” the event marked the beginning of a journey of learning, connection, and capacity building toward smarter, more innovative, and more sustainable cities.

Welcoming New Master’s Students to the ISCM Academic Community

Orientation Day is an annual ISCM event that offers master’s students an opportunity to meet faculty members, learn about the curriculum, connect with students from previous cohorts, and share their expectations for the learning journey ahead.

CTD- ISCM leaders, faculty members, and students at Orientation Day 2026.

This year, ISCM welcomed students from the 2026–2028 cohort representing a wide range of professional fields and workplaces, including architecture, engineering, technology, business administration, finance, law, design, and urban development. Their diverse academic backgrounds and professional experiences not only enrich an interdisciplinary learning environment but also create opportunities to exchange knowledge, share perspectives, and develop initiatives that address real-world urban challenges.

Delivering the opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trịnh Thùy Anh, Rector of the College of Technology and Design at UEH, warmly welcomed the incoming students and officially opened their journey of learning and professional development at ISCM.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trinh Thuy Anh delivers the opening remarks.

Discovering ISCM’s Ecosystem of Education and Research

Following the opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trịnh Tú Anh, Director of the Institute of Smart City and Management and Program Director of the Master of Smart City and Innovation Management, introduced ISCM, its development directions, research activities, international partnerships, and innovation ecosystem.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trinh Tu Anh shares with master students about ISCM.

Established in 2020, ISCM seeks to develop smart and sustainable urban solutions by integrating education, research, and innovation. Guided by the philosophy “Think Globally – Act Locally,” the Institute connects international knowledge with local challenges while promoting interdisciplinary research, Living Labs, and collaboration among universities, government, businesses, and communities.

The introduction helped students gain a deeper understanding of the academic environment they are joining and the opportunities to participate in research, develop projects, and connect with national and international experts.

Shaping Interdisciplinary Learning Pathways and Study Exchange Opportunities

During the event, Dr. Hoàng Ngọc Lan, an architect and ISCM’s academic affairs coordinator, presented an overview of the Master of Smart City and Innovation Management program, explaining its educational objectives, curriculum structure, and opportunities for professional development. Students may choose among three study pathways: (1) studying full-time at UEH and receiving the Master of Smart City and Innovation Management degree awarded by UEH; (2) participating in an exchange at Hasselt University in Belgium and earning two degrees—the Master of Smart City and Innovation Management from UEH and the Master of Transportation Sciences from Hasselt University; or (3) participating in an exchange at Handong Global University in South Korea and earning two degrees—the Master of Smart City and Innovation Management from UEH and the Master of Technology and Human Ecology from Handong Global University.

Dr. Hoang Ngoc Lan presents the MSCIM curriculum.

MSCIM adopts an interdisciplinary approach, bringing together urban management, technology, innovation, and sustainable development. Beyond providing specialized knowledge, the program encourages students to apply what they learn to practical challenges in the government agencies, organizations, businesses, and local communities where they work.

In addition, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ducksu Seo, a visiting professor at ISCM and senior faculty member at Handong Global University, South Korea, introduced the Master of Technology and Human Ecology program, highlighting further opportunities for international study and academic collaboration. His presentation reinforced ISCM’s commitment to internationalization in education and encouraged students to explore professional growth in multicultural academic settings.

Learning Journeys – When Master’s Student Experiences Become a Source of Inspiration

One of the highlights of Orientation Day 2026 was the session “Learning Journeys: Sharing from Our Master’s Students,” in which students shared their experiences of studying at ISCM.

From the perspective of a professional working in a government agency, Nguyễn Xuân Ngân discussed how interdisciplinary knowledge can be understood and applied in day-to-day work, particularly amid ongoing changes in urban management and development. Võ Giai Hảo showcased engaging visual outputs produced during her studies and reflected on memorable experiences from a study visit exploring urban development in Singapore. Finally, Nguyễn Đức Thanh Bình shared his learning journey at Hasselt University in Belgium, offering insights into international education, academic networking, and professional growth. Together, these stories highlighted the program’s practical relevance, interdisciplinary nature, and international outlook, inspiring incoming students to actively explore and shape their own learning journeys.

Nguyen Xuan Ngan, a master’s student, presents how knowledge acquired from MSCIM can be applied to her work at local authorities.

Vo Giai Hao, a master’s student, shares her experiences creating visual projects and exploring cities during her studies.

M.Sc. Nguyen Duc Thanh Binh, a MSCIM alumni member, presents his master’s research and international exchange experience at Hasselt University.

Connecting, Sharing, and Looking Toward the Future

Following the presentations, incoming students had an opportunity to engage directly with faculty members and students from previous cohorts about the curriculum, learning experiences, and future development opportunities. A gift presentation at the end of the event created a warm and welcoming atmosphere, reflecting the ISCM alumni community’s spirit of connection and mutual support.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trinh Tu Anh presents gifts to new MSCIM students of the 2026–2028 cohort.

Orientation Day 2026 was more than a welcome event for new students: it marked the beginning of new academic relationships, interdisciplinary collaborations, and future innovative ideas. Under the theme “Empowering Urban Innovators for a Sustainable Future,” ISCM hopes that every student will become an active contributor to urban transformation, connecting knowledge with practice, turning challenges into opportunities, and helping shape smarter, more inclusive, and more sustainable cities in Vietnam.