ISCM–UEH JOINS HANDS IN SHAPING DIRECTIONS FOR HEALTH TOURISM AND THE SILVER ECONOMY IN BINH MY COMMUNE
Over two days, 27–28 July 2026, the Institute of Smart City and Management (ISCM), University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), participated in the Summer Design Workshop themed “Organizing Health Tourism Spaces in Binh My Commune, Ho Chi Minh City”. The event brought together faculty members and students from universities across Ho Chi Minh City including the University of Architecture, Van Lang University, Nong Lam University, University of Culture, HUTECH University, and the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, along with industry partners such as Lokeys, RecyGlo, and the Vietnam Institute of Family Medicine.
The workshop focused on exploring the distinctive values of Binh My, from the Saigon River ecosystem, network of canals, melaleuca forests, fruit orchards, and agricultural landscapes to its cultural and historical values and local community life. Building on these assets, participants proposed directions for developing health tourism and eco-wellness experiences that are responsive to local conditions.
Lecturers and students from participating universities at the workshop
Representing ISCM at the Binh My Commune Summer Design Workshop were Dr. Arch. Huynh Van Khang, Dr. Pham Nguyen Hoai, and students from the Smart Architecture and Urban Design program. Through field surveys, the teams explored key signature areas of Binh My, ranging from waterfront spaces, melaleuca forests, and medicinal herb gardens, to the Song Lu – Son Creek system, agricultural zones, historical relics, and memorial sites. Beyond examining the landscape, ecosystem, transportation, and current land use, the groups also gathered direct input from local residents and authorities regarding community needs, education, conservation, and tourism development.
Field surveys and observations of the landscape, ecological, cultural, and historical values of Binh My
Drawing on the data and experiences gathered from the field, the groups transformed their observations into design ideas and development directions. The proposals focused on connecting Binh My’s existing assets into a diverse ecosystem of experiences, ranging from wellness tourism linked to orchards and riverside landscapes; nature, medicinal plant, and healing experiences within the melaleuca forest; to open-space systems combining agricultural experiences, education, physical activities, and visitor routes connecting heritage sites, religious spaces, and local community life.
Student groups presenting their design proposals following the field surveys and on-site analysis.
Alongside the design activities, the Workshop also featured the panel discussion “Health Tourism and the Development of the Silver Economy – Development Directions for Binh My Commune, Ho Chi Minh City.” During the session, Dr. Pham Nguyen Hoai, representing the ISCM research team, presented “Developing Eco-Oriented and Sustainable Wellness Tourism in the Tourism Development Strategy of Binh My Commune.” The presentation emphasized a broader approach to wellness tourism, extending beyond conventional resorts to include experiences that support rest, relaxation, and physical and mental rejuvenation through nature, culture, and local ways of life.
The ISCM delegation of lecturers and students attending the panel discussion
From this perspective, Binh My can gradually develop appropriately scaled health tourism products based on its waterways, orchards, agricultural activities, natural ecosystems, and community values. This approach also opens up opportunities for the development of the silver economy, responding to the diverse needs of different visitor groups, including older adults, while creating new opportunities for local livelihoods and economic development.
Binh My Workshop.
The Binh My Workshop served as a platform connecting research, education, design, and local practice, where lecturers and students had the opportunity to directly observe, analyze, and co-create solutions together with local authorities, experts, and communities. Through this initiative, ISCM–UEH continues to advance its commitment to bringing knowledge and research into practice, working alongside local communities to leverage local resources, conserve ecosystems and cultural values, and envision a Binh My that is green, distinctive, inclusive, and sustainable.
News and photos: Institute of Smart City and Management (ISCM)