On 9 December, VNUHCM-Â鶹´«Ã½ (HCMUS) organised Science Fair – BioXplore 2025, an event forming part of the BioXplore student exchange programme coordinated between the Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology (HCMUS) and the National University of Singapore (NUS). The initiative cultivates a dynamic international academic environment wherein students from both institutions may jointly introduce applied scientific models and projects.

Held for the first time at HCMUS, Science Fair – BioXplore 2025 assembled eighteen exhibition projects spanning diverse fields such as artificial intelligence, molecular biology, ecology, public health, environmental technology, and sustainable energy. Numerous visual models captivated observers; notably, the “Dendritic Cell” model of the immune system offered a vivid representation, enabling visitors to visualise the structure and operating mechanisms with ease. Furthermore, the “Neuron” model integrated LED lighting to assist in structural identification, whilst other projects addressed mangrove forest adaptation and PET plastic recycling.

Beyond the exhibition area, the Science Fair featured experiential activities for visitors, comprising simple physics experiments, biological process simulations, and applied educational games. Here, undergraduates from HCMUS and NUS delivered direct presentations, expounded upon scientific principles, and engaged with guests. Such interaction provided an opportunity for learners to demonstrate professional competencies, foreign language proficiency, and knowledge transmission skills, whilst simultaneously fostering connections among student groups despite differences in academic specialisation.

Students from HCMUS and NUS engage with one another and interact with attendees at the exhibition booths.

Based upon the evaluation of the Jury combined with visitor votes, the Organising Committee honoured the most outstanding projects. The two booths achieving distinction for presentation included “PET Recycle” by HCMUS students, conveying a practical environmental message, and “Sustainable Energy” by the NUS cohort, featuring a renewable energy solution model. In the category of most popular project, “Evo Inc.”—a board game simulating natural selection—received the highest number of votes owing to a creative approach grounded in Darwin’s theory of evolution.

The conclusion of Science Fair – BioXplore 2025 unveils numerous practical values for undergraduates through access to international academic exchange models, the honing of research thinking, and the refinement of presentation and multicultural teamwork abilities. This event functions as a crucial foundation, empowering learners to integrate confidently, prepare for participation in large-scale scientific projects, and expand opportunities for development within the global academic sphere.

Celebrating the fifteenth anniversary of the Science Film Festival, the Goethe-Institut Ho Chi Minh City, under the patronage of the Consulate General of Germany and in collaboration with various partners, convened Science Fair 2025 – a special event bearing the theme ‘Curious little minds today – Sustainable change tomorrow.’

The fair sought to establish connections among organisations engaged in education, innovation, and sustainable development, while fostering an environment where science, education, and art converged. Designed for children, young people, and science enthusiasts, Science Fair 2025 presented a series of STEM activities, interactive exhibitions, and thematic discussions. The programme cultivated curiosity, a passion for learning, and a sense of environmental responsibility through a dynamic synthesis of creativity and scientific exploration.

As a long-standing partner of the Science Film Festival Viet Nam, VNUHCM–Â鶹´«Ã½ (HCMUS) contributed to advancing sustainability education through initiatives coordinated by the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Sciences. The Faculty introduced a variety of experiential learning opportunities combining technology, creativity, and environmental awareness.

The AR–VR station enabled visitors to design traditional Hoi An lanterns through augmented reality, effectively bridging cultural heritage with modern technological innovation. The Climate Fresk board game guided participants to examine causes and strategies for addressing climate change through interactive engagement. STEM-based games such as Green Footprint (carbon footprint), Mo-no-poly (polymer science), and ‘Green Career’ activities—including quizzes and picture-based challenges—attracted significant interest, conveying the imperative of sustainable living in daily practice.

Pupils and students engaging enthusiastically with the event activities.

Notably, within the framework of the Science in Dialogues series, Dr Nguyá»…n Hà Hùng ChÆ°Æ¡ng, a lecturer at the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Sciences (HCMUS), delivered an insightful talk titled ‘Green Career Orientation.’ The session focused on elucidating the concept of a ‘Green Career’ and the status of the sector as an inevitable global trend.

Dr ChÆ°Æ¡ng addressed the means by which students across all disciplines could ‘green’ future professions, whilst analysing the requisite skills and employment opportunities within the context of the global green transition. These perspectives assisted learners in clearly identifying the nexus between scientific knowledge, social responsibility, and sustainable career pathways.

 

Dr Nguyễn Hà Hùng Chương (first picture) delivering a presentation on “Green Career Orientation,� alongside fellow speakers addressing broader themes of the green transition and sustainable development.