USJ Held a Series of Engaging and Innovative Workshops at Van Lang University in Vietnam
USJ Held a Series of Engaging and Innovative Workshops at Van Lang University in Vietnam
13
Dec
13/12/2023
The University of Saint Joseph held a Workshop Series at Van Lang University, Vietnam, on a variety of topics including Green Architecture, Social Outreach and Psychology, Artificial Intelligence, and Design, attracting over a hundred students to engage in hands-on learning opportunities.
The University of Saint Joseph (USJ) and Van Lang University (VLU) kicked off their joint workshop series with success at VLU’s Ho Chi Minh City Campus from 1 to 5 December 2023. This colaboration is the first since the two institutions formally inked a partnership earlier this Fall.
USJ Prof. Carlos Sena Caires, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Prof. Helen Liu, Research Coordinator for the Faculty of Health Sciences and Leader of the Prison Outreach Programme, and Prof. Nuno Soares, Head of the Department of Architecture and Design from the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, held themed workshops for over 100 students at VLU to engage in hands-on learning opportunities in their respective disciplines, with star projects receiving cash prizes as incentives and encouragement for their ideas and work. USJ Vice-Rector Prof. Álvaro Barbosa introduced the series and shared insights on USJ’s learning culture and programmes.
(From left to right: Vice-rector Prof. Álvaro Barbosa, Head of Vietnam Recruitment Ms. Ivy Tran and Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Prof. Carlos Caires)
(Prof. Carlos Caires giving his presentation on AI and Design Innovation)
Prof. Carlos Caires’ workshop on “Artificial Intelligence and Design Innovation in the Future of Media” welcomed a huge party of attendees excited about creative innovation and design solutions. Mr. Truong Hoang Tho, CEO of Alipo Creative in Vietnam also shared with the crowd insights on the application of AI in Design and Communication in the context of Vietnam while Dr. Truong Quoc Tri, Lecturer of Data Science from the Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering at VLU echoed the sentiment of engaging with AI and Machine Learning in course curriculums. Dr. Vo Van Lac, Dean of the Faculty of Creative Technology at VLU was also present to engage with the audience.
(Prof. Helen Liu speaking on the workshop panel)
In Prof. Helen Liu’s workshop on “Social Outreach and Psychology”, students were prompted to ponder on building effective social work programs, specifically to help ex-offenders in reintegrating into society. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Bao Nghi, Dean of the Faculty of Society and Humanities at VLU introduced the workshop alongside Dr. Pham Van Tuan, Head of the Psychology Department at VLU and Prof. Álvaro Barbosa, inviting students to reflect in open dialogue and brainstorm pragmatic ways to apply the attained knowledge in their local communities. Students were also intrigued by USJ’s Prison Outreach Programme, a philanthropic initiative aimed at helping incarcerated individuals the opportunity to further their education and improve employment prospects post-release.
(Prof. Nuno Soares with VLU faculty members and workshop attendees)
During Prof. Nuno Soares’ workshop on “Green Topologies: Exploring Cross-Scale Sustainable Design Strategies in Architecture”, students explored sustainable development trends in architecture for tackling the world’s current issues, and learned to use sustainable materials and ecological solutions in green architecture. Dr. Do Phu Hung, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture at VLU also shared his knowledge on sustainable design and green communities with real-life projects around the world.
(Prof. Álvaro Barbosa introducing USJ and Macao to VLU students)
Collectively, the workshop series provided a platform for extensive exchange of knowledge and ideas on contemporary topics that students enthusiastically pursue. They emerge from the workshops with impressive projects and heightened critical thinking skills, showcasing the unique coursework at USJ’s graduate curricula and the value of learning beyond the classroom. USJ anticipates more similar activities to create intimate and focused experiences for students at USJ and partner institutions as part of its commitment to academic excellence and global cooperation.
