Students co-create sustainable solutions with industry

Launched in April and running through September, the program was a joint initiative between RMIT University Vietnam and three partner universities: International University – Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (IU-VNUHCM), University of Social Sciences and Humanities – Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (USSH-VNUHCM), and the Vietnamese-German University (VGU). As an interdisciplinary, inter-university and industry-linked education initiative, SIC 2025 empowered students to tackle Vietnam’s real-world sustainability challenges through innovation and action.

The program attracted more than 440 registrations from over 50 universities nationwide. Out of these, 142 students were officially selected to embark on a six-month learning journey, beginning with a 27-hour sustainability training course jointly designed by six academics across five universities. The curriculum focused on systems thinking, core principles of sustainability, and interdisciplinary problem-solving skills - providing a strong academic foundation before the solution development phase. By the end of the training, 128 students completed all requirements and were awarded program certificates.

These students were divided into 26 teams, each tasked with addressing real-world problem statements from four leading sustainability-focused companies: Bosch Vietnam, Panasonic Vietnam, Rize, and MOTUL. Challenges ranged from circular economy and waste management to resource optimisation and consumer behaviour change.

Following preliminary proposal rounds, site visits, and in-depth mentoring with academics and corporate experts, the eight most promising teams advanced to the grand finale. The finallist teams represented universities across Vietnam, including RMIT University, IU-VNUHCM, USSH-VNUHCM, VGU, Tan Tao University, HCMC University of Technology (HCMUT-VNUHCM), Foreign Trade University, HCMC University of Technology and Education, University of Economics HCMC, and HCMC University of Law.

At the final event on 8 September, the teams pitched their solutions directly to a panel of judges and industry representatives. Four winning teams - HAKTY, “A” Gang, Green Rebels and 3T Strategy - corresponding to the challenges from Bosch, Panasonic, Rize, and MOTUL - were honoured and awarded paid internship opportunities, where they will further develop and implement their proposed solutions in real corporate settings.

Speaking at the event, Professor Julia Gaimster, Strategic Advisor to the Pro Vice-Chancellor of RMIT Vietnam, said: “The Sustainability Impact Challenge was designed as a bridge between academia and practice, connecting knowledge from multiple fields with industry expertise. The program has become a platform that not only spreads inspiration but also shapes an action-based learning model with the potential to create long-term positive impact for communities and Vietnam’s green future.”

Mr Matthew McCall-Peat - Associate Director, Capital Works, Vietnam Infrastructure at RMIT Vietnam, representing the organising committee, said: “In a labour market that increasingly values social responsibility and sustainability, sustainable thinking has become a vital competency. Through the program, students gain international knowledge, work on real corporate challenges, and receive continuous mentoring from experts - helping them recognise their role and capacity to contribute to building a greener future.”

According to program surveys, most participants reported significantly increased confidence in applying sustainability principles, with an average self-assessment score of 4.26 out of 5. Students also expressed stronger understanding of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), systems thinking, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Notably, 60 per cent of participants said they had shared their knowledge with peers, families, and communities, while 50 per cent reported adopting sustainable behaviours in their daily lives.

Sustainability Impact Challenge 2025 concludes one chapter while opening the way for a new generation of students - those who understand sustainability and are ready to shape Vietnam’s green future with their ideas, skills, and actions. The program’s outcomes continue to inspire a replicable model of sustainability-focused education, encouraging more universities to co-develop community projects and similar learning initiatives that extend impact well beyond the competition itself.

Story: Quan Dinh H.

Masthead image: metamorworks - stock.adobe.com