On October 28, at Shilla Monogram Danang Hotel, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF Vietnam) and SM Entertainment celebrated their 10th anniversary of partnership – marking a decade of collaboration for the holistic development of children and adolescents in Vietnam.

VNUK – The VN–UK Institute for Research and Executive Education, The University of Danang, extends its warmest congratulations to UNICEF Vietnam and SM Entertainment on this proud milestone. The 10-year collaboration not only highlights tireless efforts in promoting children’s rights and youth development but also spreads a powerful message of international cooperation toward a more humane and sustainable future.

Throughout this meaningful journey, VNUK has been honored to serve as a strategic partner of UNICEF in Central Vietnam, jointly implementing various programs and projects with deep community impact, especially those aimed at adolescents and youth in Da Nang City.

The event was attended by representatives from the following organizations: the Korea Committee for UNICEF (KCU), SM Entertainment, UNICEF Vietnam, as well as the youth networks YAI & HCA (YOH, U-Invent, STEM Summer School, AYAG) and dynamic youth leadership groups.

On the VNUK side, attendees included Dr. Nguyễn Hiệp – Director of the Institute, the Institute’s leadership team, and representatives from relevant departments and offices.

Applying Science, Igniting Innovation, and Building a Sustainable Society

The collaborative programs between VNUK and UNICEF create opportunities for young people to learn and develop comprehensively while encouraging them to transform knowledge into real actions that benefit the community.

Within the framework of the “Healthy Cities for Adolescents” Project, numerous practical and creative learning activities have been implemented, helping youth explore their potential, strengthen leadership skills, and develop abilities in research and creative communication.

Three key courses have been successfully delivered:

• Junior Researcher – The Young Research Apprentice: Providing adolescents with essential knowledge and fundamental skills in scientific research.

• Young Future Leader – Leadership and Debate Skills: Developing critical thinking, leadership capacity, and confident communication.

• Creative Communication – Peer-to-Peer Creative Media: Inspiring young people to use creative communication to spread positive messages in their communities.

In addition to these courses, two major competitions were successfully organized at VNUK under the project framework:

• Youth-On Hackathon: With the theme “Smart Learning in the Age of AI”, the event encouraged adolescents to apply technology in solving challenges related to learning and everyday life.

• U-Invent 7: A competition in science, technology, and engineering research and innovation, where the intelligence and passion of young participants were showcased through innovative ideas that bring practical benefits to society.

VNUK Maker Innovation Space – Where Young Ideas Take Flight

These collaborative programs have primarily taken place at the VNUK Maker Innovation Space (MIS) – one of three innovation spaces established in 2017 by the Ministry of Education and Training of Vietnam, with advisory and technical support from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and Arizona State University (ASU).

MIS serves as an ideal destination for young people passionate about research, innovation, and community engagement.
With its focus on applying science and technology to address real-world challenges, VNUK continues to affirm its role as a bridge of inspiration – a place where international knowledge is shared, localized, and transformed into meaningful action, contributing to a sustainable and humane future for the younger generation.

From Knowledge to Community Action

Since its foundation, VNUK has defined its mission not only as cultivating high-quality human resources but also as nurturing humanitarian values, community awareness, and global integration capabilities for young generations.

In the context of globalization, VNUK aims to build an innovative and international learning environment where learners not only acquire knowledge but are also inspired to share, contribute, and create sustainable value for society.

Spreading Inspiration and Hope Together

On its journey for children and future generations, VNUK takes pride in being a pioneering educational institution accompanying UNICEF, helping to nurture and spread the spirit of humanity, creativity, and global citizenship.

In the time ahead, VNUK will continue collaborating with UNICEF to develop educational, research, and youth empowerment initiatives — striving toward a better world where knowledge is shared and everyone has the opportunity to grow comprehensively.

Together with UNICEF and international partners, VNUK continues to write its story of spreading knowledge, igniting creativity, and nurturing global citizens for a humane and sustainable future.

Information:
– Institute name: VN-UK Institute For Research and Executive Education – The University of Danang
– Institution code: DDV
– Address: 158A Le Loi Street, Hai Chau District, Da Nang City, Vietnam
– Website: https://vnuk.udn.vn
– Admission page: https://tuyensinh.vnuk.udn.vn
– Hotline & Zalo: 0905 55 66 54