The "STEM Around Us" education festival, co-organized by Giao Duc & Thoi Dai (Education & Times) newspaper, Dong Thap University, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, and the Dong Thap Department of Education and Training, welcomed more than 4,000 students and teachers from 70 high schools across six Mekong Delta provinces: Can Tho, Hau Giang, Soc Trang, An Giang, Vinh Long, and Dong Thap.
The event served as both an enriching academic platform and an opportunity for students to engage in hands-on, interdisciplinary learning—sparking their passion for science and technology applications in real life.
Among the attendees was Hong Quoc Huy, an 11th grader from Thu Khoa Nghia High School for the Gifted (An Giang), one of 45 outstanding students selected to represent his school.
"I’ve always loved STEM and looked forward to this festival. It’s a great chance to explore STEM models and gain practical knowledge for my studies and daily life," Huy shared. He added that his school had recently held its own STEM event, where students designed protective structures to prevent eggs from breaking when dropped—an exciting and educational challenge.
Meanwhile, Vo Hoang Nhat Khanh, a 12th grader from An Lac Thon High School (Soc Trang), proudly showcased his self-made mist sprayer, explaining its use in cooling classrooms and eco-gardens. "This festival connects students who share a passion for STEM," he said.
Ms. Dong Thi Huyen Nhu, a Chemistry teacher at Chu Van An High School (Dong Thap), emphasized STEM’s growing role under Vietnam’s 2018 General Education Program, particularly in preparing students for the Industry 4.0 workforce.
"The festival offers hands-on experience with new technologies and creative problem-solving activities, while also updating teachers and students on cutting-edge STEM education trends," she noted.
With nearly 40 exhibition booths from educational institutions and businesses, the event highlighted real-world STEM applications. School administrators and educators also participated in a seminar on "STEM Technology and Education."
The "STEM Around Us" festival aims to become a flagship educational initiative, raising awareness and advancing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) development in the Mekong Delta region.
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Translation: Ho Nguyen Uyen Thanh