Over the past 5 years, the Student Forum has gained a remarkable impact, with nearly 450 completed scientific research projects submitted to the judging panel and 100 awards granted to student groups.
The commitments and decisions made at COP29, along with the growing demand for human resources in sustainable development sectors, are presenting Viet Nam’s youth and students with significant opportunities and challenges as they prepare for green jobs in the future.
Vietnamese Students Ready to Embrace Green Careers
According to Vu Chi Mai, Project Director of the project Clean, Affordable, and Secure Energy for Southeast Asia (CASE) of GIZ, climate disasters, global warming, and the energy demands of economic development urgently call for a shift to a green economy, utilising greener and more sustainable energy sources.
Viet Nam, with its substantial potential and ambitious renewable energy targets, offers “fertile ground” for students to gain hands-on experience, research, innovate, and contribute to developing new technologies that support the country’s effective and sustainable energy transition.
Since 2020, top technical universities in Viet Nam, including Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Electric Power University, Hanoi University of Industry, Thuyloi University, University of Science and Technology of Hanoi (USTH), Da Nang University of Science and Technology, and the University of Engineering and Technology (Viet Nam National University, Hanoi), have collaborated to organize the annual Student Forum on Scientific Research for students in energy and electrical engineering disciplines.
Currently, this is the only forum in Viet Nam that provides a platform for students and faculty teachers to meet and exchange ideas, enhancing their awareness and research capabilities on pressing issues in renewable energy, sustainable development, and electricity.
Setting Directions and Inspiring Students
Building on its previous success, Student Forum 2024 took place from November 30 to December 1 at the University of Science and Technology of Hanoi (USTH) under the theme “Engineering and Technology Towards Carbon Neutrality.”
This year’s forum convened a large number of students, with 120 research projects covering “hot” topics in the energy sector such as electrical engineering, power electronics, control systems, renewable energy, efficient energy management, and electricity transmission and distribution.
The judging panel awarded first prizes to two outstanding research projects: “Application of Hand Gesture Detection and ASL Sign Language Translation: Integrating Image Processing and Sensors” and “Application of Machine Learning Models for Fault Classification and Localization on Transmission Lines.”
Dr. Nguyen Tuan Canh from Viet Nam National University, Hanoi, comments: “The success of the Student Forum over four years lies not only in the quantity and quality of the projects but also in the inspiration and motivation it provides. It helps students orient their careers, build industry knowledge, and gain the confidence to prepare for their future. The forum serves as a bridge between businesses, universities, students, and organizations, creating opportunities for employment, networking, sharing experiences, and exchanging knowledge.”
Empowering Students to Gain Confidence
Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Duc Huy of Hanoi University of Science and Technology highlights that the Student Forum is an engaging platform that raises awareness and supports the development of human resources for energy transition. Award-winning research is published in reputable journals, affirming the quality of the work and increasing students’ opportunities post-graduation. The forum also encourages universities to adjust their curricula to meet market demands.
Representing GIZ at Student Forum 2024, Vu Chi Mai emphasized: “Young people must proactively learn and develop their skills now to be ready for the green job market, which has significant demand.”
Mai shares that GIZ is conducting a study to assess the demand for high-quality human resources in Viet Nam’s energy transition sector. This study will focus on analyzing university training programmes, market needs, and the key factors necessary for Viet Nam to achieve its renewable energy goals.
“We hope the Student Forum continues to inspire students, helping them better understand their future while creating a springboard for them to confidently enter the green labor market,” Mai states. She emphasized that this serves as an important foundation for Viet Nam to advance further in its journey towards sustainable energy transition.
