Ho Chi Minh City, May 14, 2024 - Dow Vietnam STEM Program celebrated a milestone on May 14th with its fifth industry mentorship eProjects Innovation Showcase. Seven student teams representing universities from across Vietnam took center stage to present their industry-linked prototypes to a diverse audience of peers, faculty, and industry experts to compete for the grand prizes.

Months of dedicated guidance and mentorship culminated in this showcase, where students showcased their innovative prototypes born out of collaborative teamwork and extensive market research. Supported by mentors coming from renowned engineering corporations like Dow Vietnam, Rockwell Automation, and First Solar, among others, students were empowered to transform their creative concepts into tangible solutions for modern world’s challenges such as AI and Machine Learning utilization, CO2 control in transportation, water treatment, robotic assistance, and green energy initiatives.

Dow Vietnam STEM Program connects industry and young engineers

Beyond the technical aspects, the eProjects program also emphasized the development of essential soft skills vital for success in the engineering field. Through practical insights and guidance from experienced mentors, students gained invaluable experience in project management, communication, and critical thinking.

Mr. Loganathan Ravisanker - Dow Vietnam President - is delivering opening remarks to kick off the showcase

During the Innovation Showcase, students were tasked with presenting their prototype models accompanied by project posters outlining project conception, prototype design, and goal attainment to the judging panel. Following two rounds of presentations, teams from the following universities emerged as prize winners for their innovative solutions:

• Best Poster Design and Most Effective Teamwork: Team from Phenikaa University

One of the primary causes behind global warming and other extreme weather changes is the increased concentration of CO2 - greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere. It is crucial to take proactive measures to reduce the amount of CO2 emissions from vehicles and ensure that appropriate steps are taken to prevent environmental pollution. The team aims to manufacturee an equipment capable of mobile CO2 recovery from decentralized sources by attaching it to a heavy vehicle.

• Most Effective Solution: Danang University of Science and Technology

Minimizing the moisture of pressed sludge products will reduce costs in the waste treatment of factories. The project aims to address a pressing need for a real-time, low-cost, and responsive monitoring system that can provide continuous feedback on the stability of the sludge. Such a system would empower management to identify inefficiencies and adjust operational parameters proactively, thereby improving the overall performance of the wastewater treatment process.

• Most Effective Presentation: Lac Hong University

Solar energy is abundant and readily available, offering a promising alternative to conventional fossil fuels. Photovoltaic cells, commonly found in solar panels, convert sunlight directly into electrical energy through the photovoltaic effect. However, chemicals that adhere to solar panels can pose public health hazards. Therefore, it is essential to proactively remove these cells for proper handling to avoid environmentally challenging pollution if left untreated. The project proposes a solution which is a support system for the extraction and removal of hazardous coatings on solar panels.

The dedication and talent displayed by students during their presentations left a lasting impression on all industry mentors and academic leads involved. Mr. Truong Quang Phuc, a lecturer leading the student team from Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education stated “After about 4 weeks, their time management skills improved significantly, they proactively contacted and arranged meetings with mentors (DOW Vietnam). Furthermore, during the meeting, students proactively presented implementation progress, shared opinions, and proposed more logical solutions. In the project's concluding phase, students exhibited evident enhancement in both skills and work attitudes, particularly when the division of tasks was clear and equitable, accompanied by a strong sense of responsibility among all participating members.” Mr. Phuc underscored the importance of such opportunities in sharpening students' practical abilities, preparing them for the dynamic demands of the future labor workforce. He emphasized the critical role of incorporating programs like eProjects into the curriculum, recognizing their value in equipping students with hands-on experience and essential skills essential for success in their future careers.

Student team is presenting the concept to effectively recycle solar panels

For the 7th consecutive year, the Dow Vietnam STEM Program and Arizona State University have teamed up to offer undergraduate students throughout Vietnam industry-related applied projects in innovation, entrepreneurship, and research. Mr. Loganathan Ravisanker, Dow Vietnam’s President, shares, “Dow's vision is to cultivate a future characterized by innovation, sustainability, and inclusion, enabling our communities to thrive. We strive for equal opportunities in STEM and skilled trades careers for all individuals, while empowering our employees to drive meaningful change. For the time to come, we continue to enhance and broaden STEM and skilled trade education pathways, as well as facilitating connections between students and employment opportunities grounded in innovation. This initiative places particular emphasis on reaching underrepresented populations and youth.”