Creative Startup Communication Contest: An Academic Playground Connecting Theory with Practice

On October 3, 2025, the Faculty of Creative Technology at Van Lang University held the final round of the Creative Startup Communication Contest. This was the first time the contest had been organized, aiming to affirm an educational approach closely aligned with the professional environment, businesses, and the recruitment market.

With the themes of producing a TV commercial (TVC) or a review/introduction clip for a product, students were exposed to the actual working process of a professional communication specialist. The teams not only demonstrated their creative competence but also learned how to implement ideas based on real-world requirements, thereby developing soft skills, strategic thinking, and adaptability to the working environment. The university not only created an academic playground but also served as a bridge connecting students with businesses and inspiring entrepreneurial spirit.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Truong Le Hieu Dan, Director of Cultural Heritage Creative Joint Stock Company, emphasized: “Students need to work with specific products and services to move beyond classroom theories. Within the framework of the contest, there are many diverse submissions, with judges from the faculty and corporate guests, creating a balance between academic and practical perspectives. Some students score high in coursework but may not be effective when implementing it in reality. This is an opportunity for them to reflect and grow.”

The contest attracted 22 student teams in the preliminary round, 11 of which advanced to the semi-final. Through a draw, 5 teams were chosen to present their ideas directly to the judging panel. All projects reflected creativity, high applicability, and the cultural and social values that are currently of interest in the communication field. The judging panel focused on criteria related to practicality, feasibility, and communication effectiveness.

The Second Prize—the highest award of the contest—was presented to Team 10 for their project “Loi chao tu am nhac Viet Nam” (A Greeting from Vietnamese Music). The campaign aimed at promoting Vietnamese music from modern sounds to past nostalgia, connecting the music culture of the three regions—North, Central, and South. This idea was not only creative but also highly applicable amid the nation’s tightening policies on cultural promotion in artistic works—a testament to the ability of VLU’s Communications students to keep pace with trends and demonstrate strategic thinking.

Dr. Vo Van Lac, Dean of the Faculty of Creative Technology, affirmed: “We look forward to having more contests organized strategically, creating opportunities for students and businesses to exchange and cooperate in practical ways. This is how Van Lang University affirms our approach to experiential and practice-oriented education, applied across all disciplines.”

News: Thanh Man
Photos: Tri Chau