In 2024, the Honors Program organized four remarkable trips as part of the "Get Ready To Work" program, taking students to renowned destinations such as: Bangkok (Thailand), Singapore, Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), and Nam Cat Tien (Vietnam). These trips were tailored for students of 13 majors under the Honors Program: Architecture, Public Relations, Business Administration, Graphic Design, English Language, Information Technology, Finance & Banking, Marketing, Accounting, Logistics & Supply Chain Management, Psychology, Travel & Tourism Management, and Hotel Management.

Learning through experience is the cornerstone of Van Lang University's training philosophy. For students in the Honors Program, fondly referred to as 'Honorees,' these experiences focus on fostering international integration and exposure to the environment of multinational companies. “Get Ready To Work” is a signature extracurricular activity of the Honors Program, collaborated with organizations and businesses to create experiential activities that help students connect, experience cultures, prepare their mindset and knowledge, and develop professional skills.

In 2024, the Honors Program organized four journeys as parts of the “Get Ready To Work” program to famous destinations: Bangkok (Thailand), Singapore, Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), and Nam Cat Tien (Vietnam). Each journey created vibrant, unforgettable memories for Van Lang University students: from visiting international corporations in Singapore, exploring Thailand's unique culture, and soaking up the lively atmosphere of Kuala Lumpur, to experiencing the breathtaking nature of Nam Cat Tien. The program also offered valuable opportunities to engage with leading experts, attend workshops, and gain hands-on experience in an international setting. These experiences not only boosted students' confidence but also equipped them with essential knowledge and skills for their future careers.

June 12 - June 15, 2024: Visiting International Corporations in Singapore

With “Get Ready To Work 2024”, Course 27 students of the Public Relations cohort experienced an unforgettable adventure in Singapore. This trip was not only a cultural exploration but also expanded the students' perspectives on multinational enterprises.

Throughout the trip, students had the chance to visit prestigious institutions like the Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS) and Kaplan Singapore. However, the highlight of the trip was the visit to Google’s headquarters in Singapore – one of the leading companies in technology. At Google, Van Lang students received a warm welcome from Ms. Nguyen Thanh Tuyen – AI Commerce Lead & Senior Partnership Manager, who shared valuable insights and experiences about corporate culture and the working environment at Google.

VLU students also visited iconic landmarks such as the Jewel Changi Airport, home to its stunning indoor waterfall, and the National Museum of Singapore, filled with a rich collection of historical and artistic treasures.

May 22 - May 25, 2024: A Journey to Discover Thailand's Unique Culture

The Land of Golden Pagodas, with its distinctive architecture influenced by a blend of different cultures, provided future architects with a unique opportunity to learn how Thailand creates iconic structures, expanding their worldview, thinking, and professional skills. Therefore, Thailand was chosen by Van Lang University as the destination for architecture students in the Honors Program.

During this trip, Honorees visited the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Chatuchak, Bangkok; the B2S Book Street on the 6th floor of Central Chidlom; and the Naiipa Art Complex in Khlong Toei, Bangkok. They also attended two meaningful workshops:

• Workshop: “The Value of Experience and the Story of Architectural Start-ups” presented by architect Nattanit Coommit – Founder of Baanrai Studio, Thailand.
• Workshop: “Enhancing Teamwork Skills, Building Business Strategies, and Brand Promotion” presented by architect Apichart Srirojanapinyo – Founder of Stu/D/O Architects, Thailand.

August 19 - August 22, 2024: Immersing in the Vibrant Life of Malaysia

From August 19 to August 22, 2024, students of the Honors Program (majoring in Business Administration, Public Relations, Commerce, and English Language) participated in a study tour in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Van Lang University students visited UCSI University, one of the leading universities in Malaysia. They explored new perspectives in an international academic environment and had the opportunity to connect with international students, particularly South Korean interns at UCSI.

A key highlight of the trip was the “Entrepreneurial Thinking and Leadership Skills” workshop led by Dr. Stephen Corneilius and another workshop on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) led by Dr. Leong Sat Sing. These workshops updated students on trends in sustainable development in business, a topic gaining increasing attention in the global context.

In addition to academic activities, students experienced advanced technology at PJ ECO Recycling Plaza, where they gained practical insights into sustainable business models. This was an opportunity for students to develop creativity and adaptability in a globalized environment.

August 21 - August 23, 2024: Three Days of Immersive Experience at Nam Cat Tien National Park

This trip not only brought lively, exciting memories for the Honorees but also allowed students to meet and learn from top experts by attending two workshops:

Workshop 1: Learning about Nam Cat Tien National Park – exploring its history, development, and the process of building and conserving rare and wild flora and fauna.

Workshop 2: “Professional Work Etiquette and Life Skills” with speaker Phan Yen Ly. Students also had the opportunity to discover the architectural beauty of Ben Thanh Metro Station.

Additionally, they gained deep insights into business models, organizational charts, and practical experience in making pizza at Pizza Hut.  

The “Get Ready To Work 2024” program concluded with a visit to the Ajinomoto Long Thanh factory, where students explored the production process and sampled delicious dishes. This helped Course 27 Honorees acquire the knowledge and skills needed, making them more confident to “Get Ready To Work”!

The Honors Program Development Board