Van Lang University Organizes an International Course on Building Green Communities in Collaboration with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

On the morning of January 5, 2026, the International Student Support Center of Van Lang University (VLU) welcomed a delegation of students from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), officially launching the Service-Learning Course titled “Building Green Communities with Environmental NGOs.” This marked the fourth meeting between the two institutions since 2023.

As part of the program, students from both universities participated in exchange activities and discussions on current environmental issues, with a focus on food waste management. The course is delivered through international collaboration, providing students with opportunities to engage in hands-on learning through group projects.

In the opening remarks, Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Lan stated that the program serves as an opportunity for both sides to continue their academic collaboration and to create additional spaces for students and faculty to exchange ideas during the implementation of the Service-Learning Course.

Additionally, Aureliu Sindila, Ph.D. provided an overview of the Service-Learning Course- a compulsory course for undergraduate students in Hong Kong. According to his presentation, the course focuses on addressing real-world issues such as waste management, water quality, and environmental design. In this collaboration, students from Van Lang University and PolyU will work together on projects related to food waste management.

A highlight of the session was the collaborative discussion between Vietnamese and Hong Kong students, aimed at understanding current environmental conditions and exploring solutions to reduce negative impacts. During the program, Do Van Nguyet, Director of Live & Learn Vietnam, shared insights into the challenges of municipal waste collection and treatment, particularly the increasing volume of food waste and the pressure it places on existing systems. Based on these insights, student groups initially proposed approaches such as optimizing the lifecycle of food waste to reduce environmental waste.

According to the data presented, the waste sorting rate in Vietnam currently stands at only around 12%, which is lower than that of many countries in the region. Notably, food waste accounts for approximately 60–75% of total daily municipal solid waste, posing significant challenges for waste management.

Alongside the academic content, the program also incorporated cultural exchange activities and games, allowing PolyU students to learn more about Vietnamese culture and fostering connections between students from both institutions.

At the conclusion of the session, students and faculty members from both universities shared and consolidated their initial ideas regarding environmental pollution—particularly food waste—as a foundation for the subsequent activities of the Service-Learning Course.

News: Thien Kim
Photos: Ngoc Duy