REACH–Vietnam’25 Empowers ASEAN Youth through Leadership, Innovation, and Cultural Exchange

Heidi Tan

HO CHI MINH, Dec 12 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), through the Student College Committee (JKM) of Kolej Tun Razak (KTR), successfully organized the Razak Expedition for ASEAN Community Harmony – Vietnam 2025 (REACH–Vietnam’25), a five-day international engagement program that strengthened Association Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) youth leadership, academic collaboration, STEM innovation, and cultural understanding. The program transformed multiple locations in Ho Chi Minh City and Bac Son into dynamic spaces for cross-border learning and cooperation, reaffirming UTM’s commitment to nurturing future ASEAN leaders.

Designed as a strategic platform for youth empowerment, REACH–Vietnam 2025 brought together Malaysian and Vietnamese students, academics, schools, and industry partners. Strong participation was recorded from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (USSH–HCMC), Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), and Bac Son High School, involving more than 170 students and 40 staff members. Key activities included ASEAN Youth Leadership Discussions, REACH ASEAN Synergy Discussions, UTM alumni engagement, Study @ UTM recruitment sessions, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematic) innovation workshops, campus tours, and cultural exchange programmes.

Leadership development formed the core of the program. During sessions held at HCMUT, students engaged in facilitated discussions on ASEAN priorities such as digital transformation, smart and sustainable mobility, innovation ecosystems, digital infrastructure, green economy employment, and Industry–University collaboration. Working in multicultural teams, participants sharpened critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills through structured dialogues and one-minute presentations, gaining confidence to articulate ideas in a regional context. These sessions highlighted the growing role of youth in shaping inclusive and forward-looking ASEAN solutions.

Cultural exchange was another defining pillar of REACH–Vietnam 2025. Interactive sessions at HCMUT and USSH–HCMC celebrated Malaysian and Vietnamese heritage through traditional attire, games, performances, and hands-on Batik painting activities. Students connected beyond language and nationality, fostering genuine friendships, mutual respect, and deeper cultural appreciation, while reinforcing people-to-people ties between Malaysia and Vietnam.

Students from HCM-UT displaying the outcomes of their batik painting activity.

A major highlight was the STEM Innovation Community Workshop at Bac Son High School, where university and school students collaborated on practical solutions addressing real-world challenges. Projects included flood-related innovations, sustainable urban mobility models aligned with Net Zero goals, and an Arduino-based traffic light system led by UTM students. The visit also featured a Malaysian Kitchen cultural experience exploring traditional Malaysian dishes such as onde-onde and cucur adabi sponsored by Adabi Consumer Industries Sdn. Bhd. and symbolic gift exchanges, reflecting hospitality, creativity, and shared values.

Students from the USSH–HCMC demonstrating the Water Purification Kit designed for flood-affected areas.

A hands-on workshop on the Arduino Traffic Light with Timer Kit, conducted by KTR, UTM

Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) —particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, REACH–Vietnam 2025 exemplified impactful Government–University–Community–Industry (GUCI) collaboration. More importantly, it inspired ASEAN youths to think regionally, act collaboratively, and lead with purpose toward a more connected, innovative, and sustainable ASEAN future.