Last week, Fulbright University Vietnam and STEAM for Vietnam successfully co-organized the 2023 VRC Robotics Friendly Tournament, offering hands-on practice opportunities for young talented “engineers” toward the upcoming 2024 VEX Robotics National Championship in Hanoi. With the participation of 15 teams from North to South Vietnam, the event brought an explosive atmosphere to the campus with impressive and intense competitions.
The team from South Saigon International School demonstrated team spirit before starting the match
The young “engineers” from FPT University focused on scoring points with their robots
Before the tournament, young visitors and parents touring Fulbright had the chance to discover Fulbright’s unique educational approach—where liberal arts merge with Human-Centered Engineering and science. Through two special sharing sessions from dedicated lecturers and students, attendees explored the steps of the design thinking process, using tools and problem-solving thinking like true “creative engineers.“
Dr. Doan Nhat Minh and his sharing session, “Discover the Unique Edge of Fulbright: Where Liberal Arts Meet Human-Centered Engineering and Science.”
Tran Hoai Nhan, a second-year student at Fulbright, introduced a Mini-Submarine community project and its features serving the Mekong Delta Vietnam
Dr. Quan Le and Dr. Duong Phung shared their lecture, “Applying Design Thinking and Human-Centered Engineering”
After over five hours of competition and three gripping qualifying rounds, the 2023 VRC Robotics Friendly Tournament found its top 3 names. Before the award ceremony, Ms. Le Thi Quynh Tram, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer of Fulbright University Vietnam, congratulated the winning teams and affirmed: “Fulbright is proud to become a playground for young talents in different fields, especially robotics and engineering. We will continue working with trusted partners to bring more opportunities for young generations in Vietnam—regardless of age, region, and living conditions.”
Ms. Le Thi Quynh Tram, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer of Fulbright University Vietnam, congratulated the winning teams before the award ceremony
The event was part of the “A Year of Robotics 2024” program and the 2024 VEX Robotics National Championship, launched by STEAM for Vietnam, the American Center, and the Hanoi University of Science and Technology to encourage young minds’ creativity and passion for engineering and robotics. This competition aims to promote STEAM education in schools across Vietnam and serves as a launchpad for participants to compete internationally in Texas, USA.
The VEX Robotics World Championship is an annual International Robotics Competition held in the USA, recognized as the largest Robotics Competition in the world. Credit: U.S. Embassy in Hanoi
As an honored guest, Mr. Jeremy Luna, Information Officer at the U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, summarized the tournament and extended his best wishes to all teams. He said: “We are talking about creativity at moving beyond just being problem solvers. This has been demonstrated by all the products each team has brought to today’s tournament. Of course, this is a very fun event. However, I believe that the experiences and skills each individual learns today will carry you, and they will stick with you until you go into college.”
Mr. Jeremy Luna, Information Officer at the U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, gave closing remarks for the tournament.
TOP 3 WINNING TEAMS
1. Alliance Champion: PENN INSTANT NOODLES – PennSchool (Pennsylvania American International School)
2. Alliance Champion: WASS Thorium Energy – the Western Australian International School System
3. Robot Skills Champion: WASS PLUS – the Western Australian International School System
The friendly match has ended, but the experiences and skills the talented robot creators from the 15 teams have learned will stay. Fulbright hopes all participants will have stellar performances and cheerful moments in the upcoming official tournaments!
Nhu Y & Thuy Van