EPICS is an internationally recognised designed-based and service-learning programme

HCM CITY Students from the Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City’s Team 1 won first prize with their innovative project tackling heat stress and heatstroke caused by climate change at the Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS) Final Showcase held at Cao Thang Technical College on January 25.

They developed a smart cooling belt, integrated with a uniform jacket, which will help to ensure comfort and safety for outdoor workers.

The second prize went to Da Nang University of Science and Technology’s Team 1 for their impactful 'Ozone Aerator' project addressing severe pollution in Phu Loc River. The innovative solution introduces ozone and oxygen to decompose microorganisms, effectively eliminating foul odours and improving community living conditions.

Third prize went to Da Nang University of Science and Technology’s Team 4 for their project addressing the challenges of an aging population. Their 'Elderly Safety Device' not only alerts seniors to potential dangers but also includes features like automatic night lighting and real-time location updates. The device aims to enhance the overall safety and well-being of the elderly, contributing to the alleviation of healthcare challenges in the era of population aging.

There are 19 innovative projects of student teams across Việt Nam which was developed as part of the EPICS programme.

EPICS is an internationally recognised designed-based and service-learning programme where student teams will partner with a community organisation to design, build, and deploy systems to tackle a social issue.

In a five-month period of continuous learning, the programme guides student teams through processes of design innovation, team management, testing, and presenting in technical English. EPICS projects span the spectrum - finding solutions to challenges in human health care, energy, sustainability and more.

The showcase drew hundreds of students and faculty members, alongside representatives from the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

This stands as a cornerstone within the Dow STEM Programme and event marked the conclusion of the sixth EPICS programme in Việt Nam, symbolising a convergence of education, industry, and international collaboration.

Having been actively supporting engineering students across the country over the past seven years of the ASU-Dow collaboration in the Dow Vietnam STEM Program, Dow Vietnam has invested over $250,000 providing more than 1,400 students opportunities to engineer social innovations, fostering confidence and capacity.

Nguyen Xuan Kim Phuong, President of Dow Vietnam, said: “As a science materials company and solutions provider, we are very delighted to support students and university faculties and more than happy to see students realise the current social and environmental issues in the community and develop innovative solutions to address it. With that spirit, we strongly believe that this STEM Program would inspire the younger generation to solve tomorrow’s world challenges."

After the showcase, participating universities from Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang and Can Tho integrate the programme into their curriculum. This not only ensures the sustainability of the initiative but also signifies a commitment to producing a new generation of engineers who are not only technically proficient but also socially responsible. VNS