(Click here for the Vietnamese press release.)
Ha Noi, January 20-21, 2024 – Amid the robust development of science and technology, coupled with the transformation of the globalization process, proactive and creative thinking has become an essential skill to meet the demands of modern life. In order to equip students with the necessary skills to align with the trends of the 4.0 Revolution, in recent years, advanced STEAM education methods have been continuously updated and applied to education programs worldwide and in Vietnam. The focal point of this approach is STEAM Robotics. Similar to STEAM, STEAM Robotics is built upon real-world-related themes, simulated through educational robots and programming tools. Numerous global studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of STEAM Robotics education in particular, and STEAM education in general, in enhancing individual capabilities, personality development, and the acquisition of new learning skills in children. Additionally, it aids in fostering teamwork, information exchange, and logical reasoning abilities.
Seizing that potential, the National Innovation Center (under the Ministry of Planning and Investment), the American Centers in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (under the Embassy and Consulate of the United States in Vietnam), and Hanoi University of Science and Technology, in collaboration with STEAM for Vietnam, co-host the Vietnam VEX Robotics National Championship 2024. Building on the success of 2023, the 2024 competition aims to provide modern, internationally recognized Robotics education to Vietnamese students entirely free of charge. It also aims to further enhance students’ important skills, preparing them to compete effectively in the global market in the future.
The VEX Robotics National Championship 2024 is a platform open to all robotics enthusiasts nationwide, without barriers based on gender, ethnicity, or geography. Organized in compliance with REC Foundation standards, the competition aims to select around 10 qualified Vietnamese teams to compete at the world’s largest Robotics competition – the VEX Robotics World Championship 2024. The championship has attracted participation from 250 teams, comprising nearly 1,400 students. Among them, 220 teams are competing in the VIQRC category (using VEX IQ robots for elementary and middle school students under 15 years old), and 30 teams are participating in the VRC category (using VEX V5 robots for high school students under 19 years old). These teams represent over 194 schools and 31 provinces and cities across the country. Teams will engage in a total of 2,208 matches for the VEX IQ category and 281 matches for the VEX V5 category through challenges such as the Teamwork Challenge, Driving Skills Challenge, and Programming Skills Challenge. Approximately 2,0000 guests are expected to attend the matches at NIC Hoa Lac, with an additional 20,000+ viewers following the livestream on various online platforms. In addition to the competitive aspect, teams will also participate in various sideline activities, including visits to the newly inaugurated National Innovation Center headquarters, tours of FPT University, and experiential booths. Through this competition, students from all regions of Vietnam will have the opportunity to learn and engage in challenges similar to those in developed countries, promoting STEAM education in schools. To facilitate the evaluation of a large number of matches and select winners and representatives for Vietnam to compete at the VEX Worlds, the judging panel consists of 33 judges who are experts in robotics and STEAM education from Hanoi University of Science and Technology, University of Technology, Fulbright University, and more.
Sharing about this year’s championship, Ms. Mary Beth Polley – U.S. Embassy Country Public Affairs Officer stated: “This type of hands-on program is invaluable to encouraging Vietnamese students to develop the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving global economy. The U.S. Mission is thrilled to partner with MPI and HUST on this program, which reflects the strong Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between our two countries and a shared commitment to economic prosperity for both countries.”
Dr. Tran Viet Hung, Co-founder of STEAM for Vietnam, also shared, “We are delighted that now students from various regions of Vietnam have the opportunity to learn and participate in challenges no different from students in developed countries like the United States. We hope that through experiences like this competition, students will gradually acquire the skills and expertise to compete in the global labor market in the future.”
The VEX Robotics National Championship 2024 will take place on Saturday and Sunday, January 20-21, 2024, at the National Innovation Center, Hoa Lac campus. Admission to the competition is free. Learn more about the championship on the website https://www.steamforvietnam.org/national-robotics-tournament or follow updates on the Fanpage Vietnam VEX IQ National Championship 2024.
Images and videos showcasing the activities of the championship will be continuously updated here.
About STEAM for Vietnam Foundation
STEAM for Vietnam Foundation is a non-profit organization based in the United States with the mission of promoting activities related to STEAM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) in Vietnam. The foundation was established by former Vietnamese students who studied in the United States and is operated by a network of volunteers, including Vietnamese experts and members of the Innovation Network of Vietnam worldwide. The objective of the organization is to contribute to the development of the younger generation in Vietnam by sharing knowledge about STEAM education. STEAM for Vietnam also collaborates closely with leading global organizations such as UNICEF and Scratch Foundation to bring internationally recognized STEAM education programs to Vietnamese students entirely free of charge.
About the National Innovation Center
The National Innovation Center (NIC) is a unit under the Ministry of Planning and Investment, established by the Prime Minister’s Decision No. 1269/QĐ-TTg dated October 2, 2019, with the function of supporting and developing the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in Vietnam, contributing to the transformation of the growth model based on science and technology. The Center is built with the most advanced models and practices, suitable for the Vietnamese context, with unique, superior mechanisms and policies that are competitive with the region and the world. NIC currently has its headquarters at the Ministry of Planning and Investment (6B Hoàng Diệu, Ba Đình, Hanoi), and two operating facilities: the NIC Hanoi Facility at 7 Tôn Thất Thuyết Alley, Cau Giay, and the NIC Facility at the Hoa Lac High-Tech Park.
For more information about NIC, please visit the website: https://nic.gov.vn/
About the American Center in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
The American Center in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are part of the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam, serving as public spaces to facilitate personal and online connections with the United States. We provide access to information about the U.S., English language learning resources, guidance on U.S. education, information on cutting-edge technologies, exchange programs, and a diverse range of events in a safe and friendly environment. Library services and cultural education programs at the American Center are entirely free for the public. We welcome visits from government officials, scholars, students, and other groups interested in information about the United States.
About Hanoi University of Science and Technology
Since its establishment in 1956, Hanoi University of Science and Technology has consistently maintained its position as Vietnam’s leading technical university. In the context of international integration, the university has continuously enhanced its reputation for the quality of education and scientific research capabilities. It strives towards comprehensive autonomy, aiming to become a multidisciplinary research and innovation university with a core focus on engineering and technology, holding a high standing regionally and globally. Hanoi University of Science and Technology adheres to the tradition of selecting the most outstanding students with a passion for science and technology. It collaborates with over 200 universities, research centers, and educational organizations in 32 countries.
About the VEX Robotics World Championship
The VEX Robotics World Championship is an annual international robotics competition held in the United States. Recognized as the largest robotics competition in the world by the Guinness World Records in 2018, the event is organized by the Robotics Education & Competition (REC) Foundation. The REC Foundation is a non-profit organization with projects focused on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and sustainability. Each year, the championship attracts over 100,000 participants from around the globe.
Press Contact:
Ms. Hang Nguyen
Project Manager, STEAM for Vietnam
Email: partnership@steamforvietnam.org
📧 Email: robotics_tournament@steamforvietnam.org
🌐 Website: https://www.steamforvietnam.org/national-robotics-tournament
📺 YouTube: STEAM for Vietnam