Children attend the event. Photo by Hust
Themed The Adventure to the Year 3000, the event focused on the importance of early and inclusive STEAM (Science, Technoloy, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) education for the next generation.
Organised in collaboration with STEAM for Vietnam, UNICEF Vietnam, and US Mission in Vietnam, the festival featured a variety of edutainment and exploratory activities designed to foster curiosity, innovation, and collaboration. Attendees participated in four major challenges, including the Coding Maze, AI Kingdom, and Robotics City - each designed to inspire problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork. These activities emphasised the critical skills and ideas needed to help shape a brighter, more inclusive future to solve global issues.
Speaking at the event, Tara O’Connell, Chief of Education of UNICEF Vietnam said that young people, governments and business leaders across the ASEAN region often report a severe skills gap within STEAM. Likewise, surveyed employers across Vietnam have observed that transferable skills around problem-solving, communication, and creative and innovative thinking, are not being found in school graduates – boys or girls.
"Advancing and investing in STEAM education and transferrable skills is a key priority for Vietnam, and one which UNICEF is deeply committed to – for both boys and girls,” she said.
Dr. Hung Tran, Founder of STEAM for Vietnam said that STEAMese Festival 2024 marked not just a celebration but the beginning of a new chapter with STEAM 2.0.
"As we step into the future with AI and cutting-edge technology, our mission is to empower educators and inspire students to be the innovators of tomorrow," he said. "Together, we are laying the groundwork for a future where Vietnamese youth will lead in the global tech landscape."