The University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) aims for sustainable development, building a healthy and happy UEHers community. UEH consistently implements programs to enhance physical and mental health and social well-being, with a special focus on vulnerable groups (the elderly, women, children) and the local community.
Through its network of units such as the Department of Student Affairs (DSA), UEH Mekong, Youth Union – Student Association, Trade Union, COB – Department of Hospital Management, CTD, ISB, CELG, and HAPRI Institute, UEH regularly organizes blood donation, voluntary health check-ups, sports activities, mental health care, nutrition programs, and community awareness campaigns.
| Policies/Activities | Level | Target beneficiaries | Implementation approach | Results/Impacts |
| The volunteer teaching project for children “Nét chữ trao em”
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16okvK4gPc/ https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CMUbJvVus/ https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19qJNU7v8R/ |
Local level | Refugee, immigrant, and vulnerable groups in the community
(1) Children from disadvantaged families who lack the conditions to attend formal schooling, (2) Children from families who have migrated from other places and do not have household registration (hộ khẩu) to attend formal schooling, and (3) Children whose families have not registered their birth certificate, preventing them from attending formal schooling. |
Established in 2022, the “Nét Chữ Trao Em” (Handwriting Given to Children) project is a charitable initiative founded by students of the Western Sydney program, later joined by students from other programs under the UEH College of Talented Students.
The distinctive feature of this project is the maintenance of regular and consistent volunteer teaching at two classes: the Hoa Hao class (teaching Math and Vietnamese) and the Rach Ong class (teaching aptitude subjects such as drawing, singing, acting, and crafting), thereby overcoming the barriers of household registration/birth certificates. |
In 2024, the project participated in teaching 204 sessions across two classes. Of these, the Hoa Hao class held 169 sessions (from Monday to Friday) and the Rach Ong class held 35 sessions (on Saturdays).
At the Hoa Hao class, the number of children who completed the Grade 1 Vietnamese textbook was 46, the number who completed the Grade 2 Vietnamese textbook was 42, and the number of children who became proficient in reading and spelling was 32. |
| Voluntary Medical Examination and Treatment Program for Local Residents | Local Community | – Local community
– Vulnerable Groups (poor, elderly, children, ethnic minorities with difficult circumstances) |
Voluntary program connecting the community, mobilizing social resources to implement community responsibility, caring for the health and lives of the people, especially ethnic minorities with difficult circumstances in the Central Highlands region.
Program Activities:
The voluntary program took place with activities that contribute to improving the health and quality of medical care for local residents. |
– Contributing to raising awareness and creating conditions for people to access quality medical services, contributing to the sustainable development of Vietnam.
– Provided free examination, medicine, and health consultation for nearly 300 local residents. – Distributed over 100 health insurance cards to ethnic minorities with difficult circumstances. |
| UEH Student Volunteer Campaign 2024 (2 phases) | Local | – Local community
– Vulnerable groups (children, disadvantaged families, policy beneficiaries, students) |
The 2024 Economics Student Volunteer Campaign was deployed in 02 phases:
Phase 1: Green Summer (27/6 – 26/7/2024) – Initiating community projects and improving infrastructure Responding to the peak day of activities for social welfare and community health Presenting scholarships and gifts to policy households The Career Orientation program helped students equip themselves with important knowledge and skills for the future. Inauguration Ceremony for the Local Community Project Phase 2: Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration (September 14–15) – Finalize and review the projects from Phase 1, while continuing to promote the repair, construction, and upgrading of community spaces and infrastructure in local areas. – Organize a Mid-Autumn Festival program for local children – Distribute gifts to underprivileged children in the community – Provide essential supplies and cash donations to policy beneficiary households |
07 “Rural Road Construction” projects and 04 “Concrete Road Paving” projects with a total length of 7.02 km, total cost of 1,048,000,000 VND
349 light poles (including 160 solar-powered poles) spanning 10.225 km, total cost of 400,000,000 VND 42 youth-led “Flower Road” projects, planting 10,500 trees and installing 104 trash bins Support for repairing 02 gratitude houses, total cost of 50,000,000 VND Electrical system replacement for 10 disadvantaged households 01 youth-led “Clean Water Pipeline” project, cost of 16,848,000 VND 02 “Children’s Playground Roof” projects, cost of 32,000,000 VND 07 renovation projects for children’s playgrounds and community houses, cost of 129,500,000 VND 07 plastic waste house models, cost of 11,000,000 VND 01 alley surveillance camera installation model 7,593 volunteer workdays contributed to community support projects 01 “Rural Road Construction” project, 200 meters long, cost of 30,000,000 VND 41 solar-powered light poles, cost of 62,000,000 VND 02 “Flower Road” projects with a total length of 2.6 km, cost of 16,000,000 VND 01 youth-led “Children’s Swimming Pool” project, cost of 149,000,000 VND 02 clean water filtration systems, cost of 20,000,000 VND 01 youth-led “Dike Protection” project, cost of 15,000,000 VND 07 playground renovation projects, cost of 13,500,000 VND 01 youth-led “Stone-Paved Community Road” project, cost of 5,000,000 VND 01 youth-led “Ho Chi Minh Cultural Space” project, cost of 5,000,000 VND |
| UEH Mekong Student Volunteer Program | Local | – Local community
– Vulnerable groups (elderly, poor households, children, disadvantaged students) |
– Construct community projects such as charity houses, new rural roads, and children’s playgrounds.
– Visit and present gifts to Heroic Vietnamese Mothers, policy beneficiary families, and participate in cleaning activities at the Vĩnh Long Provincial Martyrs’ Cemetery; support students, households, young workers, underprivileged children, and elderly people living alone. Local Volunteer Activities The volunteer program “Hành trình yêu thương 2024”: From Phúc Lâm Shelter, the journey extended to Đơn Dương – Thuận Nam, to the Từ Hạnh and Bình An pagodas, with a special trip to Măng Đen – Chư Sê, and concluded with a year-end visit to La Ngâu. Volunteer journey to remote and disadvantaged highland areas |
– Completed 82 community projects, including: construction of 01 charity house worth 40 million VND, 01 rural bridge worth 250 million VND, 05 concrete rural roads worth 880 million VND, 05 “Lighting Up Rural Roads” projects worth 140 million VND, and construction and renovation of 09 children’s playgrounds worth 75 million VND.
– Over 100 million VND in gifts distributed during the “Spring Volunteer Program” to poor households, elderly people, and orphans. – “Hành trình yêu thương 2024” program delivered more than 1,020 gift packages to underprivileged children and organized 05 zero-cost charity markets. |
| Charity Project: Chợ Rẫy Hospital Flower Road | Local | – Local community (doctors, citizens),
– Vulnerable patients |
The Institute of Smart City and Management (UEH-ISCM) created a festive Tet space for patients and medical staff who had to undergo treatment and work throughout the holiday. The project received significant attention and positive feedback from the community. |
Enhancing the morale of medical staff, patients, and their families during the holiday season, while promoting the image of “UEH for the community.” |
| Charity Fundraising Project | Local | Local community
Vulnerable groups (elderly, orphans) |
– Organize a Charity fundraising sales program to support Diệu Giác Shelter (a loving home for orphans) and Diệu Pháp Nursing Home.
Visit to Diệu Pháp Nursing Home: gifts were presented, meals were prepared for the elderly residents, and volunteers cleaned staircases and common areas to make the living space cleaner and more comfortable. Bee Volunteer organized heartfelt conversations, listened to stories and emotions, and warmed the hearts of the elderly with youthful sincerity and enthusiasm. The face towels given to the residents were not just material gifts, but also heartfelt wishes for health and deep care from Bee Volunteer. |
– The total amount raised from the fundraising campaign was 17,875,000 VND.
– The entire amount of 17,875,000 VND was donated to both Diệu Giác Shelter and Diệu Pháp Nursing Home, contributing to the living and care expenses of their residents. |
| Blood Donation Program | National | Vulnerable patients needing blood | – Activities are based on Decision No. 43/2000/QĐ-TTg issued by the Prime Minister on promoting and encouraging voluntary blood donation, and Decision No. 235/QĐ-TTg on the establishment of the National Steering Committee for Voluntary Blood Donation Mobilization.
– Organize regular blood donation drives and promote humanitarian blood donation awareness UEH lecturers and students actively participated in voluntary blood donation |
– 562 blood donations resulted in nearly 196,700 units of blood being distributed.
– With each donation contributing 50,000 VND to the “Bright Future Scholarship” fund, the 49th Blood Donation Week raised a total of 28,100,000 VND to support underprivileged students. |
| International Health and Welfare Conference | International | – Local community (architecture students, urban planning students, lecturers, design experts, urban residents, and stakeholders concerned with environmental issues and sustainable urban development in Ho Chi Minh City)
– Vulnerable groups (elderly people, residents susceptible to environmental health risks, and communities living in climate-sensitive areas who need sustainable and healthy living solutions) |
On August 30, 2024, the Institute of Smart City and Management, in collaboration with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Southeast Asia and its partners, organized the AIA Southeast Asia International Conference with the theme “Architectural Design for Healthy and Sustainable Living.”  |
– With over 63 members from more than 10 countries and 4 national representatives, the association successfully organized various activities to connect the global architectural community.
– Inspired the development of urban design and green architecture, promoting public health adaptation and enhancing the welfare of vulnerable groups. |
| Health and Physical Wellness Activities | Local | Local community (students, faculty, staff),
Vulnerable female students |
“UEH League 2024” Student Football Tournament
Launch of the Vĩnh Long Alumni Liaison Committee, creating a community that supports one another in work, study, and all aspects of life. -Conduct annual health check-ups once a year, and twice a year for female participants. – Organize a free eye screening program for UEH students in the local area, including vision tests, refraction measurements, retinal imaging, personalized visual health consultations, and guidance on eye hygiene and care. – Organize a free eye screening program for UEH staffs, employees, and their families Specialized medical consultations through thematic programs such as “Nutrition – Improving Health and Enhancing Quality of Life,” “Modern Women – Living Joyfully, Healthily, and Happily Together,” and the seminar “Managing Stress in Daily Life.” Thematic report: “Nutrition – Improving Health, Enhancing Quality of Life”
– Organized the “UEH Traditional Student Sports Festival (2024)” to promote sportsmanship and an active lifestyle.
– Install handwashing stations or hand sanitizer dispensers near waste disposal areas to encourage users to wash their hands after handling trash — helping prevent the spread of bacteria and pathogens from waste. The UEH Nguyễn Văn Linh Stadium is made available by UEH for students to use for training and competitions in the evenings Image of UEH Nguyen Van Linh stadium |
– UEH League 2024 featured 10 football teams, with over 200 students competing and hundreds of supporters cheering throughout each round.
– 900 local staff and workers benefited from the activities. – 500 local staff and workers received regular health check-ups and were equipped with valuable knowledge on improving health and physical fitness. – Nearly 1,000 students showed interest, attended eye screenings, and gave positive feedback on the quality of the services. – Female students accounted for over 60% of the total athletes participating in the 2024 Sports Festival. |
| Applied Scientific Research | Local and international | Local community (Ho Chi Minh City)
International (countries in Africa and Asia) Vulnerable groups (people with appearance-related challenges, African households lacking adequate living conditions, retired elderly individuals, and impoverished farmers) |
Research on the Health Belief Model – Weight Management (Applying the Health Belief Model to study behavioral intentions regarding weight management among adults in Ho Chi Minh City): Behavioral research providing insights into psychological factors influencing health-related behaviors.
Research on Electricity Reliability and Electric Cooking: What can we learn from cross-national comparisons? Research on Mental Health Around Retirement: Evidence of Ashenfelter’s Dip. |
– Identifying perceptions of risks and benefits in weight management helps boost motivation for behavior change; the model supports the development of effective public health programs and personalized lifestyle interventions.
– Utilizing household surveys from various African and Asian countries to examine factors influencing the use of electric stoves and the reduction of polluting solid fuels. – Raising awareness about farmed seafood. – Promoting education and providing policy implications related to retirement age. |
| Mental Wellness and Welfare Promotion Activities | Local | Local community (students, children, faculty, staff),
Vulnerable groups (children, women) |
– Organized Acrylic painting workshops at UEH
– Organized a cultural exchange event for the children of staff members to celebrate International Children’s Day (June 1), recognize outstanding academic achievements in the 2023–2024 school year, and offer a variety of summer activities. – Organized a legal seminar on the topic “Enhancing the Effectiveness of Preventing Legal Violations and Social Evils.” – Organized an appreciation and networking event for retired generations of teachers. – Organized a gathering to celebrate the 94th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam Women’s Union |
– Over 100 children (of UEH staff and employees) participated; UEH also organized two summer sports classes in table tennis and self-defense for them.
– UEH students were equipped with knowledge on preventing drug abuse, prostitution, human trafficking, and trained in community outreach skills. – More than 200 retired UEH lecturers returned to attend the reunion event, which served as an occasion to honor and connect generations within the university. – 200 female staff and employees participated in the gathering celebrating the 94th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam Women’s Union. |
| Monthly Enews and Media Campaigns for Youth Health Education | Local | Local community (students, youth),
Vulnerable groups (female students, disabled, transgender, disadvantaged athletes) |
– Articles analyzing the current state of online sexual harassment, including forms such as inappropriate comments, unsolicited messages, photo manipulation, and the distribution of violated images. These articles also provide guidance on self-protection, how to respond, and how to report abusive behavior.
– A media campaign aimed at raising young people’s awareness of the importance of family bonding in the era of Industry 4.0. The campaign focuses on analyzing changes in the Vietnamese family model in the face of the “technology storm.” – Media outreach to enhance awareness of the connection between skin health and overall well-being. – A media piece promoting gender equality in sports. The initiative aims to empower individuals, create opportunities, and ensure a level playing field for all genders. – A podcast discussing solutions to improve physical activity for students. |
Raising public awareness about pressing social issues: online sexual harassment, challenges in the era of Industry 4.0, and gender equality in sports. |
2024 Highlights
+ Expanded scale: More programs, workshops, campaigns, and community projects than in 2023, covering HCMC, Mekong Delta, and Central Highlands.
+ Diverse health and welfare themes: From elderly care and gift-giving to nutrition, hygiene, sports, and mental health.
+ Greater impact on vulnerable groups: Extended support to women, elderly, children, disabled through education, physical activities, and community engagement.
+ Innovative implementation: Combined direct volunteering with health education media, promoting sustainability and outreach via social media and UEH’s internal channels.
As a result, compared to the previous year, 2024 activities not only maintained the spirit of volunteerism and community care but elevated UEH’s model as a university for community health and welfare, aligning more closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3).
Open related links:
1. Blood donation: https://ueh.edu.vn/cuoc-song-ueh/tin-tuc/tuoi-tre-ueh-phan-khoi-tham-gia-tuan-le-hien-mau-tinh-nguyen-lan-thu-49-nhat-ky-hong-71577
2. Voluntary health checkups https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/voluntary-and-community-connection-program-spring-sunshine-2024-on-the-occasion-of-the-10th-anniversary-of-the-establishment-of-the-school-of-government-2014-2024-71452
3. Sport activities https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/ueh-organizing-ueh-league-student-football-tournament-for-the-first-time-71528
4. Mental healthcare https://www.ueh.edu.vn/en/news/starting-the-acrylic-painting-workshop-series-at-ueh-71882
5. Nutrition programs https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/ueh-labor-union-fostering-community-bonds-and-promoting-sustainable-values-73362
6. Community awareness campaign https://ueh.edu.vn/cuoc-song-ueh/tin-tuc/bao-cao-phap-luat-chuyen-de-nang-cao-hieu-qua-phong-ngua-vi-pham-phap-luat-te-nan-xa-hoi-73130
7. The volunteer teaching project for children “Nét chữ trao em” https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16okvK4gPc/ https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CMUbJvVus/ https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19qJNU7v8R/ https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ArSGu9AnH/
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Vcqi98Mcd/
8. Voluntary Medical Examination and Treatment Program for Local Residents https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/voluntary-and-community-connection-program-spring-sunshine-2024-on-the-occasion-of-the-10th-anniversary-of-the-establishment-of-the-school-of-government-2014-2024-71452
9. UEH Student Volunteer Campaign 2024 (2 phases) https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/2024-economics-student-volunteer-campaign-ueh-youth-joining-the-year-of-youth-volunteers-73210
10. UEH Mekong Student Volunteer Program https://ueh.edu.vn/cuoc-song-ueh/tin-tuc/doan-thanh-nien-hoi-sinh-vien-ueh-vinh-long-tien-phong-trong-hanh-trinh-xay-dung-vi-mot-mekong-ben-vung-73228
11. The volunteer program “Hành trình yêu thương 2024” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUo_FRQtkzs
12. Charity fundraising sales program – https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EnMv8PR8c/
13. Visit to Diệu Pháp Nursing Home – https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1KQ4UTqKqA/
14. Blood Donation Program – https://ueh.edu.vn/cuoc-song-ueh/tin-tuc/tuoi-tre-ueh-phan-khoi-tham-gia-tuan-le-hien-mau-tinh-nguyen-lan-thu-49-nhat-ky-hong-71577
15. “Architectural Design for Healthy and Sustainable Living.” – https://www.iscm.ueh.edu.vn/en/news/recap_aia_2024
16. UEH League 2024 – https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/ueh-organizing-ueh-league-student-football-tournament-for-the-first-time-71528
17. Vĩnh Long Alumni Liaison Committee – https://ueh.edu.vn/cuoc-song-ueh/tin-tuc/ueh-vinh-long-to-chuc-hop-mat-ngay-nha-giao-viet-nam-20-11-hop-mat-cuu-hoc-vien-sinh-vien-ueh-vung-dong-bang-song-cuu-long-va-ra-mat-ban-lien-lac-cuu-hoc-vien-sinh-vien-ueh-tinh-vinh-long-72927
18. Free eye screening program – https://www.ueh.edu.vn/cuoc-song-ueh/tin-tuc/cham-soc-mat-sang-khoe-cung-sinh-vien-ueh-72635
19. Free eye screening program for UEH staffs, employees, and their families – https://ueh.edu.vn/cuoc-song-ueh/tin-tuc/ueh-to-chuc-chuong-trinh-kham-tam-soat-mat-cho-vien-chuc-nguoi-lao-dong-va-gia-dinh-nhan-ky-niem-ngay-gia-dinh-viet-nam-28-6-72029
20. Nutrition – Improving Health and Enhancing Quality of Life – https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/ueh-labor-union-fostering-community-bonds-and-promoting-sustainable-values-73362
21. Modern Women – Living Joyfully, Healthily, and Happily Together,” – https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/ueh-labor-union-fostering-community-bonds-and-promoting-sustainable-values-73362
22. Managing Stress in Daily Life. – https://congdoan.ueh.edu.vn/toa-dam-tu-van-kiem-soat-stress-trong-doi-song/
23. Program “Skills for Physical and Mental Healthcare” – https://ueh.edu.vn/cuoc-song-ueh/tin-tuc/nang-cao-suc-khoe-the-chat-tinh-than-cung-nguoi-hoc-ueh-71851
24. UEH Traditional Student Sports Festival (2024) – https://dsa.ueh.edu.vn/en/news/ueh-sports-awards-2024/
25. UEH Green Campus Calories Stair “Power-Up Steps – https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/launching-ueh-green-campus-calories-stair-power-up-steps-every-step-is-a-source-of-energy-for-the-environment-and-health-73045
26. Install handwashing stations or hand sanitizer dispensers near waste disposal areas – https://dsa.ueh.edu.vn/ban-tin-portal/ueh-hanh-trinh-lan-toa-loi-song-nang-dong-khoe-manh/
27. The UEH Nguyễn Văn Linh Stadium – https://dsa.ueh.edu.vn/ban-tin-portal/ueh-hanh-trinh-lan-toa-loi-song-nang-dong-khoe-manh/
28. Research on the Health Belief Model – Weight Management (Applying the Health Belief Model to study behavioral intentions regarding weight management among adults in Ho Chi Minh City) – https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-025-23637-9?utm_source=chatgpt.com
29. Electricity Reliability and Electric Cooking: What can we learn from cross-national comparisons? – https://www.efdinitiative.org/research/projects/electricity-reliability-and-electric-cooking-what-can-we-learn-cross-national
30. Market and social sustainability of aquaculture: Communities’ and consumers’ perceptions of the farmed seafood industry – https://www.efdinitiative.org/research/projects/market-and-social-sustainability-aquaculture-communities-and-consumers
31. Mental health around retirement: evidence of Ashenfelter’s dip – https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s41256-023-00320-3
32. Acrylic painting workshops – https://www.ueh.edu.vn/en/news/starting-the-acrylic-painting-workshop-series-at-ueh-71882
33. Cultural exchange event for the children of staff members to celebrate International Children’s Day (June 1) – https://ueh.edu.vn/cuoc-song-ueh/tin-tuc/cong-doan-ueh-to-chuc-chuong-trinh-giao-luu-van-nghe-chao-mung-ngay-quoc-te-thieu-nhi-01-6-71933
34. “Enhancing the Effectiveness of Preventing Legal Violations and Social Evils.” – https://ueh.edu.vn/cuoc-song-ueh/tin-tuc/bao-cao-phap-luat-chuyen-de-nang-cao-hieu-qua-phong-ngua-vi-pham-phap-luat-te-nan-xa-hoi-73130
35. Appreciation and networking event for retired generations of teachers.- https://ueh.edu.vn/cuoc-song-ueh/tin-tuc/ky-niem-42-nam-ngay-nha-giao-viet-nam-tri-an-va-ket-noi-bao-the-he-thay-co-giao-ueh-72993
36. Presented retirement decisions and commemorative medals in appreciation of staff members reaching retirement age https://ueh.edu.vn/cuoc-song-ueh/tin-tuc/ueh-trao-quyet-dinh-nghi-huu-cho-vien-chuc-den-tuoi-nghi-huu-73147
37. A gathering to celebrate the 94th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam Women’s Union – https://www.ueh.edu.vn/cuoc-song-ueh/tin-tuc/hop-mat-ky-niem-94-nam-ngay-thanh-lap-hoi-lien-hiep-phu-nu-viet-nam-72652
38. Articles analyzing the current state of online sexual harassment – https://ueh.edu.vn/cuoc-song-ueh/tin-tuc/quay-roi-tinh-duc-qua-mang-ton-thuong-that-tren-khong-gian-ao-72017
39. Raising young people’s awareness of the importance of family bonding in the era of Industry 4.0 – https://ueh.edu.vn/cuoc-song-ueh/tin-tuc/lam-the-nao-de-gan-ket-gia-dinh-trong-con-bao-cong-nghe-72024
40. Connection between skin health and overall well-being. https://ueh.edu.vn/cuoc-song-ueh/tin-tuc/khi-suc-khoe-lan-da-cung-can-duoc-quan-tam-71853
41. Promoting gender equality in sports – https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/gender-equity-in-sport-a-fair-playground-for-all-71450
42. Solutions to improve physical activity for students – https://future.ueh.edu.vn/en/chi-tiet-knowlege/podcast-solutions-to-improving-physical-activities-for-students-2/
![[Research Contribution] The Journey of a Multidisciplinary & Sustainable University: From ESG Integration to SDGs Impact](https://future.ueh.edu.vn/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ueh-thumbnail-639102177754266965.png)
![[Research Contribution] Japan’s Experience in Protecting Intellectual Property in the Digital Environment and Policy Implications for Vietnam](https://future.ueh.edu.vn/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ueh-thumbnail-639093360936664136.png)