[Unbox Glo-cal Class] International Business Project Class: Applying SOLAREST Green Solutions to Illuminate Public Spaces in Urban Areas
29 June, 2026
#Glo-calEducation #KhoaKinhdoanh_quocte_Marketing #LophocGlo-cal # SDG4 #SDG7 #SDG11
| # This is a practical project by a student team from the International Business Project course, School of International Business – Marketing, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH)
# From the issue of local urban infrastructure, the student team proposes a public space model applying renewable energy following the Glo-cal Education orientation # Decoding the challenge of balancing socialized budget constraints with sustainable development goals |
As cities increasingly face challenges related to public infrastructure, green transition, and community quality of life, the requirement for higher education extends beyond equipping students with specialized knowledge to developing solution-design capabilities, interdisciplinary thinking, and the ability to act on practical problems. With the training orientation following the Glo-cal Education model, project-based courses at the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) always aim to connect global knowledge (Global) with the local context (Local).
Originating from the challenge of infrastructure quality and the usability of public space at Dang Thuy Tram Park (Ward 13, Binh Thanh District), within the framework of the International Business Project course, a student team from the School of International Business – Marketing developed the SOLAREST idea (Solar Energy Pillars for Sustainable Public Spaces). This is a smart pillar model integrating solar energy with functions for lighting, connectivity, and community service, thereby opening a new approach to reimagining public spaces towards sustainable urban development.
SOLAREST project by the student team within the International Business class
Addressing the urban infrastructure challenge through public space reimagination
Originating from the reality that the lighting system at Dang Thuy Tram Park (Ward 13, Binh Thanh District) had been non-operational for an extended period, the student team approached the issue from the perspective of sustainable urban development rather than viewing it as merely an isolated infrastructure problem.
The lack of lighting limited the usability of public space in the evening, along with subsequent impacts on community experience, perceptions of safety, and the quality of life for local residents.
Project idea derived from the current state of the space at Dang Thuy Tram Park
From field surveys and research on international green urban infrastructure models, the team proposed SOLAREST (Solar Energy Pillars for Sustainable Public Spaces) – a multi-functional solar energy pillar system aimed at reactivating the use value of public space. The 5-meter-high pillar design is equipped with “3-in-1” technology:
- Lighting system: Using 300W LED lights combined with solar panels and a 25,000 mAh battery storage, ensuring continuous lighting for 8-10 hours each night.
- USB charging station: Providing 5V-2A charging ports at a height of 0.9m, protected by waterproof (IP65) and impact-resistant (IK08) covers, ensuring absolute safety for users.
- Free Wi-Fi connectivity: Integrating a Wi-Fi modem powered independently by a 200W solar panel, serving the continuous connectivity needs of residents.
The implementation plan for 16 smart pillars (renovating 8 old pillars and installing 8 new ones) has been meticulously calculated for spacing to illuminate areas up to 250m² per pillar, completely eliminating blind spots.
Solar energy pillar installation map drafted by the student team
Efforts to modernize the green urban model, disseminating sustainable development values
Moving beyond paper with vague ideas, within the framework of the International Business Project class, the student team was exposed to the entire project management cycle according to practical operational thinking – from site surveys, solution design, budgeting, resource mobilization, risk management, to implementation planning.
Illustration of energy pillar layout in the park (supported by AI tool Gemini)
To realize the plan, the team developed a 51-day project schedule based on the AON (Activity on Node) divided into 12 interconnected activity groups ranging from field surveys, technical design, and seeking sponsor partners to construction, acceptance, and handover.
The complexity of the project challenge also came from the requirement to balance investment efficiency and practical implementation feasibility. With the total estimated budget, the team allocated over 76% of costs to equipment, while also developing a multi-level socialization plan to reduce initial investment pressure and increase the model’s feasibility.
The learning process also brought students closer to decision-making thinking in a business environment, positioned within the relationship between budget, schedule, and the social value created. Through this process, the course project helped learners approach international project management knowledge, while playing the role of solution developers, directly testing how to transform thinking into concrete action.
Glo-cal orientation contributing to sustainable development goals
The SOLAREST practical project (Solar Energy Pillars for Sustainable Public Spaces) is a clear testament to UEH’s differentiated educational orientation, where global knowledge (Global) is placed in direct connection with the local context and sustainable urban development challenges (Local).
The project directly contributed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically:
- SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy: The application of solar energy to public infrastructure operations has opened an energy-saving approach, reduced dependence on traditional power sources, and promoted the use of renewable energy solutions in urban spaces.
- SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: The solution aims to reactivate the use value of public space through improved accessibility, increased community amenities, and contributing to creating a safer, more friendly, and sustainable urban environment for local residents.
Through applied learning projects, UEH is gradually shaping a generation of global citizens with the capacity for action, ready to create positive changes for the community and sustainable development./.
Project Authors: Pham Nguyen Minh Khoi, Pham Minh Anh, Truong Thi Thao Nhi, Tran Thanh Phu, Le Nguyen Hoai Phuong, Nguyen Le Thanh Hao – University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City.
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Belonging to UEH’s Multi-disciplinary & Sustainable Strategy, Glo-cal Education is a differentiated educational orientation at UEH, placing learners at the center, striving to teach and convey global knowledge (Global) in connection with the local context and market realities (Local).
This distinctive UEH training approach is realized through: (1) Integrating sustainability knowledge into curriculum design; (2) Promoting interdisciplinary learning and practical problem-solving; (3) Employing diverse training methods for accessible knowledge acquisition: from traditional classrooms, expert-led sessions, and simulation labs to course projects and online learning; (4) Fostering practical problem-solving on campus through initiatives like the Living Lab; (5) Cultivating cultural diversity and global perspectives; (6) Forging global and local partnerships; and (7) Developing lifelong learning pathways.
News, Photos: School of International Business – Marketing, Department of Communications and Partnerships
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