The Vietnam Overseas Learning Experience (OLE) kicked off with a vibrant first pre-trip session! Students were introduced to the programme’s learning objectives and itinerary before breaking the ice with a lively bingo game to get to know their peers. They then formed working groups, shared introductions, and began building friendships. A captivating video about Vietnam sparked discussions on first impressions, while enthusiastic volunteers stepped forward to design the programme T-shirt. The journey ahead promises excitement and discovery!

In the second pre-trip learning module of the Vietnam OLE, students explored Vietnam’s rich and complex history. The session began with a comparison of how national identity is expressed in Vietnam and Singapore, sparking thoughtful reflections. 

Students then learned about Vietnam before and after French colonial rule, gaining insights into the country’s transformation. Working in groups, they stepped into the shoes of Vietnamese people under colonial rule, creating a visual representation of their character and presenting dramatic readings that conveyed hopes, struggles, and emotions. The engaging activities deepened empathy and understanding, laying a strong foundation for the upcoming journey.

In the third pre-trip learning module of the Vietnam OLE, students delved into the profound impact of the Indochina wars on Vietnam and its people. The session opened with an informative lesson on the Vietnam War, its timeline, and the wide-ranging consequences it left behind. 

Students then collaborated in groups to examine how the war shaped a resilient Vietnamese identity, focusing on themes such as environmental changes, inter-generational effects, and economic transformation. To bring their ideas to life, they presented their reflections through creative AI-generated images, blending historical understanding with innovation.

The fourth pre-trip learning module of the Vietnam Overseas Learning Experience (OLE) gave students valuable insights into high-tech manufacturing and sustainability. Prior to the visit, students completed an SLS lesson on Vietnam’s post-war economic development and identified potential areas of cooperation between Singapore and Vietnam, strengthening their understanding of bilateral ties. 

The highlight of the session was a learning journey to the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre Singapore (HMGICS), a state-of-the-art facility showcasing advanced manufacturing. There, students toured the plant where electric vehicles are produced, gaining first-hand exposure to cutting-edge technology shaping the future of mobility. They also learned about Hyundai’s sustainability efforts, including a visit to its indoor high-tech farm that integrates innovation with eco-friendly practices. The session concluded with a thrilling ride in an electric vehicle along the iconic HMGICS Skytrack, giving students a first-hand experience of cutting-edge technology in motion. This immersive experience broadened students’ perspectives on industry, sustainability, and innovation in a global context.

The fifth pre-trip learning module of the Vietnam OLE focused on the vital role of the Mekong Delta in Vietnam’s agriculture and economy, while highlighting the environmental challenges it faces. To kick things off, students visited local supermarkets in groups to identify food products originating from Vietnam, sparking curiosity about the country’s agricultural exports. 

The main activity engaged students through SALIS, a generative AI learning partner, which guided them in exploring pressing environmental issues impacting the delta. Taking on the perspectives of farmers, businessmen, environmentalists, policymakers, and youth, students participated in a simulated town hall meeting where they voiced challenges, shared aspirations, and sought common ground for sustainable solutions. This role-play deepened empathy and understanding of the human impact of environmental change. 

To round off the session, staff and students enjoyed a spread of authentic Vietnamese food, including Banh Mi and spring rolls, adding flavour to a meaningful learning journey. 

The sixth pre-trip learning module of the Vietnam OLE introduced students to the development of solar energy in Singapore. The session began with an insightful sharing by staff from JTC and Terrenus Energy, who highlighted how the use of solar energy has grown over the years and its importance to Singapore’s sustainability journey. 

Students then embarked on a learning journey to Solarland, a solar farm in Changi Business Park. There, they witnessed innovative solutions to challenges such as limited land, solar panel maintenance, and weed control, gaining valuable insights into Singapore’s renewable energy efforts.