From startup mindsets to cultural insights: Innovation-driven Indian students join BUV’s Culture Immersion Programme
Feb 24, 2026
11:31:27
Students from Swarrnim Startup & Innovation University (SSIU) recently joined the Culture Immersion Programme at British University Vietnam (BUV), embarking on a two-week journey designed around three core pillars: academic engagement, industry exposure, and cultural immersion.
At the heart of the programme were interactive academic sessions led by BUV faculty, focusing on entrepreneurship, startup innovation, and Vietnam’s evolving business landscape. Rather than purely theoretical discussions, students were encouraged to connect global concepts with local realities, analysing how startups emerge, scale, and collaborate within Southeast Asia’s fast-growing economy.
A key highlight was the three-day Startup Challenge Hackathon, where SSIU students worked in teams to transform global industry trends into high-impact business concepts. By addressing bottlenecks in international supply chains, distribution, and enterprise management, participants developed solutions designed to be commercially viable and globally competitive. With guidance from BUV faculty and direct feedback from industry experts, teams refined their ideas through an iterative process, strengthening their strategic thinking and pitching skills in an intensive, practice-oriented setting.
“Although I come from a startup and innovation-focused university, I had never initiated a business idea myself before, so this experience felt genuinely new and transformative,” shared Saloni Rajendraprasad Desai. “The mentors and lecturers guided us at every step, from shaping each slide to refining our final evaluation. The materials and global perspectives we gained here are insights I’m certain we wouldn’t easily access back home in India.”
To complement academic learning, the programme incorporated an industry-focused workshop on how corporates and startups collaborate, offering practical insights into innovation ecosystems. A company visit and sharing session further enabled students to engage directly with practitioners, gaining first-hand perspectives on operating and innovating in Vietnam’s business environment.
These activities helped students bridge the gap between classroom knowledge and real-world application, while broadening their understanding of cross-border opportunities.
Beyond campus, students explored the vibrant heritage and contemporary life of Hanoi, discovering its historic landmarks, street culture, and dynamic urban rhythm. A visit to Ninh Binh offered an unforgettable encounter with one of Vietnam’s most iconic natural landscapes, while a hands-on experience at Bat Trang Pottery Village introduced them to traditional craftsmanship and local artistry.
“My experience in Hanoi and the trip to Ninh Binh truly changed my perspective,” said Jasmeet Kaur. “The scenery was incredibly beautiful, and learning about the history made it even more meaningful. Our guide was so enthusiastic and knowledgeable, and I learned a great deal from the journey.”
Building on these shared experiences, a special Culture Exchange session themed around Tết (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) offered deeper insight into Vietnamese customs and values, creating space for meaningful dialogue and shared celebration between Indian and Vietnamese students.
With its vision to become the number one international university in Vietnam and the surrounding region, BUV continues to expand opportunities for cross-cultural engagement. Through programmes like Culture Immersion Programme, BUV aims to empower students with the global mindset and collaborative spirit essential for today’s interconnected world.
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