Virtual Reality (VR) is no longer limited to entertainment. It is increasingly being used as a powerful tool in education and communication for sustainable development. On November 10, 2026, students from the University of Science and Technology of Hanoi (USTH) had the opportunity to experience VR firsthand and learn about the development process behind innovative VR products at a workshop co-organized by USTH’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) and the SIMPLE project.
| SIMPLE (Sustainability Issues Multiverse for building Participatory Learning Environments) is a European Union co-funded project that explores the potential of VR technology to raise young people’s awareness of environmental challenges and the importance of sustainable development solutions. Led by the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), the project works with educational and research institutions in the Lower Mekong region to develop immersive 3D virtual environments where learners can explore and interact with scientific issues through simulated experiences. |
Exploring history and environmental issues through immersive experiences
The workshop gave USTH students the opportunity to experience EVEIL, an innovative VR game in which players take on different roles and practise waste sorting in a fictional village.
Unlike traditional learning methods based on textbooks or static images, VR allows students to actively engage with virtual environments, explore different scenarios, and make decisions. This demonstrates how technology can enhance interactivity and create more immersive learning experiences.
Sharing her thoughts on the experience, Nguyen Minh Chau, a student in Semiconductor Technology, said:
“I was very happy and excited to take part in today’s workshop, especially the VR experience, which was both interesting and completely new to me. It has inspired me even more to develop my own ideas for designing a VR game. I already have a few ideas in mind and hope to find like-minded teammates to work on a project and participate in SIMPLE’s upcoming competition. I look forward to learning, connecting with others, and creating innovative products together!”
Beyond exploring VR games, the workshop also offered insights into the technical aspects and creative thinking involved in developing a complete VR product. The SIMPLE team introduced students to the entire development process, from generating initial ideas and designing 3D environments to programming interactive features and optimising user experiences.
Tran Tien Anh, a student in Aeronautical Engineering, was also impressed by the way the workshop combined technology with environmental awareness:
“The workshop offered a fresh and exciting experience by combining VR technology with the message of environmental protection. The insights shared by the speakers and organising team were practical and inspiring, giving me many new ideas about how technology can be used to benefit the community.”
Through these hands-on experiences and discussions, USTH students gained a better understanding of how modern technology, creative content development, and sustainable development communication can come together to address issues that matter to the community.
The VR Contest: A creative technology challenge for ASEAN youth
As part of the workshop, the SIMPLE project team officially introduced The VR Contest, a creative competition for young people across ASEAN to develop VR products around the theme of sustainable development.
Participating teams will have the opportunity to turn their technological ideas into practical products while receiving technical support, taking part in specialised training programmes, and connecting with international experts.
According to the organisers, the key dates for the competition are as follows:
- Registration deadline: November 20, 2026
- Training programme: December 2026
- Exhibition and awards ceremony: July 2027
The workshop concluded with new insights and fresh inspiration, encouraging USTH students to continue exploring the possibilities of technology and bringing their creative ideas to life.
Here are some highlights from the event:
