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| The 2024 STEAMese Festival was held at the Hanoi University of Science and Technology on October 27 |
The future came alive this weekend at the STEAMese Festival 2024, hosted at Hanoi University of Science and Technology, under the theme “The Adventure to the Year 3000.” The event brought together 4,500 participants, including children, adolescents, parents, and educators for an immersive experience that emphasized the importance of early and inclusive STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) education for the next generation.
Organized in collaboration with STEAM for Vietnam, UNICEF Viet Nam, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Scratch Foundation and U.S. Mission in Vietnam, the festival featured a variety of edutainment and exploratory activities designed to foster curiosity, innovation, and collaboration. Attendees enthusiastically participated in four major challenges, including the Coding Maze, AI Kingdom, and Robotics City – each designed to inspire problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork. These activities emphasized the critical skills and ideas needed to help shape a brighter, more inclusive future to solve global issues
As the world of work undergoes rapid transformation under the impact of Generative AI, the skills young people need today differ dramatically from the traditional memory-based learning of a decade ago. Emerging technologies, globalization, and shifting job markets are driving a necessary rethink of conventional educational systems. With Gen AI’s help, STEAM education offers a dynamic alternative, focusing on practical, interdisciplinary skills that empower children to thrive in an increasingly complex world.
Quote from Unicef – Tara O’Connell, Chief of Education of UNICEF Viet Nam comments: “Young people are growing up in an uncertain time as the world grapples with the 4th Industrial Revolution and its impact on jobs, the ongoing climate crisis, the recent Typhoon Yagi, and increases in youth unemployment as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, young people, governments and business leaders across the ASEAN region often report a severe skills gap within STEAM. Likewise, surveyed employers across Viet Nam have observed that transferable skills around problem-solving, communication, and creative and innovative thinking, are not being found in school graduates – boys or girls. Advancing and investing in STEAM education and transferrable skills is a key priority for Viet Nam, and one which UNICEF is deeply committed to – for both boys and girls.”
STEAM education not only equips young people with the technical skills required for the future workforce but also fosters critical thinking, creativity, and resilience – key traits essential for personal development and lifelong learning. This shift is vital not only to prepare young people for the jobs of tomorrow but also to challenge entrenched gender stereotypes and promote equal opportunities in fields for historically underserved and marginalized groups.
Quote from U.S Mission Vietnam: “More than just an event, the STEAMese Festival celebrates the exceptional talents of Vietnamese teachers who equipping thousands of Vietnamese youths with critical skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math. By strengthening education and innovation, we are working together to grow and expanse Vietnam high-quality workforce.”, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Mary Beth Polley.
Quote from STEAM – “STEAMese Festival 2024 marks not just a celebration but the beginning of a new chapter with STEAM 2.0. As we step into the future with AI and cutting-edge technology, our mission is to empower educators and inspire students to be the innovators of tomorrow. Together, we are laying the groundwork for a future where Vietnamese youth will lead in the global tech landscape.” Dr. Hung Tran, Founder of STEAM for Vietnam.
The STEAMese Festival embodies this reimagination of education, bridging the gap between formal schooling and future-ready skills. By engaging young minds in hands-on, creative problem-solving activities, it seeks to create a new generation of leaders, innovators, and global citizens.