Applications Now Open for UBU 2026 International Summer Camp "Co-Creating Place Identity: From Local Heritage to Sustainable Futures""
The Institute of Smart City and Management (ISCM), College of Technology and Design, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), is pleased to announce the opening of applications for Urban Beyond the Urban (UBU) 2026, an international summer program for Sustainable Development, that brings together students and academics from different countries to engage in experiential learning, intercultural exchange, and community-based innovation.
UBU 2026 is an annual international summer program for sustainable development hosted by the Institute of Smart City and Management (ISCM), University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), and co-hosted by Handong Global University (South Korea), the University of Trieste (Italy), and other international partners. It contributes to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Through a Living Lab and Design Thinking approach, participants collaborate with local communities to co-create innovative solutions that preserve heritage, strengthen place identity, and support sustainable local development.
Since its inception, UBU has served as a platform where students move beyond the traditional classroom to explore real-world challenges, collaborate across disciplines and cultures, and co-create solutions with local communities. Through immersive learning experiences, participants are encouraged to develop critical thinking, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills while gaining a deeper understanding of sustainable development in practice.
UBU 2026 Theme: Co-Creating Place Identity: From Local Heritage to Sustainable Futures
As communities around the world seek new pathways for sustainable development, local heritage is increasingly recognized as a valuable resource for creating distinctive identities, strengthening community resilience, and generating new economic opportunities.
Under the theme “Co-Creating Place Identity: From Local Heritage to Sustainable Futures,” UBU 2026 invites participants to explore how cultural heritage, community knowledge, and local resources can be transformed into drivers of sustainable development.
The program aims to provide a collaborative environment where students, academics, local stakeholders, and community members can work together to identify challenges, generate ideas, and develop innovative solutions that contribute to both heritage preservation and future prosperity.
Van Thang Agarwood Village: A Living Heritage Laboratory
UBU 2026 will take place in Van Thang Agarwood Village, located in Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam.
Known for its long-standing agarwood tradition, Van Thang represents a unique blend of cultural heritage, community identity, and economic potential. Agarwood has long been associated with Vietnamese cultural and spiritual life, making it one of the most distinctive cultural products of the region.
Today, as the area experiences rapid development opportunities associated with the Van Phong Economic Zone, local communities are facing important questions:
How can traditional heritage be preserved in a rapidly changing environment?
How can cultural assets be transformed into meaningful tourism experiences?
How can local products and communities build a strong place identity?
How can development generate sustainable benefits for future generations?
These questions make Van Thang an ideal Living Lab, where students can directly engage with local stakeholders and explore real-world challenges through field-based learning and collaborative innovation.
What Will Participants Do?
Throughout the program, participants will work in international and interdisciplinary teams while applying Design Thinking and Living Lab approaches to community-based challenges.
Activities include:
Field visits and community engagement activities;
Interactions with local residents, businesses, and stakeholders;
Workshops and lectures on Design Thinking, Living Lab methodologies, and Place Branding;
Team-based problem analysis and opportunity identification;
Co-creation of innovative ideas and practical solutions;
Development of concepts, prototypes, programs, or policy recommendations;
Presentation of outcomes to an international panel of experts during the Final Showcase.
Students will explore issues related to:
Heritage preservation and cultural sustainability;
Community development;
Place branding and local identity;
Sustainable tourism experiences;
Economic opportunities linked to local cultural assets.
Beyond Learning: Discover the Beauty of Khanh Hoa
UBU 2026 is not only an academic experience—it is also an opportunity to discover one of Vietnam’s most beautiful coastal regions.
Participants will have the chance to explore the remarkable landscapes and cultural attractions surrounding Van Thang, including:
Diep Son Island and its famous walking path across the sea;
Doc Let Beach and Dai Lanh Beach, known for their pristine beauty;
Van Phong Bay, one of Vietnam’s most stunning bays;
Local spiritual and cultural destinations that reflect the unique heritage of the region.
The combination of academic learning, cultural immersion, community engagement, and international networking makes UBU a truly distinctive summer experience.
Registration Information
📅 Program Dates: 21-24 July 2026
📍 Location: Van Thang Agarwood Village, Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam
💰 Participation Fee:
05 Early bird Spots: USD 280 (before 20 June 2026)
Regular Rate: USD 350
The fee includes accommodation, internal transportation, learning materials, and program
📋 Registration Guide:
Step 1: Complete the application form here: https://vnshort.com/Ux6A
Step 2: Pay the participation fee
Step 3: Confirmation of participation and finalization of the participant list
⏰ Registration and Payment Deadline: 27 June 2026
🏆 Participants will receive a Certificate of Participation and have the opportunity to compete for several awards, including Best Project, Best Presentation, Best Ideation, and Best Prototype.
Join UBU 2026
UBU 2026 offers a unique opportunity to learn beyond the classroom, collaborate with peers from different countries, engage with a real community, and contribute to meaningful conversations about heritage, identity, and sustainable futures.
We warmly welcome students from Vietnam and around the world to join us in Van Thang Agarwood Village for an unforgettable journey of learning, discovery, and co-creation.