ISCM Students Bring Smart and Sustainable Urban Solutions to the 4th International Student Conference on Sustainable Urban Development

May 29, 2026 – Students from the Institute of Smart City and Management (ISCM), University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), participated in the 4th International Student Conference on Sustainable Urban Development (SUD 2026), hosted by the Vietnamese-German University.

ISCM student delegation at the 4th International Student Conference on Sustainable Urban Development

The Sustainable Urban Development Conference is an international academic forum that brings together students, young researchers, and experts in the field of sustainable urban development to exchange research findings, ideas, and innovative solutions to contemporary urbanization challenges. The event provides an opportunity for emerging research groups to showcase practical and impactful proposals while expanding connections with both national and international academic communities.

At SUD 2026, ISCM students presented three research and design projects:

Market to Metro: Bến Thành 2040 – Reconnecting Heritage, Mobility and Urban Life
ECO-TECH TOD HUB – A Green Transit Hub and Sustainable Urban Living Model at High-Tech Park Station
Public Transport-Oriented Urban Development (TOD) Associated with Ecological Restoration of the Van Thanh Metro Station Area

(1) Market to Metro: Bến Thành 2040 – Reconnecting Heritage, Mobility and Urban Life

Through the project “Market to Metro: Bến Thành 2040 – Reconnecting Heritage, Mobility and Urban Life,” the student team proposed a long-term development vision for the Bến Thành area, one of Ho Chi Minh City's most significant historical and transportation hubs.

The proposal focuses on integrating the metro system, enhancing public spaces, and preserving urban heritage values to create a more connected, vibrant, and livable city center. By balancing modern development with cultural identity preservation, the project offers an approach to urban transformation in the city center as the public transportation network continues to expand.

ISCM students presenting the Bến Thành urban reconnection project at the conference

The project was presented at SUD 2026 by Nguyễn Thủy Trúc Mai, Bùi Hoàng Nam, Nguyễn Trịnh Uyển Nhi, and Lê Nữ Huyền Trân.

Ben Thanh 2040 - Reconnecting heritage, mobility, and urban life

Market to metro

Connective landscape

(2) ECO-TECH TOD HUB at High-Tech Park Station

With the project “ECO-TECH TOD HUB – A Green Transit Hub and Sustainable Urban Living Model at High-Tech Park Station,” ISCM students approached urban development challenges from the perspective of technology and innovation.

The proposal introduces a Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) model that integrates green mobility, smart technologies, mixed-use development, and sustainable urban design solutions around High-Tech Park Station. The project aims to establish a connected, modern, and environmentally friendly urban hub that promotes low-carbon lifestyles while supporting sustainable urban development in the future.

The project was presented at SUD 2026 by Nguyễn Chánh Tường Anh, Nguyễn Hoàng Thư Các, Trần Thị Hoa, Nguyễn Trường Long, and Nguyễn Hoàng Hải Yến.

ISCM students presenting the ECO-TECH TOD HUB model at High-Tech Park Station

Lakeside park perspective

Interior space of High-Tech Park Metro Station

Public space beneath the elevated metro line

(3) Transit-Oriented Development Associated with Ecological Restoration at Van Thanh Metro Station

The project “Public Transport-Oriented Urban Development (TOD) Associated with Ecological Restoration of the Van Thanh Metro Station Area” explores the integration of transit-oriented urban development with ecological restoration strategies.

The research team proposes transforming the Van Thanh Metro Station area into a sustainable urban hub through enhanced multimodal transportation connectivity, improved public spaces, and the development of green-blue infrastructure systems. Beyond increasing the efficiency of public transit utilization, the project aims to improve environmental quality, strengthen community interaction, and encourage low-emission mobility options.

Exhibition of the TOD and ecological restoration project at Van Thanh Metro Station

Before-and-after design scenario based on ITDP TOD principles

Perspective of the redesigned metro station inspired by the wave patterns of Van Thanh Park

Cross-sectional diagram of an adaptive urban ecological system

Comprehensive smart urban model for the Van Thanh Station area

Participation in SUD 2026 provided ISCM students with valuable opportunities to engage in an international academic environment, exchange research ideas, enhance presentation and academic debate skills, and expand professional networks with experts and students from various institutions.

The presence of ISCM students at external academic forums continues to demonstrate their proactive learning mindset, research capabilities, and ability to apply knowledge to address contemporary urban challenges. Their achievements contribute to promoting the image of a new generation of creative, responsible urban professionals committed to the sustainable development of cities and communities.