On 17 April, the Sustainability Impact Challenge (SIC) 2025 initiated by RMIT University was officially launched at International University – Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City.
The event brought together businesses committed to sustainability, including Bosch Vietnam, Panasonic Vietnam, Rize, and MOTUL. It marked the beginning of a journey to equip university students nationwide, and those in their third year or higher, with essential knowledge and experience to pursue green career pathways.
Co-organising universities and industry partners at the launch of the Sustainability Impact Challenge 2025
The initiative is co-organised by the Sustainability department at RMIT University, in partnership with three leading universities in Vietnam: International University – Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (IU-VNUHCM), the University of Social Sciences and Humanities – Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (USSH-VNUHCM), and the Vietnamese-German University (VGU). The program aims to develop students’ sustainability mindset and interdisciplinary problem-solving skills through a progressive model that bridges academic learning and real-world business challenges.
Ms Trinh Thi Anh Phuong highlights the importance of sustainability thinking in shaping students’ career paths
As the world grapples with climate change, resource depletion, and rising social inequality, education for sustainable development has emerged as a key strategy in shaping the future green workforce. SIC adopts an interdisciplinary approach where students gain access to international-standard learning materials developed by RMIT and apply their knowledge through real-world case studies provided by business partners. The program encourages systems thinking, design thinking, and solution-oriented innovation.
SIC is a six-stage learning journey: sustainability mindset training, expert panel discussions, ideation, intensive coaching, solution pitching, and real-world implementation. Students are introduced to key concepts in sustainable development, taught by a cross-university team of academics from IU-VNUHCM, USSH-VNUHCM, VGU, Tan Tao University, and using materials adapted from RMIT’s international curriculum.
A student raises a question on internship opportunities and real-world solution implementation
Corporate partners, including Bosch Vietnam, Panasonic Vietnam, Rize, and MOTUL, play a central role in the program. They provide students with real business challenges to tackle, and corporate partners participate throughout the journey as guest speakers, technical advisors, and mentors. The most promising ideas are piloted within partner companies, opening up paid internships for participating students.
The event attracted strong student interest in sustainability and green career development
SIC 2025 aims to engage around 200 students, trial four practical solutions in corporate settings, and generate at least 20 internship opportunities. Through this experience, students will apply sustainability knowledge in practice, enhance their creativity, and build interdisciplinary problem-solving capabilities across different sectors.
“Sustainability thinking is more than a mindset, it’s a competitive advantage in today’s job market. Through the Sustainability Impact Challenge, students are empowered to integrate sustainability into their career, while gaining essential skills in systems thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovation,” Ms Trinh Thi Anh Phuong, Manager of the Sustainability department, RMIT Vietnam, said.
SIC 2025 is more than just an academic competition. Thanks to the collaboration between universities and businesses, it offers a unique opportunity for students to access the growing green job market. Viable student ideas will continue to be developed within industry settings—providing a real-world platform for students to apply their skills, contribute to sustainability solutions, and pursue career opportunities in the green economy.
The Sustainability Impact Challenge 2025 officially kicked off with the support of leading universities and sustainability-driven enterprises
“Joining SIC last year was an unforgettable experience. It allowed us to connect with peers from different disciplines, broaden our perspectives, and learn from one another in meaningful ways. Most of all, the opportunity to engage with business leaders provided invaluable real-world insights into sustainable business practices,” said Vu Hoang Ngan, a final-year Finance student at RMIT Vietnam.
SIC 2025 is now open for applications until 16 May 2025. Eligible students, those in their third year or beyond (having completed at least five official semesters), can register at the official site.
On 17 April, the Sustainability Impact Challenge (SIC) 2025 initiated by RMIT University was officially launched at International University – Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City.
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