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The Macao & Vietnam Study Tour Workshop on "Sustainability and the City" Concludes, Fostering Collaboration and Inspiring Action

2024-05-14

14

May

14/05/2024

The Workshop “City Project: Design and Technology for Sustainable Development”, jointly organised by the University of Saint Joseph in Macao, and the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, held over the 2nd to the 9th of May, brought together a diverse group of participants to explore the challenges and opportunities surrounding sustainable city development.



The Workshop “City Project: Design and Technology for Sustainable Development“, jointly organised by the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) in Macao, and the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) in Vietnam, came to a successful conclusion on the 9th of May. The workshop, held over the 2nd to the 9th of May 2024, brought together a diverse group of participants, including academics, professionals, and students, to explore the challenges and opportunities surrounding sustainable city development.

Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in dynamic discussions, interactive sessions, and knowledge-sharing activities aimed at promoting sustainable practices and fostering collaboration. Renowned scholars in the field delivered lectures, providing valuable insights and setting the stage for thought-provoking conversations.

A series of public lectures highlighted various aspects of sustainable cities, including urban planning, green infrastructures and topologies, waste management, design thinking, how to use Ai for ideation, new printing technologies for prototyping, Macao mangroves, Macaoutextures and patterns and augmented realms (digital heritage, digital preservation), virtual realities and wellbeing, innovative ideas, and community engagement all focused on the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Participants had the opportunity to learn from experts representing Macao academia, and industry, gaining diverse perspectives on sustainable city development.

Interactive sessions equipped participants with skills and knowledge to address sustainability challenges. Case studies and best practices showcased successful initiatives from Macao students and government initiatives, inspiring participants to apply innovative approaches in their own communities.

The workshop also emphasised the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, as participants formed teams to work on a collaborative final project. These projects encouraged creative problem-solving and provided a platform for participants to propose innovative ideas for sustainable urban development.

Cultural exchanges were an integral part of the workshop, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Macao. Culinary experiences, and guided tours provided a deeper understanding of the local context and strengthened cross-cultural connections.

Prof. Álvaro Barbosa, Vice-Rector of USJ, expressed his contentment with the workshop’s outcomes and with the collaboration between USJ and UEH in a final closing remark made to all participants on the 9th of May. 

At the end of the workshop, participants were left with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to sustainable city development. The connections established and the knowledge gained during the workshop will continue to drive positive change in their respective communities.

(Student participants with Prof. Filipa Martins USJ and Lecturer Vu Tuong Quyen UEH)

Looking ahead, the partnering universities remain committed to further collaboration and knowledge exchange in the pursuit of sustainable development. The success of this workshop serves as a stepping stone towards building resilient and environmentally conscious cities.

We were delighted to have the presence of our distinguished guests, Dr. Dinh Cong Khai, Vice-President of UEH, Associate Professor Trinh Thuy Anh, Vice-Rector of the College of Technology & Design at UEH, Dr. Trinh Tu Anh, Director of Institute of Smart City & Management of the College of Technology & Design at UEH and Miss Vu Tuong Quyen, Lecturer at the School of Media Design of the College of Technology & Design at UEH, who highlights the importance of our shared commitment for a sustainable city development and to our joint workshop and collaboration. 


3rd of May, 2024 – Opening:

(Left to Right: Rector of the College of Technology & Design at UEH Associate Professor Trinh Thuy Anh Vice; USJ Vice-Rector Prof. Álvaro Barbosa; Vice-President of UEH Dr. Dinh Cong Khai; Dean of Faculty of Arts and Humanities Prof. Carlos Sena Caires)

(All the participants from USJ and UEH – 1st day)

(Prof. Tu Anh bio | workshop introduction lecture || Sustainable Smart City,Vietnam)

(Prof. Filipa MartinsWorkshop Final Project Explanation.)

(Prof. Nuno Soares | GREEN TOPOLOGIES: Exploring Cross-Scale Sustainable Design Strategies in Architecture)


4th of May, 2024 – Visit to Saint Paul’s Ruins and Macau Museum:

(Prof. Filipa Martins, Ms. Jenny Hong & Professors from UEH – Fieldwork in Macau: Participants went on a field trip throughout Macau to study and be inspired by local urban ideas and images)


6th of May, 2024 – Public Lectures:

(Prof. Carlos Sena Caires || Applying Design Thinking Methodology and AI to Furniture Design)

(Prof. Gérald Estadieu || From Pixels to Products: Designing for Sustainability with Digital Fabrication)

(Prof. Filipa Martins || Macau Cultural Tapestry: A Multisensory Journey Through Textures, Patterns, and Augmented Realms)

(Prof. Daniel Farinha || Crypto-Art: Exploring the world of NFTs)


7th of May, 2024

(Prof. Filipa Simões || Design Thinking and Sustainability: A Driver for Meaningful Innovation in Design Education)

(Prof. Karen Tagulao || Mangroves in Macao: Achieving SDGs Through Nature-Based Solutions)

(Prof. Karen Tagulao & Prof. Filipa Martins || Field Trip to the Eco Zone and Mangroves site – COTAI)


8th of May, 2024

(Prof. Sandra Olga Ng || Beyond Boundaries: Navigating Virtual Realms and Preserving Heritage through the Lens of 3D Modelling and Rendering)

(Prof. Filipe Afonso & Ms. Jenny Hong || Fieldwork in Macau: Participants went on a field trip throughout Macau to study and be inspired by local urban ideas and images – Macao Patio Houses)


USJ Tours


9th of May, 2024 – Student Presentations and Closing Ceremony

To all the participant students and professors from Vietnam and Macau, you are the driving force behind this workshop, thank you for all your efforts. 

To all  involved in the various phases of the workshop, various meetings and activities, thank you.

To our dear Rector Prof. Stephen Morgan THANK for his exceptional support.

University of Saint Joseph (USJ), MacaoUniversity of Economics (UEH), Vietnam
  • Vice-Rector Prof. Álvaro Barbosa,
  • Dean Prof. Carlos Sena Caires – FAH,
  • Prof. Alexandre Lobo – SBL,
  • Prof. Filipa Martins – FAH 
  • Prof. Gérald Estadieu – FAH,
  • Prof. Daniel Farinha – FAH,
  • Prof. Karen Tagulao – ISE,
  • Prof. Filipa Simões – FAH,
  • Prof. Sandra Olga Ng – FAH,
  • Prof. Filipe Afonso – FAH,
  • Prof. José Manuel da Silva Simões – FAH,
  • Prof. João Brochado – FAH,
  • Prof. Nuno Soares – FAH,
  • Student David Casamayor – Design,
  • Student Maria Bumactao (MJ) – Design,
  • Student Justin Pablo – Photography – Comms,
  • Student Roberto da Cunha – Videography – Comms,
  • Student Fernando Queiroz – MC – Comms,
  • Technical Manager – Rui Borges – FAH,
  • Lab Manager – Moon Cheung – FAH,
  • Ms Jasmine Wong,
  • Ms Jenny Hong,
  • Ms Ivy Uyen,
  • Ben Lei,
  • Jerusa Antunes,
  • University offices; USO, TFO, AAO, ASL, RHO, Library, security service and cleaning service.
  • Dr. Dinh Cong Khai, Vice President of UEH, 
  • Associate Professor Trinh Thuy Anh Vice Rector of the College of Technology & Design at UEH;
  • Dr. Trinh Tu Anh Director of Institute of Smart City & Management of the College of Technology & Design at UEH 
  • Miss Vu Tuong Quyen Lecturer at the School of Media Design of the College of Technology & Design at UEH 
  • Student Lâm Yến Nhi
  • Student Phạm Khoa Quyền
  • Student Đặng Kim Khánh
  • Student Trương Hoàng Trân
  • Student Nguyễn Ngọc Phương Anh
  • Student Phan Thiên Kim
  • Student Lê Thiên Phúc
  • Student Trần Bảo Hân
  • Student Trần Yến Phi
  • Student Nguyễn Thị Thuỳ Dương
  • Student Nguyễn Minh Trí
  • Student Dương Tài Thịnh