As part of the partnership between DTU and Seattle Pacific University (USA), the first round of the “Economic Community Project” attracted more than twenty teams from several universities in Danang. The contest took place on the 28th of February and the 1st of March, 2011.
Team Aspiration presents their project
Each team had thirty minutes to present their ideas and answer questions from the judges. Presentations were rated on the idea, the potential of the project and how well the team presented in English. Although this was the first time DTU had hosted this competition, most of the teams were well prepared by conducting market research, planning their financial objectives and so on. Many new and interesting ideas were presented, including projects to improve the lives of handicapped people and local farmers.
Mr. Tony Lampkin appraises the participants’ projects
Mr. Tony Lampkin, former Marketing Specialist at IBM said: “Most of the projects presented have the potential to succeed in the marketplace”. Another member of the judging panel, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Long, Deputy General Manager of the Hyundai Motor Company, said: “It’s not a problem budgeting new projects but we need good ideas and creative people to do fund them. We hope to find some solid projects that we can invest in effectively in the future”.
Dr. Le Nguyen Bao, DTU Vice-Rector, shared some of his experiences while studying in the USA: “It’s very popular for universities in America to hold such competitions. As well as finding the best group to travel to the finals at Seattle Pacific University in the USA, DTU also hopes to encourage students to employ new study and presentation techniques to build up their teamwork skills and their confidence”.
The “Community Economic Project” is an annual competition held by Seattle Pacific University for students in Washington State. The projects can be conducted individually or in teams. The first round of the collaboration takes place at DTU. The winning Vietnamese teams will be sponsored by DTU and Seattle Pacific University to join the final round in the USA. The Grand Prize will be worth $2,500, with $1,000 for second place.
(Board of Website Editors)