Representing Vietnam, Duy Tan University (DTU) made an outstanding impression at the International PBL (Project-Based Learning) Expo 2025 held in Indonesia in late August 2025, with five student projects receiving awards: 2 first prizes (out of 12), 2 second prizes (out of 12), and 1 special award for Best Visualization.
Among these, the project “Vietnamese AI Assistant for Hearing-Impaired People” by DTU students not only won the First Prize but was also selected as the overall Champion at the International PBL Expo 2025.
DTU students share the joy of receiving top awards with their international friends
This is an annual event in the series of activities of Pagelaran Teknovasi Polibatam 2025, held by Politeknik Negeri Batam (Polibatam), Indonesia, to recognize and showcase exemplary student products and projects, particularly those developed using the Project-Based Learning (PBL) method.
Taking place from 19 to 21 August 2025, the International PBL Expo 2025 attracted 196 teams from 100 universities and colleges across Indonesia, as well as 30 universities and high schools from Japan, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Singapore. More than 200 delegates, representing government agencies, experts, and business leaders, participated to support and evaluate the projects. Under the theme “Enhancing Synergy, Impacting Nations”, the Expo fostered strong creative inspiration, promoted innovative ideas and breakthrough solutions, and delivered high practical value.
DTU students crowned Champions with multiple First and Second prizes at International PBL Expo 2025
DTU presented six projects at the International PBL Expo 2025, including research and application products featuring advanced technologies that have won major awards. Specifically:
Championship and first prize: Awarded to ViSTAR, the team of students Do Minh Tung, Hoang Trung Kien, and Hoang Trong Hien, with the project “Vietnamese AI Assistant for Hearing-Impaired People”. This system uses artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision to translate sign language in real time, bridging the communication gap between the hearing-impaired and wider society. It enables two-way translation between text and sign language through video frames, facilitating everyday communication for people with hearing impairments.
First prize: Awarded to VIE AGV Omni, the team of students Thi Ly Liem, Trinh Thanh Ly, Vo Hoai Dung, Le Nguyen Phi Truong, and Le Gia Han, with the project “VIE AGV Omni Wheel Robot”. This project develops and optimizes an automated guided vehicle (AGV) designed to support smart logistics operations and automate transportation of materials in warehouses and industrial environments. The robot can operate continuously for 8 hours on a single charge and handle loads of up to 300 kg.
DTU students earn two Second prizes at the International PBL Expo 2025
Second prize: Awarded to TT_DTU, the team of students Tran Tich Tan and Le Van Phuoc Thinh, with the project “Recognition and Control of Robot Hand Gestures Using YOLOv5”. This project develops a hand-shaped robotic system capable of recognizing gestures via camera input combined with the YOLOv5 deep learning model, enabling real-time control of the robot’s finger movements. Applications include controlling robots in hazardous, high-temperature, and dangerous environments that are difficult for humans to access, particularly in manufacturing and healthcare.
Second prize: Awarded to DHBK, the team of students Le Huynh Dung, Pham Tien Hung, Che Quang Khai, and Tran Duy Bach, with the project “SkyStudy Learning App for Children”. This is an English vocabulary-learning app for children aged 6-12, integrating artificial intelligence (AI) with engaging learning features. The app helps children learn English vocabulary through object recognition and accurate pronunciation, and by creating a lively and effective learning environment.
Best of Visualization prize: Awarded to Blossoming Symphony, the team of students Tran Pham Huong Ly, Vo An Na, Pham Duy Hieu, Doan Le Anh Thu, and Pham Ha Thu Phuong, with the project “Blossoming Symphony - Thuy Lien Khai Hoa Tra”. This project introduces a unique tea experience by blending blue lotus, rose, and jasmine flowers to create a caffeine-free tea that helps with relaxation and better sleep. The project aims to encourage a healthy lifestyle and promote tea culture with a unique gift - a cultural-tourism product characteristic of Vietnam.
Many interesting and valuable activities at the International PBL Expo 2025
Do Minh Tung, team leader of the championship-winning project, shared: “In implementing the project ‘Vietnamese AI Assistant for Hearing-Impaired People,’ our goal was to contribute to enabling hearing-impaired individuals to communicate easily through real-time video frames, thereby opening a barrier-free communication channel for millions. Our success today stems from the unity and progressive spirit of our team, and particularly the wholehearted support of our professors at Duy Tân University. We were fully equipped with the necessary professional knowledge and technical skills, allowing us to focus entirely on optimizing algorithms, improving accuracy, and enhancing system convenience. The success of DTU teams at the International PBL Expo 2025 is a direct result of collaboration, research passion, and a determination to create products of genuine value for the community."
Dr. Dao Anh Quang, Vice Head of the DTU Faculty of Environment & Natural Sciences
(on the left) and Dr. Tran Nhat Tan, DTU Vice-Provost, at the International PBL Expo 2025
Dr. Dao Anh Quang, Vice Head of the DTU Faculty of Environment & Natural Sciences and the direct mentor for the Expo delegation, stated: "The success of DTU students at this competition stems from their ability to apply breakthrough technologies to practical products. The continuous integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by student teams not only demonstrates their professional expertise but also reflects creative thinking and effective problem-solving skills. This outcome is a direct result of modern educational methods, where Project-Based Learning (PBL) combined with the CDIO framework enables students to think comprehensively, transform ideas into highly practical products, and create a distinct advantage in international competitions."
Recently, Dr. Dao Anh Quang of DTU was elected as the Asia Regional Representative for the Worldwide CDIO Initiative for the 2025-2028 term. DTU has been a member of the CDIO Initiative since 2012 and was recognized as the Asia Regional Representative (CDIO Leader Asia) when Dr. Tran Nhat Tan was elected for the 2018-2021 term and continued for the subsequent 2022-2025 term. At the 2025 CDIO Asia Regional Conference, Dr. Dao Anh Quang continued this legacy by being elected CDIO Asia Co-leader, becoming one of three representatives in this position.
DTU's participation in the CDIO Initiative demonstrates its commitment to advancing Engineering and Technology education globally. This commitment is further reflected in the fact that DTU has six programs accredited by ABET, the global 'gold standard' for Science and Engineering education, spanning various fields such as information technology, information systems, electrical-electronics, construction, and food technology.
(Media Center)