[UEH 50] Launching Ceremony UEH Technology Convergence Hub and UEH FLEX Pilot Project: A Convergence Point for Technology, Knowledge Connection, and Innovation for Sustainable Development

25 Oct, 2026

Technology convergence - An imperative in the new development context

The rapid advance of technology, together with the challenges of urbanisation, digital transformation, climate change and the demands of sustainable development, is posing ever more complex problems for cities and communities. From smart cities, multidimensional technologies, energy management and seaport logistics to environmental monitoring, effective solutions no longer come from a single field or a standalone technology, but require the combination of many scientific and technological disciplines and the participation of all stakeholders.

In line with its orientation towards becoming a global UniverCity Innovation Hub by 2045, UEH is step by step building an innovation ecosystem that links training, research, technology and practice. Within it, the Technology Convergence Hub has been established to help realise the University’s three strategic pillars:

UEH Glocal Smart Learning: Connecting education, data and smart governance, raising the quality of training and the learning experience.
UEH Knowledge to Impact: Promoting the translation of knowledge and research findings into practical value for the economy, society and the environment.
UEH Green Living Campus: Developing the university campus into a space for learning, practice and testing sustainable solutions.

Through the convergence of technology and multidisciplinary knowledge, the TCH is expected to help close the gap between research and application, creating new momentum for innovation activities at UEH.

UEH FLEX - The first pilot programme launched at TCH

Within the framework of the Korea Smart City Global Cooperation Programme (K-City Network), UEH is working with Korean partners to pilot a Demand Responsive Transit (DRT) bus service under the name UEH FLEX.

Unlike conventional buses running on fixed routes, UEH FLEX applies technology to dispatch vehicles according to actual travel demand, allowing users to choose their own journeys between pick-up and drop-off points within the service area. The service runs in parallel with the UEH Shuttle bus service, adding a flexible travel option and strengthening connections between UEH campuses, the dormitory area, Metro Line 1 stations and a number of nearby locations.

At the same time, UEH FLEX is positioned as a “Living Lab” - a real-world testing space in which technology, data and community feedback are used to evaluate and refine the smart transport model. The initiative contributes to realising the UEH Green Campus orientation, encouraging the efficient use of resources and promoting the development of a smart, sustainable university.

Through UEH FLEX, the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City continues to connect knowledge, technology and international cooperation with real-world needs, gradually diversifying mobility solutions and building a smart, green and sustainable university environment.

TCH - A nucleus connecting technology, knowledge and practice

Positioned as the strategic nucleus and digital brain of the UEH UniverCity Innovation Hub ecosystem, the Technology Convergence Hub focuses on developing capabilities in research, testing and application across many fields, such as artificial intelligence (AI), data science and data processing, multidimensional simulation, automation, precision technology, human-technology interaction, the Internet of Things (IoT), smart cities, energy, Net Zero and cybersecurity. The centre’s infrastructure features a range of advanced technologies, including a Hologram printer (among the world’s most advanced), unmanned devices, simulation scale models, a data processing centre, MPS machines, virtual and augmented reality equipment, high-specification computer systems, computer vision equipment and sensor systems.

On that foundation, the TCH pursues four main objectives:

Serving interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary training, practice and research. Enabling learners and scientists to access modern technology infrastructure, learn through practice and take part in solving real-world problems.
Strengthening applied research and innovation capacity for the locality. Promoting the development of technology solutions in essential areas such as urban development, transport, data, energy and the environment.
Promoting cooperation and technology transfer. Creating a co-creation space among the university, businesses, government and citizens, from identifying needs and designing to testing, deploying solutions and developing products.
Establishing shared technology infrastructure for the UniverCity Innovation Hub ecosystem. Connecting units, laboratories and research projects through shared equipment, data and technology platforms, enabling resource sharing and improving operational effectiveness.

The TCH aims to create an interdisciplinary research environment in which learners, scientists and partners develop and test advanced technology solutions together.

Building an operating model based on the principles of “Optimisation - Sharing - Autonomy”

A notable feature of the Technology Convergence Hub’s development orientation is an organisational and operating model based on the three principles of “Optimisation - Sharing - Autonomy”, designed to make effective use of resources and ensure long-term development.

With this orientation, the TCH is not merely a research space or a collection of modern equipment, but aims to form an interconnected operating ecosystem running from knowledge creation - technology development - solution testing - application deployment. Training, research, professional seminars and business cooperation activities will be linked together to promote interaction and the co-creation of value among all parties.

A new milestone in the development of UEH’s innovation ecosystem

The establishment of the Technology Convergence Hub is expected to deliver practical value for UEH, learners, scientists, businesses, the locality and the community.

For UEH, the TCH helps build strategic research and technology development capacity, strengthens links between disciplines and training units, and creates a foundation for developing technology products, expanding international cooperation and enhancing the University’s standing in the innovation ecosystem.
For learners and scientists, the TCH opens up an environment for learning, research and co-creation with shared infrastructure, data and technology; it supports the development of pioneering research directions, the validation of ideas and the creation of prototypes, products and intellectual property from real-world problems.
For businesses and the locality, the TCH aims to become a partner in researching and developing technology solutions, making it possible to define problems, test, deploy and transfer research results together, thereby helping to optimise costs and resources and promote commercialisation.
For the community, activities at the TCH are expected to help bring technological advances into practice responsibly, improving quality of life, using resources efficiently and strengthening resilience in the face of sustainable development challenges.

A number of technology platforms have already been created as smart solutions built on technology convergence, including the highly interactive Nexus scale model, the Hologram Walk invention, the smart navigation interactive table and the smart agricultural produce sorting line.

Technology products

In the long term, the Technology Convergence Hub aims to become a centre of advanced technology convergence with the capacity to lead interdisciplinary research programmes and connect domestic and international innovation networks, step by step fulfilling its role as the digital brain of the UEH UniverCity Innovation Hub ecosystem.

The inauguration of the TCH and the launch of UEH FLEX form a shared milestone, contributing to UEH’s orientation of connecting knowledge, technology and cooperation in order to build a smart, green and sustainable university environment.

The UEH FLEX pilot programme

Launch ceremony: 08:00, 27 October 2026
Pilot period: From 26 October 2026 to 31 December 2026
Pilot operating hours: Monday to Saturday, from 06:00 to 18:00
Eligible users: UEH staff, employees and learners
Cost: Free of charge during the pilot period.

Launching Ceremony UEH Technology Convergence Hub

Time: 08:30, 27 October 2026
Venue: UEH - Campus E, 54 Nguyễn Văn Thủ, Tân Định Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.

The Technology Convergence Hub marks a new step forward in UEH’s development of technology infrastructure and innovation, while opening up opportunities for cooperation in training, applied research and technology transfer.

News, photos: UEH College of Technology and Design, Department of Student Affairs, Department of Communications and Partnership Development.