On the morning of July 19, 2024, within the framework of the 13^th CITA 2024 Conference, the 1st ACIR+ Workshop on Research and Innovation for Students (AWRIS 2024) was co-organized by the University of Danang, Vietnam-Korea University of Information and Communication Technology (UD-VKU), the ASEAN Consortium for Innovation and Research (ACIR), and FISU Vietnam, with the support of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). This was expected to be an annual activity for students from higher education institutions in Southeast Asia, aiming to promote academic exchange, innovation, and scientific research.

Overview of the Opening Ceremony of the 1^st ACIR+ Workshop on Research and Innovation for Students 

Attending the opening ceremony of AWRIS 2024, the Organizing Committee included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Huynh Cong Phap – Rector of UD-VKU, Head of the Organizing Committee, and Co-Chairs including Prof. DSc. Nguyen Ngoc Thanh (Poland), Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Thuy – President of the Vietnam Association for Information Processing, and President of FISU Vietnam.

International scientists included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Khac Nhien An (Ireland), Prof. Christian Boitet (France), Prof. Vossen Gottfried (Germany), Prof. Franck Leprevost (Luxembourg), and Prof. Lee Sunwoo (South Korea).

Representatives from associations and higher education institutions in Vietnam and internationally included Prof.Dr. Somrerk Chandra-ambhorn – Vice President of King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (Thailand); Dr. Nguyen Long – Secretary General of the Vietnam Association for Information Processing; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Thu Lam – Secretary General of FISU Vietnam; Dr. Doan Quang Hoan – Secretary-General of the Radio Electronics Association; Prof. Dr. Le Hoai Bac – Editor-in-Chief of the Information and Communication Journal (MIC).

From ACIR members, participants included Prof. Dr. Tran Xuan Tu – Director of the Information Technology Institute, Vietnam National University, Hanoi; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phung Trung Nghia – Rector of the University of Information and Communication Technology, Thai Nguyen University (ICTU); Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Phu Khanh – Vice Rector of Phenikaa University; Dr. Nguyen Huu Hoa – College of Information and Communications Technology (CICT) – Can Tho University (CTU); Dr. Rottana Ly – Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology.

The conference received the attention of leaders, scientists and experts from Southeast Asian and international universities

In his opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Huynh Cong Phap – Rector of UD-VKU, Head of the Organizing Committee, and Co-Founder of the ACIR community, warmly welcomed scientists, leaders of associations, higher education institutions, and students from ACIR member institutions and internationally. He stated that the 1st ACIR+ Workshop on Research and Innovation for Students, initiated by UD-VKU, has been highly appreciated by the scientific community and universities in Southeast Asia, with strong support from KOICA, Korean, Polish, and Irish scientists. The organization of AWRIS 2024 would motivate and connect the community of students passionate about scientific research, providing a significant forum for students to present innovative ideas, share research results, and exchange knowledge and experiences.

Students presented scientific topics

AWRIS 2024 attracted students from 10 prestigious universities in Southeast Asia and France: UD-VKU; University of Cote d’Azur, France; King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB), Thailand; Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology (CADT); Information and Communication Technology University (ICTU), Thai Nguyen University; Phenikaa University; Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST); Information Technology Institute (ITI) – VNU Hanoi; Academy of Cryptography Techniques, Vietnam; Can Tho University (CTU).

The Organizing Committee awarded prizes to students

The content of AWRIS 2024 focused on exchanging and sharing experiences to enhance the quality of scientific research, innovation, and entrepreneurship among students. During the opening session, there were three keynote speeches on research and innovation orientation from representatives of UD-VKU, KMUTNB, and CADT. Additionally, AWRIS 2024 featured 10 presentations and three posters presented by student groups. Students from various universities also participated in team-building activities, cultural exchanges, and discussions on AI.

At the end of the presentations, the AWRIS 2024 Organizing Committee selected and awarded 1 First Prize, 1 Second Prize, 1 Third Prize, and 7 Consolation Prizes to students from Southeast Asian and international universities.

It was hoped that with this new beginning, AWRIS 2024 would be a gathering place and effective bridge between students from educational institutions within the ACIR community, promoting cooperation, academic exchange, innovation, and international integration, contributing to the development of high-quality technological human resources for Vietnam in particular and the ASEAN region and the world in general.