On November 8, 2024, as part of the International Scientific Conference "Sustainable University Development: Opportunities and Challenges," organized by the University of Danang (UDN), UD-DNIIT held the International Workshop on "Smart Cities: Experiences and Innovations" (ISSCEI - 2024) and the Final Round of the 2024 Asia-Pacific Smart Campus Competition (SCAPA - 2024).

Overview of the Workshop

The ISSCEI - 2024 Workshop was attended by over 150 delegates, including Professor Nicolas Maïnetti, Director of the Asia-Pacific Region of the Francophone University Organization (AUF); Professor Frédérique Vidal, former Minister of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation of France, former President of the University of Côte d’Azur (UniCA); Professor Bui Van Ga, former Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Education and Training, former President of UD; Professor Jeanick Brisswalter, President of UniCA; Associate Professor Le Quang Son, Vice President of UD; Professor Stéphane Ngo Mai, Vice Rector of UCA; Mr. Le Son Phong, Deputy Director of the Department of Information and Communications of Da Nang City; and Professor Le Thanh Nhan, Director of UD-DNIIT.

Experts introduced the LoRa platform both in-person and online from Montpellier, France

The event was attended by representatives from universities within the Ulysseus European University Alliance, scientists, experts, lecturers from domestic and international universities and institutions,  organizations, associations, and businesses, as well as a large number of students and learners.

Thematic sessions on Smart Cities

According to Professor Le Thanh Nhan, Director of DNIIT – UD, ISSCEI-2024 served as a forum to connect a network of reputable scientists and experts from both Vietnam and abroad who are focused on smart city development.

The discussions highlighted various ideas and solutions that keep up with Industry 4.0, featuring breakthroughs in AI, IoT, and LoRa networks. These discussions aimed to promote digital transformation and the application of smart technologies, addressing emerging challenges with sustainable solutions for urban areas in Vietnam, particularly for the dynamic and liveable city of Da Nang.

Thematic discussions on LoRa and IoT applications

The highlight of the workshop was the launch of Da Nang City's LoRa platform, spearheaded by UD-DNIIT in collaboration with the Da Nang Department of Information and Communications. The platform aimed to serve the community across various fields, contributing to the development of a smart and sustainable city.

Leaders of UD- DNIIT presented flowers to thank the experts.

The platform FreeLoRa was introduced by representatives from the Department of Information and Communications. Through a video presentation, a representative of  Montpellier city (France) shared experiences of developing the LoRaWAN system in Montpellier.

The "Technology Exhibition and Networking with Businesses on LoRa and IoT applications" attracted great interest from delegates, students, and businesses, especially those associated with UD-DNIIT, including VNPT, DITC, VN-Galaxy, and VioT...

Leaders of the UD-DNIIT presented flowers to thank the experts.

The ISSCEI-2024 workshop featured two main themes:

(1) “Opportunities and Challenges for Sustainable Smart Cities” – sharing knowledge, experience, and research results on the roadmap for building smart, sustainable cities, with solutions such as clean energy applications, efficient resource management, and community involvement.

(2) “LoRa and IoT applications for Sustainable Smart Cities” – focusing on IoT applications and the LoRaWAN platform to improve urban management and enhance the quality of life for citizens.

Leaders of UD-DNIIT presented flowers to thank the leadership of AUF Asia-Pacific for their support in the event.

The 2024 SCAPA Final Round brought together 12 outstanding teams from universities across the Asia-Pacific region, including the National University of Laos, University of Information Technology – Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, University of Science and Technology of Hanoi, University of Science – Hue University, International Francophone Institute, Thang Long University, and six teams from UD universities: UD-University of Science and Technology, UD-University of Economics, and UD-University of Technology and Education.

Student teams present their projects

With the theme "Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Development," the participating teams presented vividly their innovative technology solutions, such as AI, IoT, and Robotics, aimed at creating smarter urban environments.

Awarding the First Prize of SCAPA 2024 to the team from UD-University of Science and Technology

According to a representative of the Organizing Committee, this competition was initiated by UD-DNIIT (since 2017), initially called the "Smart Campus Campaign." Later, it was sponsored by AUF and UniCA, expanding its scope and elevating it to an international level, becoming an academic playground for students from universities across the Asia-Pacific region.

Through this platform, students not only develop their skills and creative thinking but also gain valuable experience, connect with others, and foster a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship within the youth community, including universities and businesses.

Awarding 2 Second Prizes of SCAPA 2024 to 2 teams from the National University of Laos, Institute of Research and Development, and the University of Science and Technology of Hanoi

The organizers awarded the first prize to the team from UD-University of Science and Technology with their project on a 7-in-1 wireless soil quality measurement device using LoRaWAN, alongside a prize of 10 million VND.

Awarding 3 the Third Prize of SCAPA 2024 to the team from UD-University of Science and Technology and UD-University of Economics

Additionally, two-second prizes were awarded to teams from the National University of Laos and the Institute for Research and Development with their projects on LoRaWAN-based environmental monitoring and the University of Science and Technology of Hanoi for their flood detection and early warning system using LoRaWAN and IoT. These teams received 5.5 million VND each.

Awarding the Special Prize of SCAPA 2024 to the team from UD- University of Science and Technology

Three third prizes were awarded to teams from UD-University of Science and Technology, UD-University of Economics, with the following projects: Computer Vision Solutions for Segmentation, Damage Warning, and Monitoring on Road Surfaces; Da Nang Green - A New Solution for Urban Waste Management; and A Speech-to-Sign Language Conversion System for the Hearing Impaired, with a prize of 3 million VND per award.

Awarding participation certificates of SCAPA 2024 to the student teams.

The success of the ISSCEI 2024 Conference and the SCAPA 2024 Competition marked a significant milestone, showcasing pioneering efforts in sustainable creative solutions for cities in the 4.0 era. UD is also an active member of The DIGITAL-MOVE, an Erasmus+ project to strengthen the capacity of higher education institutions in developing countries in field of digital transformation.

 The ISSCEI 2024 Conference also contributed to affirming the reputation and academic excellence of the UD in general, and UD- DNIIT in particular, within the higher education community in the Asia-Pacific region and internationally.

Developing creativity, technological application, and problem-solving skills among students in addressing real-world challenges.