To cultivate cross-disciplinary talent with a global perspective and strong local engagement, the College of Management and Design at Ming Chi University of Technology (MCUT) conducted a week-long overseas field study from June 13 to 19, 2025. Under Professors Jau-Rong Chen and Hai-Dung Do's guidance, 27 students visited Van Lang University (VLU)—MCUT’s sister institution located in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The program was part of the “Overseas Interdisciplinary Innovation Learning (III): Field Study on Innovative Business Models in Vietnam’s Cultural and Creative Industries.”

This initiative integrated education in innovation and entrepreneurship with cultural immersion and corporate visits. Emphasis was placed on identifying the "cultural DNA" of local communities to inspire diverse perspectives on sustainable development and the design of innovative business models.

The program featured a variety of immersive and hands-on learning activities. Students explored Vietnamese traditional clothing and cuisine, participated in pottery wheel workshops, and conducted ecological fieldwork at the UNESCO-listed Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve. These experiences encouraged critical reflection on the complex interplay between environmental restoration efforts and ethical tourism practices.

A key highlight of the program was the jointly organized academic forum between MCUT and VLU, titled “Planetary Boundaries and Sustainability.” This session was followed by an international case competition in which students, organized into cross-national teams, proposed strategic solutions to urgent global sustainability challenges such as Tesla’s lithium mining practices and Apple’s e-waste management. The event underscored students’ abilities in analytical thinking and intercultural communication.

In the corporate engagement component, the group visited the Vietnam plant of Zeng Hsing Industrial Co., Ltd.—one of the world’s leading OEM manufacturers of sewing machines. The visit provided valuable insights into the global expansion strategies, digital transformation, and sustainability initiatives of Taiwanese enterprises operating in Southeast Asia.  Students also toured Yakult Vietnam to explore how a globally recognized probiotic brand integrates scientific research, marketing strategies, and corporate social responsibility into localized business operations. The visit demonstrated how multinational companies adapt to regional contexts while maintaining international standards of quality and ethics.

This overseas program exemplifies MCUT’s commitment to international University Social Responsibility (USR) and cross-disciplinary pedagogical innovation. Students significantly enhanced their language proficiency, cultural competence, business insight, and sustainability awareness through meaningful engagement with Vietnamese academic and industry partners.  Looking forward, MCUT remains committed to expanding its global academic and industrial partnerships network, fostering future-ready professionals capable of addressing global challenges and delivering locally relevant solutions.

中文：提升國際移動力與促進跨域創新： 越南文化創意產業與永續實踐之移地見學
This article is simultaneously published in the 32th edition of the SDGs E-paper.