Bridging Borders: My Collaboration with Danang University on Student Entrepreneurship
Hello readers,
I'm excited to share some news that brings together several threads I've often written about: cultural exchange, education, and the power of entrepreneurship to transform lives.
Last Saturday, I had the privilege of being invited to collaborate with the University of Pedagogy - University of Danang (Trường Đại học Sư phạm - Đại học Đà Nẵng) as part of their "Student Entrepreneur - Leading the Way to Success" initiative. This opportunity came through partnering with DX82, a digital transformation consultancy here in Danang, and working alongside the talented Maria Nguyen.
Finding Purpose Through Collaboration
Those who've followed my journey know that while I cherish my adventures and explorations across Vietnam and beyond, I've always sought ways to contribute meaningfully to the communities that have welcomed me. This collaboration represents exactly the kind of purposeful engagement I believe in – using my experience and perspective to help nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs.
In representing Break Outwards (https://breakoutwards.com/) https://vlnk.one/@BrkOut , I'll be bringing entrepreneurial education to students and future leaders of Vietnam. While I don't speak Vietnamese (a limitation I'm always working on!), I'll be contributing time, guidance, and insights drawn from my years of experience in performance, event management, and developing my own ventures.
Building Bridges in a Divided World
What particularly excites me about this project is its potential to build bonds between Western and Eastern audiences. In our current global climate, where wars rage, radical beliefs divide us, and "us versus them" mentalities dominate headlines, initiatives like this serve as vital counterpoints.
By looking beyond differences in skin color, nationality, religion, and ideals, we can find the common ground that unites us all. Entrepreneurship offers a perfect vehicle for this – the creativity, resilience, and problem-solving skills it requires are universal human qualities that transcend cultural boundaries.
The Power of Youth
The conference that launched this initiative revealed the incredible potential of Vietnam's youth. Held on March 15th, the event marked the University's commitment to developing innovative training programs and entrepreneurial activities for students. With more than 384 million VND (approximately $15,300 USD) in funding, including training packages, the competition provides substantial support for emerging entrepreneurs.
What struck me most was the emphasis on collaboration. The University signed MOUs with the Danang Innovation Startup Support Center and Medoo Vietnam Technology & Education Limited Liability Company, creating an ecosystem of support for these young innovators. This aligns perfectly with my belief that the most successful ventures grow through community and connection, not isolation.
My Role Moving Forward
While the specific details of my involvement are still taking shape, I'll be working with DX82 to help deliver their training package on "Applying technological SOLUTIONS in lean business operations." This focuses on helping entrepreneurs use technology to optimize processes, save costs, and create sustainable development opportunities.
My perspective as someone who has navigated different cultural contexts will hopefully provide valuable insights for students looking to develop globally-minded ventures. Though I won't be teaching in Vietnamese, I hope my experiences can transcend language barriers and offer something valuable to these aspiring entrepreneurs.
A Personal Reflection
Helping young people grow and develop has always been a passion of mine. From my days as an MC and performer to my current travel and entrepreneurial ventures, connecting with and inspiring others has been a constant thread.
What makes this opportunity particularly special is that it allows me to give back to a community that has given me so much. Vietnam, and specifically Danang, has been my home for five years now. The warmth, hospitality, and friendship I've experienced here have profoundly shaped my journey, and this collaboration feels like a small way to express my gratitude.
Looking Forward
As this project develops, I'll share updates about the progress, challenges, and successes we encounter. I hope these posts will not only document this specific initiative but also inspire conversations about how we can all contribute to breaking down barriers and building a more connected global community.
Thank you for reading, and I welcome your thoughts on cross-cultural collaboration and entrepreneurship education. Have you been involved in similar initiatives? What challenges and rewards did you experience? Let's continue the conversation in the comments below.
Stay adventurous,
The Roaming Sparrow