Activity Report of Open Application Program 2024 vol.8 (Course A)
Empowering Vietnamese Students through Technology and Cultural Exchange
Report from Takasaki University of Health and Welfare
From October 20th to October 26th, 2024, we had the privilege of hosting eight exceptional students from the University of Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. This group included three students specializing in Public Health, three in Pharmacy, and two in Nursing and Medical Technology. Together, they embarked on a transformative journey exploring the theme: "Connecting Agriculture, Health, and Medicine through Technology."
■Program Overview
This week-long program aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of how food, nutrition, health, and medical care are interconnected through innovative technologies. By participating in lectures, workshops, field visits, and discussions, the students gained valuable insights that they can apply to tackle Vietnam's pressing health challenges, improve nutritional practices, and enhance community well-being.
■Lectures and Workshops
Our faculty from the Departments of Applied Biological Sciences, Health and Nutrition, Pharmacy, and Medical Informatics delivered a series of specialized lectures and hands-on activities. Topics ranged from the fundamentals of blockchain technology in supply chain management to the basics of AI applications in healthcare.
Among the many Interactive workshops brought learning to life we highlight:
- Smart Farming Simulations: Students explored drone operation through simulators, gaining firsthand experience with precision agriculture.
- Nutrition Planning Exercises: They practiced designing nutritional plans for patients, calculating food content, calories, and nutrient values.
The students' enthusiasm and focus during these sessions were truly inspiring.
■Field Visits
Our participants also visited cutting-edge facilities that demonstrated Japan's integration of science and technology in agriculture, health, and medicine. Highlights included:
- Smart Farm Tour: An introduction to sustainable farming practices.
- Kaneko Seed Company: A closer look at innovative agricultural advancements.
- Hospitals and Pharmaceutical Factories: Students observed advanced medical care at Fujioka General Hospital and Kurosawa Hospital, and pharmaceutical manufacturing at the Nippon Kayaku Takasaki plant.
One memorable moment was their introduction to myoga (Japanese ginger) at the Smart Farm—a novel experience that delighted their taste buds and sparked discussions about incorporating new flavors into Vietnamese cuisine.
■Final Project Presentation
The culmination of the program was a collaborative group project. Students integrated their learnings to propose innovations linking agriculture, nutrition, and healthcare. Their presentations focused on applying the latest technologies to address health issues in Vietnam.
Notably, the students engaged in a spirited discussion about interprofessional collaboration and presented their ideas under the theme: "Improving Community Health Through Technology and Innovation." They have continued this dialogue post-program, sharing their findings online to inspire change back home.
■Cultural Exchange and Friendship
The program wasn't just about academics; it also fostered deep cultural connections. From savoring home-cooked meals during a two-night homestay to experiencing quintessential Japanese traditions like apple-picking under clear autumn skies, the students immersed themselves in our culture. They bonded with local students over activities like making onigiri, visiting shrines, and enjoying Japanese-style baths. One participant remarked, "The kindness of the Japanese people and the friendships we formed are my most cherished memories."
■Looking Ahead
This program highlighted the immense potential of combining education, technology, and cultural exchange to drive innovation. We are committed to further enriching this initiative and strengthening our partnerships with universities worldwide.
Through experiences like these, we hope to inspire future leaders who can bridge disciplines, cultures, and countries to create a healthier, more connected world.
Thank you for your continued support in making this vision a reality.
【Contact information】
uhw-kokusai<at>takasaki-u.ac.jp (Please replace<at> with @, the at symbol)
