On January 14, 2024, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education (HCMUTE) proudly inaugurated its Maker Space, marking a significant milestone in fostering creativity, scientific research, and technology transfer within the institution.
The ceremony witnessed the presence of distinguished guests including Associate Professor Nguyen Thu Thuy, Head of the University Education Department at the Ministry of Education and Training; esteemed journalist Nguyen Thanh Tu, Editor-in-Chief of Ho Chi Minh City Education Magazine; Directors from various Departments of Education and Training across provinces and cities; and Principals of high schools, all converging to participate in the University's 17th Open Day.
Addressing the audience, Associate Professor Le Hieu Giang, the University Rector, underscored the profound significance of the Maker Space: "This initiative carries immense expectations, not solely for our students and faculty members but for the entire academic community. We envision the Maker Space as a catalyst for profound transformations in scientific research and innovative endeavors nationwide. Within this space, dedicated research zones equipped with state-of-the-art facilities will facilitate product development, while an equipment marketplace will offer students cost-effective rental options for research endeavors. Our aspiration is for the Maker Space to evolve into an ecosystem where research groups collaborate seamlessly to embark on ambitious technological ventures."
Spanning an expansive area of 3,200 square meters, the Maker Space is meticulously designed to provide students and faculty members with a dynamic environment conducive to hands-on experimentation and innovation. Equipped with a diverse array of modern tools and machinery—from welding and drilling equipment to CNC cutting machines and electronic circuitry—this facility caters to the diverse academic disciplines offered by the University, ensuring that research endeavors meet the highest standards of quality and precision.
What sets HCMUTE's Maker Space apart is the establishment of a dedicated "Student Research Support Center." Recognizing the challenges inherent in the research process and the financial constraints associated with innovation, the University has taken proactive measures to support students by establishing this center. Its primary objectives include facilitating research activities, providing assistance with equipment fabrication, and offering affordable equipment rental services, thereby enabling students to optimize costs throughout their research endeavors.
The inception of the Maker Space underscores HCMUTE's unwavering commitment to nurturing a culture of research excellence and experiential learning within its academic community. As this innovative hub embarks on its journey, it is poised to ignite a spark of creativity, catalyze the birth of novel ideas and projects, and pave the way for impactful innovations that enrich the learning and research landscape for students and faculty members alike, while contributing meaningfully to the broader community.