To operationalize the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on 27 November 2025 between HCM-UTE and Monash University, Australia, the official launch of the Playful Research and Education for Sustainable Education and Teaching (PRESET) project was held at Hue University of Education and Vinh University in Vietnam.
The PreSET project was officially launched through a kick-off meeting attended by representatives from the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET), the Departments of Education and Training in Hue City and Vinh City, leaders of Hue University of Education and Vinh University, principals of local primary schools, as well as university lecturers and primary school teachers.
The PreSET Project Kick-off Meeting in Hue
The PreSET Project Kick-off Meeting in Vinh
Representing the Faculty of Education at Monash University, Associate Professor Janet Scull expressed gratitude to the LEGO Foundation for funding the PreSET project for four years (2025–2029). Associate Professor Janet Scull emphasized Monash University’s commitment to supporting Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training reform agenda through play-based pedagogy, as well as its commitment to respecting local cultural values.
In addition to the project launch, a series of workshops entitled “Conceptual PlayWorld in Pre-service Teacher Education” was held in Hue from 21–23 March 2026 and in Vinh from 25–27 March 2026. University lecturers and primary school teachers attended three workshops:
1. Overview of a Conceptual PlayWorld
2. Play Roles, Drama, and Learning Concepts in a Conceptual PlayWorld
3. Conceptual PlayWorld: Fostering Language and Literacy Learning
A Workshop in Hue City
Alongside the workshops, the project included a seminar for pre-service teachers, classroom observations, and visits to local primary schools, aimed at preparing for the next phase of implementation. These activities mark the initial phase of integrating the Conceptual PlayWorld (CPW) approach into teacher education programs, as well as exploring how pre-service teachers apply CPW in their teaching practice during school placements.
Within just three months of signing the MOU, the project has moved into its Phase 1. The project, valued at US$1,425,002 and funded by the LEGO Foundation, is led by Monash University and is expected to contribute an innovative play-based pedagogical approach to primary education in Vietnam, benefiting university lecturers, pre-service teachers, primary school teachers, and primary school students.
Monash University and HCM-UTE signed an MOU in November 2025