Vietnam
Students and teachers embarked on a 4 day learning journey through northern Vietnam, experiencing a school exchange, cultural immersion, the beauty of Ha Long Bay and meaningful community engagement.
Hanoi, Vietnam (25 – 28 May 2026)
From 25 to 28 May 2026, students and teachers from Kent Ridge Secondary School embarked on a meaningful 4D3N learning journey to Hanoi, Vietnam. Through cultural immersion, school exchange and community engagement, students developed important 21st Century Competencies such as Global Awareness, Communication, Collaboration, Adaptive Thinking and Social and Emotional Competencies.
A key highlight was the school exchange at Cau Giay Secondary School. Our students interacted with their Vietnamese peers through cultural performances, group activities and traditional games. Despite differences in language and background, the students connected through their shared experiences and enthusiasm. The exchange strengthened their confidence in communicating across cultures and deepened their appreciation of the close ties shared by Singapore and Vietnam as members of ASEAN.
At Duong Lam Ancient Village, students experienced the traditions and everyday life of a historic Vietnamese community. They tried rice harvesting and learnt how peanut candy was made using traditional methods. These hands on activities enabled students to better understand Vietnam’s cultural heritage and the effort involved in food production. The experience also encouraged them to reflect on the importance of preserving traditions amid rapid development.
The visit to Ha Long Bay allowed students to appreciate Vietnam’s natural beauty and geographical heritage. As they cruised through the bay, they observed its distinctive limestone formations and spectacular coastal landscape. Students also
explored Thien Cung Cave, where they learnt how natural processes had shaped its remarkable rock formations over time. The experience strengthened their awareness of the importance of protecting natural environments for future generations.
Another deeply meaningful experience was the visit to Friendship Village. Students interacted with children affected by the long-term effects of Agent Orange and learnt about the challenges faced by the children and their families. Through these interactions, students witnessed the resilience and positivity of the community. The visit nurtured empathy, compassion and gratitude, while encouraging students to consider how they could contribute meaningfully to the lives of others.
Throughout the journey, students demonstrated responsibility, adaptability and care for one another. The Hanoi Cultural and Learning Journey 2026 broadened their understanding of Vietnam and strengthened their appreciation of Singapore’s place within the region. It also embodied the school’s vision of nurturing Hearts of Compassion, Minds of Innovation and Spirits of Resilience.
