Heart to Heart Race 2026: Spreading the Spirit of Innovation in Social Work in the Digital Age

On the morning of May 10, 2026, the final round of the Heart to Heart Race 2026 took place at Hall 6M, Ton Duc Thang University, in a vibrant, academic, and inspiring atmosphere. The program was organized by the Department of Social Work, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, aiming to create an academic playground for social work students in Ho Chi Minh City.

The competition was honored to welcome Dr. Pham Thi Ha Thuong - Head of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities; Ms. Nguyen Thi Phuong Linh - Deputy Head of the Social Work Department, Head of the Organizing Committee of the competition, along with esteemed lecturers and students from the Social Work Department. In addition, the program was attended by esteemed lecturers representing Social Work programs from universities and institues with participating teams, as well as a large number of students who came to cheer and engage in academic exchange.

This year's Heart to Heart Race 2026 competition received the support of a panel of judges consisting of experienced experts in the fields of Social Work, Communication, and Creative Entrepreneurship.

1. Mr. Tran Cong Binh - Vice President of the Ho Chi Minh City Association of Educational Psychology - Head of the Judging Panel.

2. Mr. Nguyen Lu Gia - Child Protection Program Manager, Save the Children International - Member of the Judging Panel.

3. Ms. Vu Thi Thu Ha - Head of External Communications Department, Ho Chi Minh City Center for Creative Entrepreneurship - Member of the Judging Panel.

Over the years, the H2H RACE has gradually affirmed its role as a creative academic platform, contributing to promoting innovation, practical professional thinking, and the ability to apply social work knowledge to solve community problems. Each year, the competition has a different theme, linked to different social issues and contemporary development trends. This year, with the theme "AI - Social Work - Ideas for Community Change," the competition received 8 entries from 6 universities and institutes, showing the growing interest of students in technological solutions with humanitarian and community value.

The competing teams presented many diverse ideas, focusing on applying digital technology and artificial intelligence to support vulnerable groups, increase access to social services, and enhance the effectiveness of communication and community connection. The competition also provides opportunities for students to engage in academic exchange and receive professional feedback from the judging panel, lecturers, and experts in Social Work.

The Organizing Committee would like to congratulate the following teams for their outstanding achievements:

- First Prize: X - PRO - Ho Chi Minh City Academy of Cadres

- Second Prize: 3S - Ton Duc Thang University

- Third Prize: EDUCARE CONNECT - Vietnam Women's Institute Branch

- Three Consolation Prizes awarded to:

+ Social Work Club - Ho Chi Minh City University of Education

+ Data Heart AI Team - Thu Dau Mot University

+ Thao Moc - University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City

The success of H2H RACE 2026 competition is thanks to the attention, companionship, and support from the Faculty Dean, the Judging Panel, the lecturers from universities and academies, the collaborating units, and all the students participating in the program.

Concluding this year's season, H2H Race 2026 not only showcased creative ideas and impressive performances but also contributed to spreading the academic spirit, innovative thinking, and social responsibility of social work students. The competition also demonstrated the potential of young students in connecting knowledge, technology, and human values ​​to create positive solutions for the community in the context of current digital transformation.