After 03 rigorous rounds, surpassing 181 teams from specialized, bilingual, and international schools nationwide, Trường An (11Denton), Phương Linh (12Denver), and Kiều Anh (12Denver) secured First Prize at the VinUni National Entrepreneurship Competition, affirming their confidence, resilience, and sharp business acumen on a national stage.
The winning project, “Vietcraft,” is an innovative educational startup model that develops DIY craft kits inspired by the traditional Đông Hồ folk painting villages. The product enables children to create Đông Hồ prints at home while exploring historical and cultural knowledge through an integrated set of informational cards. Vietcraft introduces a fresh and accessible approach to engaging with Vietnam’s traditional cultural heritage.
Sharing the inspiration behind their idea, the team noted that although Vietnam is home to more than 2,000 traditional craft villages, many remain unfamiliar to younger generations. Numerous villages are at risk of fading away, while most artisans are aging. These concerns motivated the team to develop an educational and impactful solution aimed at raising youth awareness of cultural values, contributing to the preservation and sustainable development of traditional crafts.
Launched in late December 2025, the project underwent extensive research and product development. The team faced multiple challenges, from balancing academic responsibilities and extracurricular commitments to engaging in critical discussions to refine their direction and deepen their cultural understanding. Through strong teamwork and effective communication, they successfully overcame these obstacles. Notably, hands-on experiences—such as interviewing Đông Hồ artisans, observing production processes, and personally completing the products and packaging—greatly enhanced the project’s credibility.
At the final round, the team left a strong impression with their confident presentation style, full English delivery, and well-structured communication strategy—skills cultivated through their academic journey and participation in the Entrepreneurship Club at Dewey.
This achievement stands as a testament to Dewey’s empowering educational philosophy, where students are encouraged to take initiative, nurture their passions, and proactively shape their future pathways. Their success further highlights the spirit of Dewey’s “young entrepreneurs”—students who dare to think boldly, act decisively, and pursue their ambitions from an early age.
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The VinUni National Entrepreneurship Competition is designed to foster creativity, equip students with practical skills in building and executing business models, and provide opportunities to engage with an international-standard academic environment and a network of experienced entrepreneurs.
