In recent years, the acronym STEAM (Science - Technology - Engineering - Arts - Mathematics) has become a "lodestar" for innovation in Vietnamese education. Embracing this global wave, Ca Mau province has solidified its pioneering position with the STEAM Education Festival for Preschool and Primary Levels (2025–2026). Held at Hermann Gmeiner School, this event was more than a showcase—it was vivid evidence of the local education system's transformation toward modernity and global integration.

1. Scale and Impact of the 2025 STEAM Festival

Attracting over 1,000 education managers, teachers, students, and parents, the festival created an electrifying academic atmosphere. The theme “Igniting Passion, Mastering Knowledge, and Awakening Creativity” was brought to life through hundreds of representative projects from wards and communes across the province.

Notably, this event caught the intense interest of parents. It signifies a profound shift in community awareness: families are no longer bystanders but have become integral partners in their children's creative journey.

2. From STEM to STEAM: The Vital Role of Arts

A key pillar of Ca Mau’s educational strategy is the emphasis on the “A” – Arts within the STEAM model. According to the Ca Mau Department of Education and Training, integrating arts into technical and scientific subjects helps students develop multi-dimensional thinking.

In STEAM, Arts is not limited to drawing or singing; it represents Design Thinking and the aesthetic capability to create products that are not only "functional" but also "beautiful and human-centric." This aligns perfectly with Vietnam’s 2018 General Education Curriculum, which prioritizes the development of student competencies and qualities over mere rote memorization.

3. Real-World Innovative Models

Visitors were astonished by the technological mastery displayed by preschool and primary students. Highlighted projects included:

• Wind and Solar Power Generation Systems: Leveraging the geographical features of the sun-drenched and windy "Southern Tip," students transformed lessons on renewable energy into functioning models.
• Electronic Greeting Cards & Smart Playgrounds: The blend of basic programming skills and aesthetic logic resulted in highly interactive products.
• Green Agriculture Models: Reflecting Ca Mau's agricultural roots, these projects helped students connect scientific knowledge with the practical production reality of their hometown.

By building and operating these models themselves, students transitioned from "learning to know" to "learning to do." This is the core of Experiential Learning.

4. Ca Mau’s Roadmap for Sustainable Education

STEAM education in Ca Mau is not just a temporary trend. The province began piloting the program in 2023 and has officially expanded it province-wide this academic year. The success of the festival demonstrates thorough preparation in teacher training and infrastructure.

The Ca Mau Department of Education and Training emphasized that the festival is an opportunity to strengthen the School – Family – Society connection. When parents understand the value of STEAM, they become the strongest catalysts for students to confidently explore future fields like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics.

5. Connecting the Future at Education Vietnam 2026

The innovative models from Ca Mau are the first bricks in building the future of Vietnamese education. To further amplify this spirit and introduce the most advanced EdTech solutions, Education Vietnam 2026 is the must-attend destination for educators.

At the exhibition, we will showcase:

• International-standard STEAM lab solutions.
• AI and Virtual Reality (VR) applications for personalized learning pathways.
• EDUCON discussion sessions on green and sustainable education trends.

Join us in continuing this creative journey and elevating Vietnamese education to the global stage!